Foggy windows and doors can be one of the telltale signs that something is amiss with windows and doors, usually caused by moisture leakage, but can usually be resolved through cleaning, defogging spray or running a dehumidifier in your home.
An early warning sign might also include noisy doors and dripping or leaking windows, often as a result of poor sealants, outdated frames or materials. If you are experiencing any of these problems, it is important to contact a reputable Innisfil replacement windows company for assistance.
1. Check the Seals
Maintaining functional windows and doors is of utmost importance in any home. Drafty windows can drive up heating bills significantly while diminishing comfort levels within your living space.
Seals around windows may fail for various reasons. Age, house movement or direct sunlight may all contribute to their demise. When this occurs, moisture begins to build between panes of glass causing condensation and potentially breaking your windows or inviting unwanted pests into your home.
Caulking can quickly fix broken seals. There are tools available at hardware stores that will assist with breaking through paint seals around window sashes; however, using a putty knife should work just as effectively. Once complete, caulking will reduce air leakage and increase home insulation.
2. Check the Hardware
Windows and doors add many advantages to any home, providing light as well as fresh air circulation. But just like other aspects of your property, they require regular maintenance to stay functioning optimally.
If a window or door won’t open or close properly, it could be due to dirt accumulation on its hinges and springs or an issue with their functioning. A thorough cleaning followed by some lubrication may solve this issue; otherwise, replacement hinges or sash will likely be necessary.
Wood rot is another common window issue that can lead to cracking frames. Not only can this be unsightly and increase energy bills for homeowners, it can also create drafts. You can quickly spot these cases by searching for any areas with visible rotting wood on either the sill or bottom rail; once detected simply remove this wood with wood filler before the problem worsens further.
3. Check the Weatherstripping
Cracks and gaps around doors and windows can cost you hundreds of dollars in heating costs each year. To prevent this from happening, it’s wise to install or replace weather stripping on all sides of window frames as well as top and bottom sashes – tubular vinyl is great for this purpose; adhesive-backed foam tape can be cut to size using scissors; nail-in weather stripping should only be used on double hung windows for best results.
If you detect draft in your window, strike the frame several times carefully to avoid overdoing it and damaging its paint. Rub a candle around its frame to see if there are any places where air may be entering – if this works, apply some silicone caulk to keep condensation at bay and prevent sticking windows which could result in mold growth and mildew growth.
4. Check the Glass
As temperatures fluctuate and seasons shift, it is vitally important that windows and doors be checked for signs of wear or damage. While minor issues may be easily corrected, early identification and correction of problems is key in order to avoiding more serious and costly solutions later.
Keep an eye out for condensation between window panes as this is a telltale sign that the seal has broken. A damaged seal will reduce efficiency while increasing energy costs significantly.
An effective way to identify whether your windows have a faulty seal is by inspecting the silver-colored spacer bar that runs along the perimeter of insulated glass. Usually this spacer bar bears an identification code displaying both date and manufacturer details about your window. If you notice any signs of a broken seal, it is important to contact a reputable replacement windows company in Toronto to have the window repaired or replaced.
