Unless you’re one of the few who live in a basement, practically every property has windows. Whether you’ve got sliding ones, sash ones, or windows that tilt and turn, over time, your once squeaky-clean windows can run into problems that can become a nightmare for homeowners.
When you’ve got an issue with your windows, this can impact their appearance or effectiveness, not to mention, it can send stress levels through the roof. Thankfully, we’re here to alleviate this! Here are some of the most common window problems homeowners face, as well as steps to take to nip the problem in the bud.
The Window Won’t Open
One of the core problems homeowners encounter from time to time is a window not opening. Some of the root causes of this are dirt and dust that’s accumulated. As it does, this can create friction whenever you try and open the window. You may find your window has been painted shut too. In more serious instances, your window springs may be damaged which means it may be time to replace them altogether.
For windows that are tricky to open, try cleaning them or use a lubricant spray. If your window handles are rusty and aren’t budging, now is the time to replace them. You can purchase new uPVC window handles at GB DIY Store. They have thousands of products in stock and can provide same day dispatch.
The Window Won’t Stay Up
Sometimes, all you want to do is lift your window up and enjoy some much-needed fresh air. Annoyingly, your window may keep closing which can send your stress levels spiralling. One of the problems here could be faulty balances. They’re either not working properly or are working fine but aren’t connected to the sash.
Firstly, look at the pivot bar and check if the shoes are connected to this pivot bar. If they appear to be in the correct places and are working as they should, it’s likely there’s a problem with the balances themselves. Although there is the option to take the window apart yourself to identify what parts need replacing, you may prefer to contact a professional to identify the problem and get it sorted.
Draughts
Draughty windows can be a serious issue in both the summer and winter months. Draughts can not only send a spike in your energy bill, but your home also won’t be a very comfortable place to reside in. Poor window installation, old windows, cracks, and windows that aren’t energy-efficient are several root causes of why your windows are letting draughts in. If you find you’re having to keep the heating on even when it’s warmer outside, now is the time to examine whether you’ve got a draught seeping in.
To start with, move your hand around your window frame. If you feel a gentle breeze coming in, it’s important to take action. A good idea is to re-caulk your windows to seal up cracks. You could benefit from installing new weatherstripping too. This creates a solid seal to stop draughts from coming in.
Warping
For homeowners who have wood windows, you may begin noticing warping. Before long, moisture can seep into the wood, causing it to contract and expand. This can lead to warping and bending of your windows. When this occurs, you’ll need to get it fixed as soon as possible. If you don’t, serious damage can quickly set in and be incredibly costly.
If your warping damage is minimal, you can add some filler to cover over cracks. To stop warping from happening in the first place, consider adding a new coat of paint or protective stain to your windows. It’s wise to do this every couple of years. For those who have severe warping and your window is no longer functional, it may be time to look into getting your windows replaced.
Leaking
There’s no doubt about it – leaking is one of the most serious window problems you can have. When water gets into your home, mould can quickly grow. Many homeowners have dealt with mould before. However, if it wreaks havoc on your home, there are serious health problems that you can get as a result too, like respiratory problems and asthma. No one wants mould to spread around their home, so you need to get your leaky windows fixed immediately.
To fix leaking windows, try re-caulking and cleaning your window frames. If this doesn’t offer relief, look into getting your windows replaced. There are common signs of water damage from a leaky window to know about too. These include musty odours, stains and discolouration, and peeling paint.
Rotting
If you’ve got wood windows, they may begin to rot without you even noticing. Unfortunately, as this happens, rotting can severely interfere with the functionality of your windows. Understandably, you’ll want to get the problem sorted sooner rather than later. Before you start hunting for brand-new windows, you may be able to use a home remedy solution. This is providing the rot isn’t too severe.
Those taking the DIY approach can start by getting rid of parts of the window that have severely rotted. Once you’ve done this, clean out the gap where the rotted wood was. Next, grab some wood filler to replace it. After it’s dried, you can go onto sanding and painting the wood.
Fog
A foggy window is another clearcut sign that something with your window isn’t operating as it should. When it comes to fog, the issue normally derives from the seal of your window. When you factor in how much rain and wind we get, these are key factors that contribute toward broken seals. The age of your windows can play a major part too. When moisture leaks into the broken seals of your window, mixed with cold air coming in from outside and mingling with the warm air inside your property, fog can quickly form on the glass.
One of the best ways to get rid of fog on the window is by purchasing a defogging spray. However, it must be noted this is only a short-term fix. To stop fog from returning, you need to make sure to regularly inspect your windows. Also, make sure to ventilate your home. Some homeowners use a dehumidifier which can get rid of any excess moisture.
Broken Locks
As the years pass and your windows get older, you may try locking them to find a piece has come apart and landed in your hand. This may only be a relatively minor issue, but it can still be a nuisance to endure and deal with.
In most cases, you can find a replacement part for your window. Next, grab a screwdriver to remove a broken lock and fit it with a brand-new one. It’s important to do this as quickly as possible, especially when it comes to your home security. The last thing you want is for an intruder to have easy access to your property via your windows.
Although windows are designed to withstand the constant change in weather conditions and temperatures, there are often common issues you can face with them that need addressing immediately. Whether you fix the problem yourself or bring in professionals, it’s important to take good care of your windows.
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