Guide to Spotting Common Window Problems Before They Need Costly Repairs

11/11/2025
Lucille Parker
November 11, 2025

How to Spot Common Window Problems Before They Need Costly Repairs

Windows play a vital role in keeping your home warm, comfortable and energy-efficient. But like any other part of your property, they require regular care and attention to stay in good condition. Knowing how to recognise common window issues early on can save you money, prevent draughts, and help you avoid major structural damage in the future.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the early signs of window damage, practical window inspection tips, and some easy window frame maintenance routines that will help you prevent having to indulge in window repairs before they become expensive.

Why It’s Important to Check Your Windows Regularly

Your windows are constantly exposed to the elements — wind, rain, sunlight and temperature changes all take their toll. Over time, seals may weaken, paint can peel, and wood or uPVC frames can warp or crack.

Regular inspections allow you to identify problems while they’re still small. A cracked seal in a double-glazed window, for example, can often be repaired quickly and cheaply; left unchecked, it could lead to condensation between panes, unsightly mould growth, and heat loss that drives up your energy bills.

Aim to make window inspection and maintenance part of your seasonal home care routine — just like cleaning gutters or servicing your boiler.

Identifying Common Window Issues

Even the best-quality windows aren’t immune to wear and tear. Here are some of the most common window issues you might notice — and what they mean:

Condensation and Moisture Build-Up

Condensation on the inside of your windows usually indicates high indoor humidity, but condensation between the panes of double glazing is a sign that the window’s seal has failed. This reduces insulation performance and can eventually lead to mould (or rot in timber frames).

Tip: Check for misting between glass layers — it’s one of the clearest early signs of window damage.

Draughts or Leaks

Feeling a cold breeze near your windows? Draughts suggest that seals, weatherstripping, or caulking have deteriorated. Leaks during heavy rain can also indicate problems with the frame or flashing around the window.

Quick test: Hold a lit candle near the frame — if the flame flickers, air is seeping through.

Stiff or Jammed Windows

If your window sticks or won’t open smoothly, it could be due to swelling in wooden frames, debris in the tracks, or corrosion on hinges and locks. Over time, this can strain mechanisms and make the window unsafe.

Cracked Glass or Damaged Frames

Even a small crack in the glass can quickly worsen with changes in temperature. Likewise, damage to wooden or uPVC frames can lead to water penetration and rot. It’s essential to tackle these problems early.

Peeling Paint or Discolouration

If you notice paint bubbling or discolouration around a window frame, it may be a sign of trapped moisture or inadequate ventilation. Left alone, this can progress to mould, decay, or rust in metal fittings.

Window Frame Maintenance: Protecting the Structure

Your window frames do more than hold the glass in place — they provide insulation and structural support. Keeping them in top condition is one of the best ways to prevent window repairs in the long run.

Wooden Frames

Wood offers excellent insulation but needs regular care to avoid rot and warping. Every year or two: Sand and repaint or re-stain to protect against moisture.
Check for soft spots that might indicate hidden rot.
Use a sealant or wood preserver for added protection.

uPVC Frames

These require less maintenance but can still suffer from cracks or discolouration over time.

Clean with mild soap and water (avoid harsh chemicals).
Lubricate hinges and locks to keep them working smoothly.
Inspect for gaps or separation between the frame and wall.

Metal or Aluminium Frames

Metal frames are strong but can corrode if neglected.

Wipe down regularly to remove condensation.
Touch up scratches with anti-rust paint.
Ensure the thermal breaks (plastic sections separating inside and outside metals) are intact to prevent heat loss.

By keeping up with window frame maintenance, you extend the lifespan of your windows and maintain your home’s energy efficiency.

Early Signs of Window Damage You Should Never Ignore

While some window problems are obvious, others start subtly. Knowing what to look for helps you act before the repair (or even replacement) bill grows.

Here are a few early signs of window damage that should prompt immediate action:

Rattling noises when the wind blows — loose panes or fittings.
Condensation inside double-glazed units — failed seals.
Difficulty locking or closing windows — misaligned frames.
Soft wood or flaking paint around sills — early rot.
Increased outside noise — reduced insulation or gaps.

If you notice any of these signs, don’t ignore them. A professional window specialist can inspect, repair or replace seals, glass, or mechanisms before the problem worsens.

Window Cleaning Inspection Tips

Cleaning your windows isn’t just about appearance — it’s also a perfect opportunity for a mini inspection. Many professional window-cleaning companies in the south west, like AMac Window Cleaning in Chippenham, Wiltshire, keep their eyes peeled when they’re cleaning windows, and alert their clients to any problems they come across.

Here are some of the signs of ailing windows that AMac operators – and you when you clean your own windows – can look out for while at work:

Start with the glass. As you clean, check for chips, scratches or cloudiness. These can indicate minor impact damage or seal failure.
Inspect seals and caulking. Look closely around the edges for cracks or gaps where air and water could enter.
Check sills and frames. Clean away dirt and debris that trap moisture. Pay attention to any soft wood or signs of mould.
Lubricate moving parts. While you’re there, apply a little silicone spray or WD-40 to hinges, handles, and locks.
Examine weatherstripping. If it’s brittle or peeling away, it’s time for replacement.

By combining cleaning with inspection, you can catch most common window issues early and prevent window repairs later.

Seasonal Window Maintenance Checklist

Jerard McKay of AMac Window Cleaning – a Member of the British Window Cleaning Academy and an expert in commercial and residential window cleaning – suggests that to keep your windows in great shape year-round you follow a seasonal routine:

Spring:

Deep clean glass and frames.
Inspect seals and weatherstripping after winter.
Touch up paint where needed.

Summer:

Check for warping or sticking due to heat expansion.
Clean and lubricate locks and hinges.

Autumn:

Clear debris from tracks and drainage holes.
Reseal any gaps before cold weather sets in.

Winter:

Watch for condensation or draughts.
Avoid letting ice or snow accumulate around sills.

This simple approach ensures consistent window and frame maintenance and reduces the risk of unexpected repairs.

For the record, AMac are also very adept at cleaning conservatories and guttering, in Chippenham and nearby towns like Corsham (PO6), Devizes (SN10), Marlborough (SN8), Calne (SN11), Lynham (SN15) Melksham (SN12), Trowbridge (BA14), Malmesbury (SN16), Royal Wootton Bassett (SN16), Pewsey (SN9), Warminster (BA12), and Bradford-On-Avon( BA15).