Signs That Your Sash Windows Need Immediate Replacement

Sash windows are a classic feature of British homes. While regular maintenance can keep the windows in good shape, sometimes they may need more than a touch-up. Today, in this guide, we will explain the signs of sash window damage that need immediate attention.

If you need an expert to replace sash windows, The London Sash Window Company specialises in sash windows for homes in Wandsworth. Contact us on 020 8015 3908 or at office@londonsash.com today for expert advice and personalised assistance!

Sash Window Replacement Signs

Sign 1: Cold Air Coming In

If you feel cold air near your windows when closed, you might have draughts. This means your sash windows aren’t keeping the warm and cold air in. You might notice:

• Cold spots near your windows.
• Curtains move a bit even when the window is shut.
• A chilly feeling when you put your hand close to the window edges.

Draughts happen because:

• The seals around the window are old and worn out.
• Wooden frames have warped and don’t fit well anymore.
• There are gaps between the window frame and the wall.

Draught windows can increase your heating bills because your heating system has to work harder to keep your home warm.

Sign 2: Hard To Open Or Close

Sash windows should move up and down quickly. If they do, something needs to be fixed. Watch out for:

• Windows that stick when you try to move them.
• Windows that fall when you open them.
• Windows that won’t stay open on their own.
• Having to push or pull hard to open or close the window.

These problems can happen because:

• The ropes and pulleys in the window are worn out or broken.
• Wooden frames have swelled up because of dampness.
• The window isn’t sitting straight in its frame anymore.

Windows that are hard to open can be dangerous, especially if you need to use them quickly in an emergency.

Sign 3: Foggy Or Wet Between The Glass

Look closely at the glass of your double-glazed sash windows. The seal has broken if you see foggy patches or water drops between the panes. You might see:

• Cloudy areas that you can’t wipe away.
• Tiny water drops between the panes of glass.
• The foggy area gets bigger over time.

This happens because the seal that keeps air from getting between the panes has failed. When this seal breaks, the window doesn’t keep your home as warm as it should.

Sign 4: Damage You Can See

Check your sash window frames and glass for these signs of damage:

• Soft spots in wooden frames (you can test this by gently pressing with a screwdriver).
• Paint peeling off the frames.
• Cracks in the glass, even small ones.
• Bits of the frame that are chipped or cracked.
• The old glass looks wavy.

Frame damage can let water in, which can cause more problems later. Cracked glass doesn’t keep heat in well and can be unsafe.

Sign 5: More Noise From Outside

If you hear more noise from outside than before, your windows must be fixed. Good sash windows should help keep outside noises out. Notice if:

• You can hear traffic more clearly than before.
• You can hear neighbours talking or dogs barking when your windows are closed.
• Outside noises seem louder than they used to.

Old or damaged windows don’t block sound as well as they should. This can make your home less peaceful and relaxing.

Sign 6: Higher Energy Bills

Keep an eye on your heating and cooling bills. If they’re going up and you can’t figure out why, your windows might be the problem.

Old windows often let heat escape in winter and let it in during summer. This makes your heating and cooling systems work harder, using more energy and costing you more money.

Sign 7: Faded Carpets, Curtains, Or Furniture

Check areas of your home that get a lot of sunlight through the windows. If you notice fading, your windows might not protect against sun damage. You need sash window replacement if you notice:

• Faded patches on carpets or rugs near windows.
• Curtains or blinds that are lighter in colour when the sun hits them.
• Furniture or wood that looks faded or bleached.

Newer windows often have special coatings that help block harmful sun rays. These rays fade your things and can damage wood and fabric over time.

Sign 8: Rotten Or Decaying Wood

For wooden sash windows, check carefully for signs of rot like:

• Wood that feels soft or spongy when you press it.
• Visible mould or mildew on the frames.
• Paint that’s flaking off or bubbling up.
• Areas where the wood looks darker than the rest of the frame.

Rot happens when wood gets wet a lot. It can make your windows unsafe and less effective at keeping out the weather.

Sign 9: Single Pane Glass

If your sash windows still have single-pane glass, they could be more energy efficient. Single pane windows:

• Let heat escape easily in winter and let it in during summer.
• They don’t block outside noise very well.
• They are more likely to get wet on the inside when it’s cold outside.

Sign 10: Security Worries

Old or damaged windows can be easier for thieves to break into as the locks get old, weak, or easy to break, frames get loose or weak, and the gaps are big enough to fit a tool or hand through.

Instead of repair, replacement with new sash windows often has better locks and more robust frames to help keep your home safe.

Sign 11: Always Needing Fixes

If you always have to fix your windows, it might be time for new ones. Signs include:

• You have to fix stuck windows or broken parts often.
• It’s hard to get replacement parts for old windows.
• Spending a lot of time and money on window maintenance.

Replacing sash windows with new ones is often easier to care for and requires less work to keep them in good shape.

The London Sash Windows Company: Your Trusted Experts For Replacement Sash Windows

At The London Sash Window Company, we specialise in high-quality sash window replacements in Wandsworth and surrounding areas, ensuring your home remains beautiful and energy efficient. Our expert team is dedicated to delivering top-notch service and craftsmanship for every project.

Contact us today on 020 8015 3908 or at office@londonsash.com to discuss your sash window needs!