Windows and doors

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Are there any problems with your windows?

Look out!

Windows that are difficult to open or close can lead to security and safety risks. Windows that are hard to open may make it harder for people in your home to escape in a fire. Windows that are hard to close may make it harder to keep your home well secured. They can also make your home less energy efficient and increase your fuel bills, or lead to issues with damp and cold.

Windows can often be adjusted or repaired to make them easier to open and close, but if there is damage, they may need replacing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors and Security to find out more about maintaining or replacing your windows.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common Hazards to find out more about how to keep safe in the event of a fire.

Look out!

Broken locks, or lost or missing window keys can be a risk to home the security of your home and the safety of the people who live in it. Windows that cannot be locked may make your home less secure and potentially invalidate your housing insurance. Windows that cannot be unlocked can reduce the number of escape routes in a fire and make it harder to properly ventilate your home.

Locks can be repaired or keys replaced without having to replace the whole window.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Security to find out more about keeping your home safe and secure and how to find an approved locksmith.

Look out!

Broken or cracked glass reduces the security and thermal efficiency of your home and also presents a risk of cuts and injury. Broken glass should be safely removed and replaced.

As well as being a safety risk, broken glass can give the appearance that the home is empty or someone vulnerable lives inside. You will probably want to get a professional to fix this for you. The glass or window needs repairing or replacing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Security to find out more about keeping your home safe and secure and how to find trusted tradespeople.

Look out!

Poorly fitted or rattling windows can reduce the energy efficiency of your home, increasing energy bills and leading to drafts that increase the risk of your home becoming cold. Poorly fitted windows can also increase the risk of water getting into your home.

Your windows may need adjusting, repairing or replacing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about looking after your windows, finding an approved window installer and paying for works.

Flaking paint and rotted wood on your windows can reduce the energy efficiency of your home, increase energy bills and lead to longer-term problems if the damage becomes worse.

Wooden windows can be susceptible to rot, water damage, cracking or warping due to heat and moisture, and need regular maintenance, staining or repainting to protect the wood underneath and keep your home energy efficient and secure.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about looking after your windows, finding an approved window installer and paying for works.

Look out for Damp & Mould!

Damp and mould growing in your home can be a risk to anyone, but children and young people under 14 years of age and older people can be particularly vulnerable. If you notice the signs of damp and mould growth in your home act immediately to try and resolve it.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common hazards to find out more about how to manage damp and mould in your home.

If the seal between the two layers of glass in your window breaks, the gas that keeps your home warm can escape and allow condensation to form between the panes. This can often be fixed or resealed, but left unattended it can lead to longer-term problems with damp and mound growth, or reduce the efficiency of the windows.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about looking after your windows, finding an approved window installer and paying for works.

What are your window frames made of?

UPVC windows are energy efficient and thermally efficient, stopping heat from escaping from your home.

Wooden windows can be susceptible to rot, water damage, cracking or warping due to heat and moisture.

Metal windows are low maintenance, and unlike wood, they are resistant to warping or rot.

Do the windows have:

Trickle vents should be left open to ensure proper ventilation in your home.

Trickle vents allow air to circulate through a room and let polluted air out. They are designed to improve the air quality in the home. Without effective ventilation, moisture in the home can be trapped and turn into condensation, particularly in the winter when surfaces such as walls are cold. The condensation can lead to damp and mould growth which can cause damage to your home and lead to respiratory illnesses for you and your family.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about double glazing, trickle vents and insulating and ventilating your home.

Older style windows may have beading on the outside to hold the glass windowpane in place. This beading can be removed to replace broken glass, but it can also be perceived as a security concern.

Good condition windows with beading should not need replacing, however, if your windows are older, have beading and lack trickle vents, it may be time to think about replacing them with more modern ones.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about replacing your windows.

Are there any problems with your front or back doors?

Look out!

Doors that are difficult to open or close can lead to security and safety risks. Doors that are hard to open may make it harder to people in your home to escape in a fire. Doors that are hard to close may make it harder to keep your home well secured. They can also make your home less energy efficient and increase your fuel bills, or lead to issues with damp and cold.

Doors can often be adjusted or repaired to make them easier to open and close, but if there is damage, the door may need replacing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors and Security to find out more about maintaining or replacing your doors.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Common Hazards to find out more about how to keep safe in the event of a fire.

Look out!

Broken locks or lost keys can be a security risk for your home. Broken locks can often be repaired or replaced to ensure you are able to keep your home safe and secure. Broken locks can leave your home a risk of burglary and may invalidate or impact your home insurance if they are not repaired or replaced.

Lost keys can be replaced, however, if you have lost a key to your home you should replace the lock to make sure anyone who finds it cannot enter your home without you knowing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Security to find out more about how to resolve issues with broken locks or to find an approved locksmith near you.

Look out!

Broken glass reduces the security and thermal efficiency of your home and also presents a risk of cuts and injury.

As well as being a safety risk, broken glass can give the appearance that the home is empty or someone vulnerable lives inside. You will probably want to get a professional to fix this for you. The glass or door needs repairing or replacing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors and Security to find out more about maintaining or replacing your doors.

Look out!

Poorly fitted or rattling doors can reduce the energy efficiency of your home, increasing energy bills and leading to drafts that increase the risk of your home becoming cold. Poorly fitted doors can also increase the risk of water getting into your home.

Your door may need adjusting, repairing or replacing.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about looking after your door, finding an approved installer and paying for works.

Flaking paint and rotted wood on your doors can reduce the energy efficiency of your home, increase energy bills and lead to longer-term problems if the damage becomes worse.

Wooden doors can be susceptible to rot, water damage, cracking or warping due to heat and moisture, and need regular maintenance, staining or repainting to protect the wood underneath and keep your home energy efficient and secure.

Check out the Good Home Lincs information on Windows and Doors to find out more about looking after your doors, finding an approved installer and paying for works.

What are your doors made of?

UPVC doors do not need painting, and are easy to maintain and clean.

Composite doors are durable and robust and require little maintenance.

Wooden doors need regular maintenance, staining or repainting to protect the wood underneath and to keep your home energy efficient and secure.

Metal doors can be more susceptible to rust.