Have you noticed recently that your windows and doors are sticking in their frames? It could be a sign of serious issues like subsidence or something less alarming like a change in moisture level or loose fixings. It’s important to look closely and uncover the cause. You can then take action. We’d be happy to help if you need outstanding sash window restoration in Northumberland or other areas.
The weather
One thing that may cause windows and doors to stick this autumn is ground movement. There is a higher risk this year than previous because the summer has been so hot and dry. It has a massive impact on the ground conditions. Then, when wetter, colder weather arrives, a big change in the soil can lead to problems.
The key thing to keep in mind is hot weather can pull a lot of moisture from the ground. It causes soil to contract. With several heatwaves in 2026 and droughts in many areas, lots of areas will have had significant soil contraction. When the wetter weather arrives, the soil expands again.
This shrink and swell cycle can put a lot of pressure on buildings. In the worst cases it causes differential settlement, potentially ruining the alignment of doors and windows so they get stuck. Speak to us if you want sash window restoration in Northumberland.
What to do?
The first thing you need to do is try to get an idea of how bad the ground movement has been. Are there key signs like new cracks around windows and doors? Have any existing cracks gotten worse? Can you see wider gaps between extensions or conservatories? If so, it’s a good sign there may be subsidence. It means the problem will likely be harder to fix. You may need a formal building and foundation assessment.
Luckily, if you can’t see other signs of movement, the problem may be more innocuous. The best news is if the issue is only affecting a single door or window. In these cases expert joiners or specialists could provide solutions.
If you are worried about ground movement and subsidence, there are a few things you can do. Trying to keep soil moisture levels consistent is important. So, ensuring there are no problems with gutters, drains, and pipes is wise. Be careful during heatwaves and droughts to try to prevent extreme shrinkage.
Unbeatable sash window restoration in Northumberland
Sashes are beautiful windows but can have problems with sticking, especially when you have timber ones. If you do have issues, we’d be happy to help. Our knowledge and skills, including traditional joinery, means we can fix anything. This can even involve repairing joints or trimming the timber.
So, contact us today if you want first rate sash window restoration in Northumberland. We recommend booking a consultation so we can have a look at the windows and advise you. This also means we can provide an accurate quote.