Your windows must function correctly. If they do, your home will look good; its energy efficiency and safety will also suffer. There are several window issues that you should watch out for. You must know the symptoms and learn how to address any issues with your windows. There are a few common window problems that homeowners need to avoid to keep their homes looking good, safe and energy efficient. One of the most common is drafts, which wreak havoc on heating and cooling costs. So if you’re noticing this, it’s time to take action.
Warping
Warped windows are a common problem in older homes. They look bad and can also reduce your home’s energy efficiency.
If you’re planning a window replacement, it’s essential to choose materials that aren’t susceptible to warping. Choosing materials like composites can help prevent this issue.
Wood can warp when moisture is unevenly absorbed into the grain. It can result in frequent contractions, which can cause the wood to twist or bow.
Vinyl can also warp when exposed to extreme temperatures and sunlight. The ideal vinyl to choose if you reside in a location with much of the sun is light in color. Darker colors are more likely to absorb heat and cause the vinyl to warp.
Rotting
When wood rots, it can spread quickly. It can cause mold growth, rotting insulation and even crumbling window frames. You’ll want to inspect your windows for signs of rot as soon as you notice it. Look for wavy paint and areas where wood appears to bow out and swell. If you find these things, you must replace the wood around your window sills or trim. However, if the rot has spread to the frame of your window, it’s generally helpful to get the best window replacement services instead. Wood rot can occur for many reasons, including improper treatment, poor maintenance and the lack of proper caulking. By preventing deterioration from developing, you can keep your home safe and your windows look their best.
Water Leakage
One of the most common problems homeowners have with windows is water leakage. Numerous factors, including the windows themselves, a clogged drainage hole, or missing or improperly installed flashing, might cause it. The good news is that most window leaks don’t cause severe damage to your home. However, they can be annoying and costly to repair. You’ll want to avoid these issues in the first place by identifying and fixing them before they become worse.
Leaking Glass
Leaking glass can be a severe problem affecting energy efficiency and increasing heating bills. However, you can do a few things to keep your windows leak-free and help them maintain their insulating properties. First, check to see any visible water stains on your window. If there is, this may indicate a leak somewhere else in your home.
Sagging
Window sagging is one of the most common issues homeowners may experience with their windows. Fortunately, there are a few alternative strategies for avoiding it entirely. The first thing you should do is identify the type of window that’s causing the sagging. It will help you find a solution that’s best for the situation. For example, if you have a bay window that’s out of square and doesn’t close securely anymore, then it’s likely that the sagging is due to frame misalignment. You can check this by measuring the angle of the lower hinge corner on both sides and comparing it to a 90-degree mark.
Damage
Window damage is a problem that can be hard to spot, but it’s one that you’ll want to avoid. Not only can it lead to severe structural and foundational problems down the road, but it also can increase your energy bills. While window technology has improved tremendously over the years, windows are still vulnerable to damage from rain, wind, snow, ice, hail, and other outdoor elements. If you’ve noticed that your windows seem to be shifting or moving around when you open and close them, this could be a sign of window frame damage or even a broken piece of wood. It is a severe problem and should be addressed immediately by a professional.
Cracks
Your home’s windows are necessary; therefore, if you discover a break in the glass, there may be a problem. It’s also an inconvenience that can lead to confusion and frustration. Large, recessed windows with shaded areas are at high risk of stress cracks because one part of the window heats up more quickly. These temperature differences can weaken the glass until it cracks. Stress cracks start small and grow over time, so we recommend replacing the entire pane if you see them develop. Typically, they’re caused by extreme temperature fluctuations or other significant changes in weather.
Drafts
Your windows’ primary purpose is to increase the energy efficiency of your house. If your windows let in drafts, they do the opposite. To the disadvantage of your comfort and budget, they admit all the outside weather inside your house. It is more difficult for your furnace or air conditioner to achieve the proper temperature when drafts readily enter your home. Your house will have an unreliable, unpleasant temperature because you constantly lose this war.
