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5 Common Door and Window Problems (And How to Solve Them)

December 2, 2024 Steve Sherbourne

Doors and windows are the bread and butter of your home and are essential for both comfort and security but can experience issues over time due to wear and tear, weather conditions or even poor installation. Here are 5 common problems that you may encounter and advice on how to resolve them.

Drafty Windows and Doors

    • The Problem: Drafts around windows and doors can make your home feel cold and increase your heating bills. Drafts are often caused by gaps in seals, deteriorating weatherstripping, or warped frames.
  • The Solution: First inspect and replace any seals to eliminate the drafts. You can also consider upgrades if the problem does persist. 

Sticking or Jammed Doors

  • The Problem: A door that sticks or jams can be frustrating and inconvenient. This issue can often arise due to changes in humidity causing the door to swell.
  • The Solution: Check if your door is misaligned and if so, tightening or loosening the screws on all hinges can help realign the door. If swelling is the problem, lightly sand the edges of the door and seal any newly exposed wood to prevent future problems.

Condensation Between Double-Glazing Panes

  • The Problem: If you notice condensation or fogging inside your double-glazed window, it is a sign that the seal has failed meaning moisture is seeping between the panes. It can affect visibility but also the window’s insulating properties.
  • The Solution: While there is no DIY for removing condensation, you can use a dehumidifier to reduce excess moisture and minimise further problems. The most effective solution would be to replace the glass. We can replace the affected panes while retaining your existing frames to save you a full replacement.

Difficulty Locking or Unlocking

  • The Problem: A stiff or non-functional lock can compromise the security of your home. It can be caused by dirt build-up, misaligned locks or mechanisms that are worn out.
  • The Solution: Using a graphite-based lubricant (not oil) can help stiff mechanisms. You can also check the alignment of your lock and adjust by repositioning the strike plate or tightening the door hinges. If the lock is beyond repair, consider replacing it as soon as possible.

Broken Door Handle

Cracks or Damage to Frames

  • The Problem: Over time, wooden frames can crack, warp and even rot while uPVC frames can show signs of discoloration or damage. This can not only affect the look of your door but also can compromise insulation and security.
  • The Solution: For wooden frames, sanding and filing small cracks can extend its life but if rot has set in, a replacement may be necessary. For uPVC frames, scratches or discolouration can be buffed out but deeper damage requires professional repair or replacement.

Dealing with door and window issues can be challenging but you don’t have to tackle them alone. At Windrush Doors and Windows, we specialise in window and door repair and maintenance. Whether it’s repairing a minor issue or replacing the door altogether, our team is here to help and to make it as easy as possible for you.

Get in touch with us today to discuss how we can restore comfort, security and style to your home. 

This June Windrush installed 39 Pvcu windows to our student accommodation block at Rewley Abbey Court. The work required them to install the windows while residents were in occupation, some with young children. Windrush carried out a full risk and method statement and appraisal to carry out the works in a safe manner with multi-occupation to consider. Full scaffolding and access booms were used with everything being alarmed and fenced off with appropriate signage in place. The Windrush team involved had all the necessary accreditation holding CSCS cards, asbestos awareness trained, CRB checked etc. The windows were as per our requested specification with Windrush being the most competitive out of the competition. The College are very pleased with all aspects of the work carried out and will be using Windrush on our future projects.

Steve Williams, Buildings and Estates

Green Templeton College, Oxford

Windrush have installed new pvcu patio doors in the residents homes on site. The window installers being friendly and polite and having a nice demeanour and getting on well with the residents. The work was carried out in a professional manor with their work being clean and tidy all with an insurance baked guarantee. I would have no hesitation in recommending them to others.

Alex Jordan, Site Manager

Swinbrook Court, Langdale Gate, retirement and sheltered housing, Witney, Oxon

I would just like to say that I was very impressed by the two young men who came to do the windows yesterday, they were very efficient, had impeccable manners and they cleared up after themselves which was a joy.

Windrush serviced two Velux windows and re-glazed with new sealed units, re-glazed a bedroom window with three sealed units, and re-glazed a conservatory upgrading sealed units to “Low E Argon” gas and thermal bar

Emma Sadler

Yew Tree Farm, Abingdon Road

During the School holidays the Windrush team carried out window adaption works for the School. Windrush installed remote window winding equipment to our high level windows that have been a health and safety issue with pupils and staff standing on chairs to open. I can recommend Windrush for their professional approach, competitive pricing and ability to accommodate our requirements during a busy time with many other trades on site. They were willing to change their work schedule to accommodate changing circumstances on site.

Neil Baker, Estates Manager

St Helen & St Katherine School, Abingdon, Oxon

Windrush recently attended our Academy and replaced damaged window hinges and handles with great success. The Windrush Team who carried the work out were very professional with the work being carried out during normal School hours. The Health and Safety aspect being covered with the adoption of measures from their risk assessment and method statement being carried out.

Steve Bryan, Estates Team

The Oxford Academy, Sandy Lane, Oxford

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"The ongoing repeat business we receive is testament to our hard work and dedication in providing our home and business customers with the best possible window and door solutions, tailored to meet their exact needs. No two jobs are the same and we treat all our customers as valued individuals."
Steve Sherbourne, Managing Director

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