Why Do Window Problems Appear in New Construction Apartments?

When buying a new-build apartment, people often expect the windows to require no attention for a long time. After all, they are new, modern and freshly installed.

That is why many people are surprised when, only a few years later, the balcony door starts closing with difficulty, the handle no longer moves as smoothly as it did, or the first signs of leakage appear near the window.

In practice, window problems in new apartments are not as rare as they might seem.

Most of the time this does not mean the windows are of poor quality. A window is a moving system made up of hinges, gaskets, window hardware, adjustment mechanisms and other components. All of these parts are under load from the first day of use.

“But the windows are new” — the most common question after the first faults

One of the most frequent questions technicians hear is:

“How can it need repair if the house was built just a few years ago?”

The answer is simple — the age of the window is not the only thing that determines its condition.

What matters is:

• how the windows were used;
• the conditions during construction;
• whether maintenance was carried out;
• the class of hardware installed;
• how often the sashes are operated.

Sometimes a 15-year-old window can work better than a window that is only a few years old in a new flat. Why? Because the operating conditions can be completely different.

The construction period — the first serious test for the windows

Many people assume the life of a window begins when the resident moves in. In reality, windows are loaded much earlier.

After installation, the following work continues:

• plastering;
• wall sanding;
• painting;
• flooring;
• other interior works.

These works produce a great deal of dust and fine construction debris. This can get into the moving parts of the hardware:

• hinges;
• locking points;
• mechanisms;
• the handle system.

Over time this can hinder the operation of the mechanism. So a new window does not automatically mean its mechanism has never been under load.

Why do balcony doors usually start sticking first?

In new-build apartments, one of the most common problems is the balcony door. There are several reasons for this.

First — size and weight.

Modern apartments favour large windows and wide balcony doors. They look attractive and let in more light, but the construction itself becomes heavier.

The larger the sash, the greater the load placed on:

• the hinges;
• the hardware;
• the adjustment mechanisms.

The second reason — frequency of use.

Balcony doors are often opened several times a day, so the first adjustment needs naturally arise sooner.

The most common signs are:

• the door starts catching at the bottom;
• the handle needs to be pressed harder;
• resistance is felt when closing;
• reduced tightness.

Adjustment done in time often prevents further wear of the hardware.

Are lower-grade components used in new-build apartments?

Not always. But it is important to understand one thing — externally two windows can look almost identical, yet their internal configuration can differ significantly.

The differences can be:

• the hardware manufacturer;
• the class of the mechanisms;
• additional adjustment points;
• the quality of the gaskets.

In new-build projects, a balance often has to be found between price and quality. This does not mean bad components are used, but not every window is fitted with the highest-class systems. For more on this aspect, see the article why cheap hardware in new apartments wears out faster.

That is why in some buildings the first adjustment work is needed after a few years, while in others the windows work without problems for considerably longer.

Why might the first adjustment be needed after a few years?

A window is not a static construction. Over time it is affected by:

• temperature changes;
• use load;
• movement of the construction;
• the natural wear of components.

In new buildings the first years are also the period in which the building itself adapts to environmental conditions. Small changes in window geometry during this time are therefore not unusual. What matters most is noticing them in time.

Do new windows need maintenance?

Yes. One of the most common myths is:

“A new window doesn’t need to be touched for 10 years.”

In fact, even quality hardware lasts longer when it is maintained.

Periodically it is worth:

• checking that the window closes easily;
• observing the condition of the gaskets;
• not ignoring changes in how the handle operates;
• taking care of the mechanisms.

Small signs often make it possible to spot a problem while it can still be solved without major repair.

When should you call a specialist?

A specialist should be called not only when the window no longer closes at all.

Early signs are:

• the handle moves harder than before;
• a sound appears on closing;
• the sash catches on the frame;
• reduced tightness;
• the sash position has changed.

In such cases, adjustment or maintenance is often enough. Wait too long and the additional load begins to affect other parts of the mechanism — at that point plastic window repair may require component replacement rather than simple adjustment. Exact prices are set by the technician after a free inspection.

Conclusion: a new window does not mean it needs no care

Window problems in new-build apartments usually arise not from a single cause. They can involve:

• construction dust that has accumulated in the mechanism;
• intensive use;
• heavy constructions;
• the need for adjustment;
• natural wear of the mechanisms.

Like any moving system, a window serves best when the problem is noticed early. A professional inspection makes it possible to identify the real cause and decide whether repair, adjustment or simple maintenance is enough.

Register for a free diagnosis and window technician consultation and we will get in touch with you.