Introduction

The windows form a major part of any Indian house, and they allow light, ventilation, and make up a room. Nonetheless, it is not a surprise that with some time, a homeowner may find Common Window Problems that may undermine a comfortable and safe environment. 

They may be enumerated as electrical problems in sliding windows, the curtains flapping with wind, or the water seepage inside the home during monsoon. These can be described as a case of a hole in your roof, that is, a nuisance or menace to the owner of the house in case not treated. 

Knowing the most Common Window Problems and how to solve them can prevent costly repairs and help you keep your windows primed and ready to serve you as they should. In this blog, we’ll look at the top 10 Common Window Problems found in Indian homes with simple and easy fixes for all. 

1. Stuck or Jammed Windows

Window not opening or closing properly! One of the most common window problems in the home is a window that will not open or close correctly. There are many reasons this can occur, including dirt build-up, rusting or warping (furniture), to wooden frames that expand in humid weather.

Fix:

• Thoroughly clean the tracks (Use a brush and a vacuum). 
• You can then apply wax (for wood) or silicone-based lubrication (for non-wood). 
• If the frame warps or swells, you may need to sand down or plane an opening on the frame to allow proper function.

2. Window Leaks During Rain

Defective Windows can cause extensive problems for the walls, floor, and furniture in your home. This is one of the most common window problems that homeowners face during the monsoon season in India.

Fix: 

• Inspect the sealant or caulking around the window frame. 
• If there is old or cracked sealant, then take that off and replace it with a good waterproof silicone sealant. 
• Also, check that the drainage channel is not blocked with debris. 

3. Foggy or Condensation-Filled Glass

Condensation is a typical problem between the two panes of glass of double-glazed windows when the seal has failed. Water droplets or fog impair visibility and insulation properties.

Fix:

• You can use dehumidifiers or silica gel near your window if it is a small problem. 
• If it is a completely broken seal then you will probably need to have the insulated glass unit (IGU) replaced. 

4. Drafty Windows

Rogue drafts will elevate your electricity bills and cause discomfort, so it will be important to fix this problem sooner rather than later! In North India’s winters, you may notice a draft when the weather stripping is worn out and gaps are identified in the window frame.

Fix:

There are those air leaks around the window which you can verify using a candle or an incense stick. Change the weather stripping, foam sealants and / or rubber gaskets to cover visible openings.

5. Broken or Cracked Glass

Whether by cricket balls, storms, or by circumstances, broken glass is a safety risk and is a point of security weakness for your home. 

Fix:

• Temporarily tape the broken glass with masking tape to limit the further spread of the break until you can replace the glass. 
• When you do replace the glass, laminated or toughened glass is a good option for safety.

6. Squeaky or Noisy Hinges

UPVC or metal windows will become squeaky because of dust or rust, or a lack of grease on the hinges. A Common Window Problem that often goes unnoticed until it becomes an annoying noise! 

Fix:

• Wipe out the hinges and squeeze some drops of machine oil or WD-40 on the hinges. 
• Move the window up and down to have the lubricant uniformly spread. 
• In case the sound remains, you can think of installing a new hinge.

7. Window Lock Not Working

Failure of window locks, as is usually the case, undermines your safety and security as well as exposes your children to harm when they are around.

Fix: Misalignment of the lock. 

• Adjust screws or place the lock in its place so that it may be aligned accordingly with the strike plate when necessary. 
• If it is rusted, damaged or is already too old, simply replace the locking system. 
• This will only be as costly as the lock you purchased – there are many inexpensive options in Indian hardware stores. 

8. Peeling Paint or Finish

In an Indian city like Delhi or Mumbai, the humidity, the sun rays, and pollution may peel off the paint on your window frame, especially when it is wooden.

Fix:

• Take off the peeling paint using the sandpaper and apply a wood primer, and then merely paint over the newly applied primer using a weather-resistant paint. 
• If the aluminum windows are steel, ensure to use an anti-rust primer under the paint.

9. Misaligned or Off-Track Sliding Windows

Aluminum sliding windows are often used in apartments in India, which can easily slide off track or become misaligned through typical usage.

Fix: To fix, remove the actual window sash, and with an old toothbrush, rush clean the track. Lubricate before gently repositioning the sash into the track. If rollers are broken, replace them.

10. Termite Damage in Wooden Frames

Common Window Problem number two, where the wooden window frames are prone to termites is standard in many homes in India. This may occur in coastal areas or during humid times of the year.

Fix: If you find droppings or a hollow sound, treat the problem area with a base borate solution for termites. For more severe damage, treat with a professional service and or simply replace the entire frame with treated wood or composite wood.

Tips to fix Common Window Problems

While the passage of time will cause window problems every homeowner encounters, most Common Window Problems can be avoided through good upkeep and practices. Here is how Indian homeowners can be proactive about their windows:

1. Clean Tracks and Frames Regularly:

• Cities are filled with dust, pollution, and grime, and all this dust can be easily found in the window tracks and window frames of Indian city premises. 
• Wash them after 2-3 weeks with a clean cotton, bristled brush, cloth, and soap solution.

2. Sealing Cracks and Gaps Before the Monsoons:

Leakage is one of the most common window problems there is during monsoons.

Before the monsoon, check if your window had cracks, sealant damaged, the frame loose etc; and reseal with waterproof silicone to correct this. 

3. It can grease moving parts:

Moving parts such as the hinges, the locks and sliders on the tracks should be sprayed with silicone or machine oil at least every few months, to keep the windows free of squeaking, rust and stuck like jam.

4. Protection From Termites and Rust:

If you have wooden windows, any anti-termite treatment should be done every year. If you have metal windows, then an anti-rust paint or coating to stop rusting is always advisable.

5. Use Window Films or Curtains:

UV window films, or curtains, in areas of direct and harsh sunlight can prevent window panes and frames from warping or fading or peeling and are extremely useful in places where the climate is extreme, like Rajasthan, Telangana, etc. 

Why Fixing Window Problems Matters?

Troubleshooting common windows problems becomes an essential step regarding the protection, comfort, and energy-conserving of your home.

• Drafty and poor windows that leak warm or cool air increase the cost of electricity, and also damaged locks and broken glass may compromise your security.
• Little things, such as cracks or a broken hinge, might prove to cost hundreds of bucks in the future when pricey repairs will be needed, mould is present, and structural difficulties are a possibility.
• Well-inspected and fixed windows enhance the appearance of the house, give good insulation, and favor clean and healthy indoor air.

Whether you are living in urban or rural setups in India, it helps to solve common windows problems early enough so as to increase your chances of enjoying safer, healthier, and more energy-efficient lifestyles.

Conclusion

Windows are not simply architecture. Windows represent the flow of light, air, and views into your home. The failure to address small problems in the present situation will only create problems of alligatoring in the future, which will be costly to repair. 

The common window problems will be detected and remedied early enough, and you will be able to live in a safe, beautiful, and energy-efficient house. Windows form the greatest aspect of home care, whether you stay in a flat in Mumbai, a bungalow in Pune, or a house in Kochi.