Problems and General Maintenance for Windows

The state of your windows can be vital for first impressions so be sure to keep them well maintained especially on the street facing side. If your window is broken or has just been poorly maintained you should look into the possibility of repairing the existing window instead of fully replacing it because most problems can be easily fixed and could save you a lot of money.

Reglazing a Window

If you plan on re glazing a window that has an aluminium or uPVC frame you will more than likey require the aid of a professional to ensure the right tools are used not to damage the window frame. On timber window frames however, it is something you can do yourself with the right know how. (See the Traditional Sash Windows page).

If you need to replace a broken pane then you need to make sure you remove all pieces of glazing from the frame, to do this you should always ensure you have the right safety equipment for your hands. If the pane you are removing is still fully intact you should cover it to protect it and then chisel the putty out from around the edges, and carefully removing the glazing points.

You should roll the new window putty into the frame of the window placing the glazier points in the wood but close enough so the putty covers them.

If you are replacing the glass yourself you should be sure you have picked the right glass to replace it other wise mismatched glass can affect the overall appearence of your home.

Removing Scratches on Glass

A slight scratch on glass can be fairly simple to rectify, you just need to know what products to use and which techniques work best for removing scratches with the least damage to the glass. If you use a jewellers polish and a lambs wool pad you can simply buff the scratch in a circular motion until the scratch is not as visible or not visible at all. You should be careful not to press too hard on the glass whilst buffing as it can cause tiny scratches on the glass so can end up with it looking worse than before.

Tips on Replacing Window Putty

With age and poor maintenance window putty can become brittle and can begin to crack and have holes appear, if you notice any of these signs you should replace the putty as soon as possible. If you don't you run the risk of getting leaks or draughts through holes inbetween the glass and the frame, if left untreated it's possible the pane may fall out altogether.

You will have to warm the putty to remove it with a chisel carefully, being careful not to dig into the wood as you remove it. Once it is all removed you should sand down the area to remove any residue, then you can apply the new putty with a putty knife to smooth it as neatly as possible.

Sash Window 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.

How To Prevent Window 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. Besides it not looking very nice and making it hard to clean your windows if left untreated it can cause your window frame to grow mould or rot if it is wooden.

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.

Window Sills

Lower quality wood window sills can become damaged or rotten fairly easily if they are exposed to the elements or condensation for prolonged lengths of time, thats why it's always advised to use the highest quality wood and finish products you can afford. 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 window 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 window 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.

Weather Stripping / Draught Proofing Windows

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. 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 similar to a plastic film and is usually applied to the inside of the window using soapy water.

Window Cleaning Tips - 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.