How to Carry Out a Window Health Check
A regular window health check can help keep your home warm, secure and comfortable. Checking your windows for signs of wear can help you identify problems early, prevent costly repairs and maintain their energy efficiency
Whether you have uPVC, aluminium or timber windows, giving them a simple health check can help you decide when maintenance, repairs or replacement windows might be needed.
While inspecting each window, make a note of any issues you discover, including draughts, damaged seals, condensation between the panes or difficulty opening and closing. This will help you decide whether your windows need simple maintenance, professional repairs or replacing altogether.
Window Panes
Devon windows look out onto some of the most beautiful landscapes in the UK, so don’t let window pane problems spoil your view.
A large crack in the glass would almost certainly attract your attention as soon as it appeared. But there may be smaller cracks, chips or scratches that you don’t notice until you examine your windows carefully. Sudden temperature changes or small objects, such as sharp pieces of gravel, striking the glass at speed may have damaged one or more of the panes.
Even minor imperfections can look unsightly, compromise a window’s ability to protect your home from the elements, and weaken the whole pane, potentially leading to more serious problems.
Double Glazing
If your home has double-glazed windows, check for condensation between the panes of glass. This can indicate that the sealed unit has failed, reducing its insulating performance.
Window Seals and Sealant
Another important part of checking your windows is inspecting the rubber seals and gaskets around the glass and frames. Look for signs of deterioration, including cracks, gaps or seals that have become brittle or loose. Damaged seals can allow draughts and moisture into your home.
Check the external sealant around each window frame, paying particular attention to where the frame meets the surrounding brickwork or render. Cracked, loose or missing sealant can allow water to penetrate and may cause damp problems over time.
If you notice damaged seals, deteriorating sealant or persistent draughts, it’s worth having your windows inspected. Some problems can be resolved with straightforward repairs, while older windows may benefit from replacement.
Window Frames
Check your window frames for signs of damage, distortion or deterioration. Look for cracks, gaps, discolouration or areas where the frames may have warped over time. These issues can affect your windows’ appearance, security and energy efficiency.
If you have timber windows, inspect the frames for soft, cracked or rotting wood, particularly around the bottom corners where moisture can collect.
Check that any drainage openings in your window frames are clear of dirt and debris. Blocked drainage can prevent water from escaping properly and may lead to leaks or water damage.
Finally, open and close each window to check that it operates smoothly. Whether you have casement, sash or other window styles, sticking, stiffness or difficulty closing could indicate worn components, alignment problems or deterioration of the frame.
Window Hardware
Check the hinges, handles, locks and other moving parts of your windows for signs of wear, damage or corrosion. Windows should open, close and lock smoothly without excessive force. Stiff handles, loose hinges or faulty locking mechanisms can affect both security and everyday use.
Make sure all window locks operate correctly and that you know where the keys are kept. If any components are damaged or no longer functioning properly, arrange for them to be repaired or replaced to keep your windows safe and secure.
Replacement Windows and Double Glazing in Devon
If you’re concerned by anything you discover during your window inspection, rest assured that the experts at The Window Centre, Newton Abbot, have the knowledge, skills and products to help you.
It’s often more cost-effective to replace older windows than to repair those that are past their best. As an independent window and door specialist based in Newton Abbot, we offer a wide range of high-performance, energy-efficient and low-maintenance replacement windows. Available in a variety of colours, styles and finishes, our double-glazed uPVC windows are designed to improve your home’s comfort, security and appearance.
At The Window Centre in Newton Abbot, we supply and install high-quality, energy-efficient replacement windows, with A-rated glazing available as standard. Our installations are backed by a 10-year workmanship guarantee, with insurance-backed protection through InstallSure where applicable. With over 50 years of combined industry experience, our team provides professional window installation and friendly, reliable service across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and the surrounding areas.
Looking for new, high-quality windows for your home? Contact The Window Centre today.
