5 Common Window Problems

Windows bring many advantages to any home, including natural lighting and ventilation, but over time they can become damaged, leading to higher energy bills, mold growth and structural damage. When neglected these window issues may lead to higher energy bills or other structural damage.

Thankfully, these issues can often be easily remedied. Here are the five most major window issues and their solutions.

Damaged Screens

Damaged window screens allow pests and debris into your home. Harsh storms often wreak havoc by tossing up branches, dirt and rocks that puncture or tear through the screen material and tear at it, creating holes that gradually widen with each passing storm.

Fixing holes in window screens is easiest with a fiberglass patch kit or scrap piece of screening to cover damaged areas. Most window screen patches contain adhesive that activates by heat when applied directly onto your screen; if none can be found locally, consider cutting scrap screening into a circle that is at least 1 inch larger all around than your hole for use as DIY patch material.

As well, the frame must be removed from its window and placed on a large work surface. You should notice a groove along each edge of your screen frame with a spline that holds down screen material - to replace this, use a utility knife to fish out any old spline from this groove and replace with new.

Broken Window Pane

One of the most frequently experienced window issues is broken glass panes. This may have been caused by anything from an accidental baseball throw by your child to harsh weather conditions - it is crucial that once shattered pieces appear that immediate steps be taken in order to minimize further danger to yourself and your family.

Cordon off the area by closing its door and creating a barrier with partitions or sheet of cardboard, notifying family members not to enter, and cleaning thoroughly to prevent bacteria contamination while providing clear vision of what you are working with.

Next, remove the old pane. Be sure to wear gloves and eye protection for safety; this may require wiggling and pulling at it until freed - however tape off any areas to protect against breaking more glass! Once this task is completed, remove all surrounding glazing compound as well as glazing points which are bendable metal stays that secure glass to frames.

Warping and Rotting

Window warping can do more than simply reduce curb appeal: it can seriously compromise energy efficiency. Wood windows often absorb too much moisture, leading them to contract and expand in response to changes in temperature - eventually bending and twisting as they adjust and contract over time.

Warping and rot can damage the structure of your home if left unattended, leading to costly structural repairs as well as creating gaps between window sash and frame that allow outside temperatures into your home while forcing heated or cooled air out, ultimately increasing energy bills.

Window sash replacement and repairs can often solve the issue; but for an ever-lasting fix that won't leave your home vulnerable to future problems, consider switching out your windows with Fibrex frames from Renewal by Andersen. Fibrex frames are constructed from strong and durable material that doesn't react as wood does to changes in humidity or temperature fluctuations - perfect for our Midwest climate! Contact us now to discover more of our window products and services; let us help you enhance both comfort and resale value with beautiful new windows for your home!

Difficult to Open

Trouble opening windows is more than an inconvenience; it also allows hot or cold air to leak in, increasing energy bills. Luckily, many window opening issues can be solved through simple maintenance measures or by adding some lubrication.

Dirt and dust accumulation is often the source of difficulty when opening single and double hung windows, so this problem should be remedied by vacuuming with mild cleaner detergent and then wiping down frames before spraying lubricant containing no silicones, silicones or solvents onto them - then opening/closing windows several times to spread lubricant around.

Damaged hardware is another source of difficulty opening windows, often as the result of neglectful window maintenance or structural settling that shifts window frames. Luckily, this issue can easily be remedied by replacing hinges, latches or locks in poor condition with new ones.

Worn Caulk or Weather Stripping

Drafty windows may be caused by several factors, including old caulking, weather stripping or loose frames. In many cases, these problems can be remedied by simply removing and applying new caulk to create an airtight seal around your window frames - for older homes or single pane windows installing energy efficient window film can help further reduce drafts while increasing energy efficiency in your home.

Foam tape may be an ideal alternative when silicone caulk fails to fill wider than quarter-inch gaps, as it comes in various widths and thicknesses and is easy to cut to fit any gap. As a long-term solution, double or triple pane windows could help eliminate drafts in future years.