These are most  of the problems to be looked out

for when inspecting your windows.

■ 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

■ 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

■ Sashes that do not move properly, or at all.

This may be due to:

■ over-painting of the joinery

■ stop beads that have been fitted

too tightly

■ pulley wheels that have seized up

because of over-painting or lack of

lubrication

■ broken sash cords

■ swelling due to water absorption

■ inadequate lubrication between the sash

and the pulley linings

■ thicker and heavier replacement glass

■ failure of hinges on casement sashes

■ Evidence of water absorption, indicating

possible wood decay (wet rot). The signs to

look for are:

■ interior paint failure caused by

condensation

■ exterior paint failure

■ opening of the frame joints

■ degradation of the wood surfaces (where

paint has flaked off) or depressions in

the wood surface

■ cracked, loose, or missing putty

■ standing water, especially on the cills.

■ Faults with flashings or water shedding,

features associated with windows