Window Maintenance Questions

It covers cleaning the glass, frames, and tracks, clearing drainage holes, removing mildew, and checking hinges, locks, and seals. The installer also runs a full open-and-close test and notes any faults that need a follow-up repair rather than a same-day fix.

Not necessarily a whole new window. Condensation between the panes points to a failed sealed unit, which can often be replaced without changing the frame. Condensation on the room side is usually a ventilation issue, not a glazing fault.

Dirt in the tracks is one cause, but worn or misaligned hinges are just as common. If cleaning alone has not freed the sash, the hardware likely needs adjustment and lubrication, or the hinge position may need correcting.

A stiff sash puts stress on the frame each time it is forced open, which can crack the frame around the hinge fixing. A draught that is left unchecked usually means water is also getting in, which accelerates seal and frame deterioration.

Surface cleaning is fine for routine upkeep, but it will not clear blocked drainage holes, adjust misaligned hardware, or identify a failing seal. Using the wrong products can also scratch uPVC or degrade rubber seals, making the underlying fault worse.

All three frame types are covered. Timber sashes, aluminium frames, and uPVC windows each need slightly different products and techniques, and the installer matches the approach to the material on the day.