Problems and Maintenance General

The windows are the eyes of your home, and they suggest to observers what your home might be like outside and in. If you want to create a good impression it is important to regularly maintain your windows and fix faults as and when they happen. If your window becomes damaged or has already fallen into disarray, see if you can get it fixed instead of always opting for replacement. Better still; see if you can solve the problem yourself.

Re-glazing

To re-glaze aluminium windows and most UPVC styles it will be necessary to contact a specialist glazier using hardware recommended by the manufacturer. On timber window frames however, it is something you can do. (See the Traditional Sash Windows page).

To replace the glass, you will need to first remove the remaining glass pieces if it has been broken. Always wear gloves. If the existing glass is still intact, cover it with newspaper to protect it. Chisel out the old putty that holds it in place and remove the glass.

Roll your new putty into a sausage and press around the frame, then insert the glass and press in some more putty to hold it firmly. Smooth the putty compound with a wet knife and leave it to dry for at least a week before doing any painting on it.

If you are carrying out the replacement yourself, try to buy the same kind of glass as your other windows so that it matches. A mismatched property will not only appear odd, but can devalue your home when it comes to selling.

Scratches

A slight scratch may be remedied by applying a thin layer of clear nail varnish. Any excess can be removed with some nail varnish remover and a clean, lint-free cloth. Alternatively, dampen the lint-free cloth with a very gentle metal polish and rub it out. This method is more arduous and has the potential of leaving minute abrasive marks.

Putty

With age and probably some neglect, old putty around wood windows has a tendency to become dry and brittle. It will begin to fall off or be easily picked off by busy fingers. This causes not only unsightly windows, but also runs the risk of causing draughts, leaks, or even the window to fall out.

Soften the old putty with bleach in advance, and then use a chisel to fully remove it. Reapply the new putty by rolling it into a sausage and pressing it around the edges. Once it is applied you can smooth and shape it with a damp putty knife.

Channels

Any dents in the existing channels will cause difficulty in allowing movement of the window. Measure the channel against a straight metal rule, and tap any dints out with your hammer up and down the length of a wood block. If the channel is bent beyond repair, contact the manufacturer to see if it can be replaced.

Condensation

Condensation is only a major issue if it occurs between double glazing panes. If it appears within your glazing it is an indication that the seals have broken. This is the most likely problem to occur with double glazing, and unfortunately requires complete replacement by a glazing company.

Always buy double glazing with at least a 10 year warranty.

If the condensation has formed on the inside of the window, this is a matter of ventilation. The condensation appears due to the difference in temperature between the two sides of the glass; when outside it is cold and the inside is warm and poorly ventilated. Aside from being merely inconvenient, the damp condensation can create mould and mildew ultimately leading to rot.

To minimise condensation on the inside pane, consider installing a fan (in a kitchen or bathroom) to increase ventilation. Showers, washing machines and dishwashers all create a moist, warm atmosphere so keep the use of these to a minimum. A dehumidifier can be bought to reduce the problem, but for a long term solution you should look at draught proofing measures or double glazing.

Sills

Prolonged exposure to condensation or the elements outside can cause the appearance of rot in lower quality wood. Lower quality wood can be difficult to restore, but you can protect it by using an aluminium sheet painted to match the wood:

Cut out a template of the sill, and then cut it out of the aluminium using scissors designed for metal cutting.
Position the aluminium on the top of the sill and nail it down with 1 inch roofing nails.
Tap the aluminium into the shape of the sill using a hammer through a wood block.
Nail underneath the sill and seal the edges with putty.
Use a metal primer, and then paint to match the rest of the window.

Draught Proofing/Weather Stripping

Depending on the type of draught proofing, it can suffer breakage, bend, or come loose. Foam gasket draught proofing tends to fail eventually due to being squashed under the pressure. To prolong the life of your draught solution, clean it intermittently. Brush away any loose dirt and debris, wiping the area clean with soapy water and rinsing.

For good quality draught proofing it is best to invest in brush seals for sash wood windows. On casements and variants thereof, opt for pliable gasket weather stripping to be fitted into the sash and channels. Just cut it to fit and remove the self adhesive backing, then press it to the window stop so there is a light friction.

General Maintenance

UV - The ultraviolet rays, heat and daylight from the sun that shine through windows can cause fading of furniture, pictures, and surfaces in the home. Too much UV is also known to increase the likelihood of developing skin cancers. To protect yourself or valuable objects from sun damage you can fit tinted window film that blocks UV, reflects the heat, and will slightly minimise the daylight; ideally with a low E rating.

Tinted window film can be purchased from most DIY stores. It feels rather like plastic and is applied to the glass on the inside using soapy water

Cleaning - To prevent the build up of dirt and grease on the window and frame, you should endeavour to clean them both regularly. In the event of mould and mildew appearing on the frame, the area can be cleaned with a solution of household bleach, water, and laundry detergent. Use a dedicated cleaner for painted surfaces as bleach is not kind to paint.

Never mix bleach and ammonia or ammonia based cleaners.

To prepare the windows for cleaning, use a razor edge scraper to remove any paint or other dried on dirt. You can then use either a shop bought window cleaner, or create a home made solution of:

4 litres of water to ¼ cup of white vinegar for light cleaning
4 litres of water to ½ cup ammonia and 2 cups of isopropyl rubbing alcohol for heavy dirt

To prevent streaks occurring, avoid cleaning windows when the sun is shining directly on them.

When using a proper window cleaning squeegee, start by moving the blade across the top of the pane cleaning just the first couple of inches. The rest of the window should be wiped clean from top to bottom, overlapping yourself and wiping the blade clean following each use. Instead of a squeegee, a chamois or crumpled newspaper are equally effective.