The windows are a key fixture in your home. Window damage can cause serious headaches for home and business owners, so it’s important to protect them and avoid the expense of a premature window replacement.
Proper installation and maintenance can help you avoid many types of window damage. However, since the exterior of your windows is directly exposed to the elements, some types of window damage can occur despite professional window installation and ongoing maintenance. Here, we’ll discuss the main types of window damage and what you can do to prevent them.
Main Types of Window Damage
Condensation
While condensation may seem harmless, it can have a big, negative impact on your home’s windows. Condensation can form on your windows when water in the gas form reaches a surface at a lower temperature than the air around it. The lower surface temperature causes the water to change from the gas form into the liquid form.
Window Damage From Condensation
Condensation can eventually cause drops of water to flow downward, reaching the window frame and even your home’s walls. This moisture creates the risk of water damage, including mold development, water stains, and rot.
Preventing Damage From Condensation
To prevent condensation on your home’s windows, you’ll need to raise the temperature of the windows so that moisture in the air doesn’t solidify when it reaches the surface of your windows. To do this, you may need to open the curtains so that the warm air in your home raises the temperature of the window glass. Getting a dehumidifier in your home can also prevent high amounts of moisture in the air that can lead to condensation.
If you do notice condensation on your windows, make sure to wipe it off with a soft cloth. This will stop the droplets of water from flowing downward and off of the glass.
Warped Frames
If you own a home that’s on the older side, you may have windows with wooden frames. While wooden frames can be beautiful, they also present a unique set of challenges when it comes to window damage.
With fluctuating weather conditions, wood expands and contracts with the changes in temperatures. As time goes on, this will cause wooden window frames to warp. Warped frames not only look askew, but can also diminish the structure of your windows and may lead to further damage.
Wood window frames may also become warped if water seeps into them and freezes. Water expands when it freezes, meaning that the wooded frame may crack. Cracked window frames create the risk of further water damage.
Preventing Warped Window Frames
Unfortunately, wooden window frames are bound to expand and contract with changing temperatures outside. So, if you’re struggling with warped frames, you’re probably facing a window replacement. When you replace the window, you can choose a more durable frame material so that you don’t have to deal with warping in the future.
Drafty Windows
Draft windows are not only a pain, but also a liability to the energy efficiency of your home. With drafty windows, your HVAC system will use more energy than is necessary to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. This will ultimately lead to higher utility bills each month.
Preventing Drafty Windows
Drafty windows are often caused by poor installation. When windows are installed properly, it can lead to gaps between the window frame and the window itself. Air can then leak in and out of your home through this gap. So, one of the best ways to prevent window damage is to hire a trusted company for your window installation. Keeping up with window maintenance can also ensure that gaps are identified and addressed early on. Caulking and sealing the windows is also a strategy for preventing air leakage through your windows.
Window Damage Prevention Maintenance
For all types of window damage, proper maintenance is an excellent preventative tactic. Taking proper care of your windows through regular cleaning, lubricating the window tracks, inspecting for damage, and promptly repairing the damage will prolong the lifespan of your windows.
To schedule a window replacement or installation, contact Superior Windows today. Our expert team will protect the lifespan of your home’s windows.
