If you have been living in your home for a number of years it can be easy to not notice certain issues with your property creeping up on you, especially when you are looking at them every day and they even become something you learn to live with or just another thing for your to-do list.

A good example would be your windows, which might actually be giving you some strong hints that now would be a good time to get around to fixing your window, unless you want to face an even more expensive repair bill if you do nothing.

Condensation confirms it

The clues are there if you know what to look for and condensation on your windows confirms it, you have a problem with ventilation in your home, or it might be that moisture levels are higher than they should be.

The ventilation issue is a problem of sorts, but definitely not as serious as high moisture levels in your property.

Moisture can form on your windows as condensation or maybe even frost, when the temperature dial takes a dive below freezing. The big issue here is that this moisture can quickly escalate into a problem where you are then having to contend with the consequences of mold and mildew, and even rotting wood sills on your windows.

You will often find that newer houses are built so tightly that moisture can often find itself captured inside your home, which is not what you want, so you have to do something to eliminate this risk.

If your windows are telling you that there is a problem with moisture in your home by displaying condensation, you will need to find a way of reducing the moisture levels before it causes some damage to your windows, and beyond.

When the window is the problem

The above scenario makes the assumption that your windows are in good order, but if you find that condensation is forming between the panes of glass, it is a clear sign that the seals on your double or triple-pane window have deteriorated or failed altogether, which means they are failing to properly prevent outside air from coming in.

If you notice that moisture is trapped between these panes and is condensing into small droplets, or creates a fogging effect, it might be that the window needs some attention or replacing.

Get a window company to look at the problem. It might be that one panel that is letting moisture in could be replaced, or it might be that it is time to replace the whole window.

Possible gas leak

Double-pane windows are filled with gas between the two panes, so if you notice that condensation is forming in the center of the glass on the pane that is inside your home, this is a probable sign that you have a gas leak.

The fundamental point to remember in this situation is that once the argon gas leaks out, your window is basically providing minimal or even zero insulation.

If this is what is happening to your window, the only viable solution is to get the window replaced. Check to see whether there is any warranty left on the window before you go ahead and pay for the replacement yourself.

If you notice leaking around your window

Another problem to look out for is when you notice that water is leaking around the edges of your window.

There are can be several reasons for this. It may well be that your window is not closing tightly enough and some small adjustments need to be made in order to create a tighter seal.

However, if you are happy that the window is shutting as tightly as it can do and yet there are still signs of water getting in around your window, especially at the top, this could well be a sign of a problem that is not related to your window itself.

You may want to check the integrity of your roof or siding to see if there is a potential leak that is running down your wall and then entering the property through your window.

Good windows make a big difference

There are plenty of positives attached to having good windows in your home

Aside from the obvious curb appeal that is obtained when you have windows in your property that are well maintained and in a good state of repair, efficient windows help keep your energy bills low and improve the comfort levels and performance of your home generally.

So if you spot a potential problem that you windows are perhaps trying to tell you, aim to get the problem fixed as quickly as you can.

Bethany Pearce is restoring her own home and likes to share tips that she has learned along the way with other homeowners.