5 common window problems with simple solutions

Are you experiencing problems with your windows? Don't despair just yet – there may be a simple fix. Learn about 5 of the most common in our guide.

Or it could be that the frame has warped. If so, it needs sanding down to allow for easy opening and closing.

Still not sure? It might be time to call an expert.

Window hardware is a surprisingly complex field thanks to the multitude of different windows on the market. A sash window, for instance, has different hardware from a casement window.

Unless you want to take a crash course in window repair, your best bet is to call in a specialist. They'll be able to quickly identify the problem and offer solutions. But simply knowing that hardware is the problem already gives you a head start.

3. How to clean mouldy frames

If your window frames are mouldy, chances are that you've got condensation. This is a perfect breeding ground for mould to spread.

As with all household mould, there's a long-term solution and a short-term solution. If you've got dinner guests and need to spruce up the window, or if you've started to notice that you're breathing in the mould, you can get a powerful spray and give it a good scrub.

If, however, you want to make the problem go away for good, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier. This sucks the moisture out of the air and prevents mould from proliferating.

There are other steps you can take to minimise mould. Perhaps the simplest is to open the window or windows in the room where you're drying clothes, cooking or showering.

Mould is nasty stuff – bad for your health as well as your home's aesthetic. Don't let it spread!

4. How to deal with discolouration

This is an issue that tends to affect older uPVC windows. If your window is turning off-white or yellowish, it could be because of prolonged exposure to sunlight, fluctuations in temperature and humidity, or exposure to cigarette smoke. Either way, you need to get a gentle cleaning solution and rub the problem away.

5. How to repair rotten or cracked window frames

Wooden window frames can rot – and, in the long run, this can make them difficult to operate.

If the rot is really bad, you should get a specialist in. But if it's relatively minor, you can nip it in the bud by removing the rotten wood and replacing it with wood filler.

Wood filler can also cover cracks. As with rot, however, home remedies only work with minor problems.

Final thoughts

Window maintenance isn't a priority for most people. But a faulty window is worth avoiding for all sorts of reasons – not just your personal comfort but also your bank balance and even your health.

In all of these scenarios, you have two options. You can tackle the problem yourself with home remedies – or you can get a professional in. The path you take will depend on the severity of the problem as well as your own skills.

It's also worth remembering that prevention is better than cure. If you regularly clean your windows and check them for any issues, you're less likely to be faced with problems down the line that require specialist help and a hefty bill.

However you choose to approach the upkeep of your windows, we hope this guide will help you to identify any problems and fix them with ease.

Are you looking for replacement uPVC windows in Yorkshire? Get in touch with Calder Windows today for a quick, competitive quote.