Windows play a crucial role in maintaining the comfort and energy efficiency of our homes. Over time, they can develop issues that might compromise their functionality. Here is how to identify common window problems and decipher what the best solutions are, and if it is time to replace your windows.
Inspect your windows for:
Air leaks
This is the first step in ensuring that your windows are in top condition. Take a walk around your house, and look for bent or broken weather stripping around door frames and window panes. Look for any places where caulking is chipping as well. Can’t tell if your window has an air leak? Try the Smoke Test. Start by locking all the doors and windows in your home, turning off the HVAC system, and turning on all bathroom and kitchen exhaust fans to create a negative pressure zone. Holding a burning incense stick near the edges of your windows and doors, watch the smoke. If the smoke starts to blow away from the frame and into your home, you’ve found a leak. In many cases, you can remedy these issues by simply replacing weather stripping and filling any stray gaps with fresh caulking. If the issue seems to be more intense, it may be easier to replace the window.
Broken or cracked glass
A broken (or nearly broken) window is a huge safety hazard that needs to be fixed as soon as possible. A broken, single-pane window can be repaired fairly easily, but a multi-paned window will have to be replaced for the same reasons as stated above.
Rotting wood
Over time, wood can deteriorate, leading to rot. If the problem is located in a small area, then this is probably something you can handle yourself. On the other hand, if the rot has spread across the frame, repairing it will be too difficult and costly for the average homeowner. Instead, replace it with a new set of windows that are rot-free.
Fogging glass
Fogging is a sign you may need to replace your window. This indicates that condensation is building up inside your double-paned or triple-paned insulated glass unit (IGU). Fogging most commonly occurs when it’s cool outside and warm inside, or vice versa. In such cases, replacement is often the best solution.
Functionality
Can you open your windows? Over time, window sashes can collect a lot of paint, dirt, and grime inside them. This makes it difficult, even impossible, for you to open your windows. In most cases, this can be easily fixed by the homeowner. If, however, you have custom windows or your house was built before 1978 (meaning it likely has toxic lead paint), then you’ll need to replace them.
Owning a home comes with its share of responsibilities, and understanding when to replace windows is one of them. High-quality windows can last for 20 years or more, but some signs indicate the need for replacement. If your windows were damaged by debris kicked up in a storm or an accidental baseball hit, then it’s clear it’s time to replace the window. In this case, schedule a free consultation or give us a call today to learn more about our window installation services.
