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Recognising problems

These are most  of the problems to be looked out

for when inspecting your windows.


â–  Any evidence of structural movement which

is deforming the opening and damaging

the window – but note that some signs of

movement may be so old that they have

long since been stabilised or repaired,

leaving the window in working order: its

deformation expresses its age and character


â–  Evidence that the pointing between the

frame and the wall opening is cracked,

loose, or missing, allowing moisture and

draughts to penetrate around the sash-box

or window frame


â–  Sashes that do not move properly, or at all.

This may be due to:


â–  over-painting of the joinery


â–  stop beads that have been fitted

too tightly


â–  pulley wheels that have seized up

because of over-painting or lack of

lubrication


â–  broken sash cords


â–  swelling due to water absorption


â–  inadequate lubrication between the sash

and the pulley linings


â–  thicker and heavier replacement glass


â–  failure of hinges on casement sashes


â–  Evidence of water absorption, indicating

possible wood decay (wet rot). The signs to

look for are:


â–  interior paint failure caused by

condensation


â–  exterior paint failure


â–  opening of the frame joints


â–  degradation of the wood surfaces (where

paint has flaked off) or depressions in

the wood surface


â–  cracked, loose, or missing putty


â–  standing water, especially on the cills.


â–  Faults with flashings or water shedding,

features associated with windows

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