Recognising problems
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