Windows: To Replace or Not To Replace?
Have you ever heard the expression to crack the window? This particular idiom doesn’t refer to breaking a window, but to open the window. Do your windows refuse to open, or do they let that fresh air in uninvited? If your windows are damaged, foggy, have condensation or are drafty we have options for you to explore. Weather and climate deteriorate your windows because windows are the first line of defence for your home against the elements. Repair or replace? Let’s explore some resolutions for window issues.
If only a single pane of glass in multi-pane windows is broken, cracked, chipped or scratched our options are limited. If the windows are vinyl, we recommend simply replacing them, vinyl windows are the most commonly used product as of late due to its affordable production, reducing consumer costs. If your broken pane exists on vintage, custom-built, wooden, aluminum-clad, or multi-pane windows we recommend repairing the windows & glass.
Drafty windows are the most common issue with windows when air rushes in and out of the gaps it is usually caused by cracked and pealing caulking or old weather stripping. Anyone who took the intro to chemistry knows that heat expands, this expansion can negatively impact your home by unsealing your windows, promoting condensation and other issues. Windows are designed with thermal performance in mind, but the destruction of a windows seals compromise a windows’ thermal integrity. Caulking tubes are incredibly inexpensive so we recommend repairing drafty windows, sealing leaks in your home can save you 10-20% on your energy bills without replacing your windows.
Windows that are foggy, or are streaked with moisture, or trap condensation are indicators of large issues. Foggy windows signify that the level of humidity in your home is too high in the winter, or too high outside of your home in the summer. It can also be an indicator that the seal has been broken on your windows We recommend repair the window as soon as you see condensation, once the seal is broken the pane is hard to save so with a sense of urgency you can install a new sash and save further deuteriation of the windows. Addressing the issue promptly to mitigate moisture also means keeping the mould growth away.
When the frame of your window is rotting you will have condensation and cold air enter your home. The cause happens if the wood frame is exposed to humidity and moisture without being seasoned, primed or painted properly. If the area is small, we recommend patching it with epoxy, replacing a deteriorating sill will cost materials and you’ll still need to remove the window to execute the repair, so in many cases, we recommend replacing the entire frame or window because often there is more damage than what is visible to the eye.
When a window won’t open or close smoothly there can be several reasons, the sashes can get painted shut by amateur DIYers, the tracks can have dirt and dust build-up and the hardware can break. Repair many of these issues is the most cost-effective solution, except in the circumstance that the window is very old and the hardware or required replacement parts are no longer available.
When replacing your windows research your window installer, many only install one type of windows (like vinyl for example) and you are going to want to know what the warranty is for your windows in case you run into any one of the aforementioned issues. You can also contact North Canadian Construction Group, we leverage our networking to negotiate discounts that cover our costs and then some, getting you the best quality, the best warranty and the best windows all for the best pricing.
Building Communities Together. North Canadian Construction.