You need your windows to perform properly. If they don't, not only will your home look bad, but energy efficiency and safety will also be affected. There are a lot of windows problems you should be on the lookout for.
What problems could your windows possibly have? It can be something small like being stuck or something devastating such as seal failure. Whatever window issue is ailing your home, you need to know the signs and how to deal with the problems.
Feldco, the Midwest's window experts, are here to help. We'll go over 6 common house window problems and how they can be avoided. If you do face any of these problems, we'll also show you how to fix them.
1. Windows That Are Hard to Open or Close
Having difficulty opening your windows is one of the most common home window problems and can be caused by a number of things. For single hung, double hung, and sliding windows, it's usually due to dirt and dust buildup causing friction when you try to open them. A simple cleaning and lubricant spray can fix them right up.
However, it can be more serious than dirt and dust. There can be damage to the springs found inside the window jambs. They can be adjusted to work again, but it's a little more difficult.
In extreme situations, the sash of your window could have warped, bowed, or expanded, causing it to not fit in the opening anymore. This is a serious problem that we'll get into more detail about later.
Casement windows have a completely different set of problems. The first thing you should do to fix a casement window that's difficult to open and close is remove the sash. Check for any screws, bolts, and springs that are loose or out of place. Once they're tightened, your window should work as good as new.
If that doesn't fix the problem, your troubles lie within the hand crank. That means you'll need to get a replacement crank and have it installed, which can be a major pain.
Much like the other windows, if the sash has bowed, expanded, or warped, you're in serious trouble. Once the window doesn't fit in the opening, the only thing you can do is get a replacement.
2. Window Fogging: Condensation and Seal Failure
Window fogging is often seen with energy-efficient, double-pane windows during the winter. There are two major causes: condensation and seal failure. While they may look the same, they need to be handled in two entirely different ways.
Condensation vs Seal Failure
Window condensation isn't a huge problem - it actually proves your windows are working well. It occurs when the warmth of your home meets the cold weather outside on the surface of your window.
While condensation is usually harmless, it can cause problems if not taken care of, and it doesn't look good. You can simply wipe down your windows to remove the moisture. If you want to prevent the moisture from building up in the first place, you'll need to lower the humidity in your home. We wrote an entire article on window condensation that will tell you more.
Seal failure is an entirely different beast. This is when moisture builds up between the panes of glass on your double- or triple-pane window. You'll know the difference when you're unable to wipe the moisture off your window.
What does this mean? It means the seal between the two panes of glass is broken and the gas inside is leaking. Your energy-efficient windows are no longer energy efficient. This is a common window issue with older installations. If the seal on your window is broken, your best bet is to get replacement windows.
3. Drafty Windows and Energy Loss
One of the primary jobs of your windows is to make your home more energy efficient. If you feel drafts coming from your windows, they're doing the exact opposite. They're allowing all the outside weather into your home to the detriment of your comfort and your wallet.
When drafts are able to enter your home easily, that means it's harder for your furnace or air conditioner to reach your desired temperature. It's a constant battle that you'll be losing and your home will be an inconsistent, uncomfortable temperature.
Also, the added stress on your furnace and air conditioner is going to cause your heating and electric bills to increase. This is because they will require more power to keep up with your drafty windows letting in outside weather.
Why are your windows so drafty? It could be due to several reasons. For starters, you could have a window that isn't energy efficient. Single-pane windows or double/triple-pane windows with seal failure will have this problem. Old window problems like warping or bowing can also create gaps between the sash and frame, letting air through.
4. Window Warping, Rotting, and Pest Damage
Warping and rotting are common window problems with wood windows. When the wood absorbs moisture, it expands and contracts, eventually causing a permanent bend in your windows. There are many types of warping you should watch out for:
- Bow: warps along the length of the window
- Crook: warps along the edge of the window
- Kink: a warp found in only one part of the window, creating a knot
- Cup: raises or lowers along the edge of the window, creating a cup shape
- Twist: distortion that causes the window to be uneven
Rotting can be just as bad for your windows. This is when the moisture that's absorbed sits for too long and starts to deteriorate. It forms a fungus that eats away at the wood. This will take away from the look of your windows and is extremely unsafe.
Mold Growth and Bug Infestation
If warping and rotting go untreated, you can face even more serious problems. When sitting water and moisture are involved, mold is sure to follow. Mold forms in areas with water leakage and high humidity. It's made up of tiny spores that are dangerous to breathe in.
Moisture does more than create mold (if that wasn't bad enough). It also attracts gnats, flies, and termites. All of these bugs love damp, dark places to live - especially in wood. While gnats and flies are more of a nuisance, termites are very serious. They eat wood and will devour your window, so you have to act fast. They're also very hard to exterminate.
5. Broken Window Glass
When struck, glass shatters – it's just a fact of life. So if you have kids who play sports or live in an area with extreme weather conditions (like the Midwest), your windows are at risk of a window incident.
While it's rare for your windows to break due to the weather, you should always keep an eye on them. If your window glass ever does break, your best bet is to replace it immediately.
Water Leaking Through Windows
Water leaking into your home is one of the most serious house window problems. It's caused when your window warps and there's a gap between the sash and frame.
Leaking water that goes untreated can create mold. When water is leaking into your home, the mold can expand beyond just your window. Your walls and floor can absorb that moisture and develop a mold problem as well. It'll take more than a replacement window to fix that.
In fact, you can have serious water damage to your floor and walls thanks to a leaky window. These are serious expenses and will require construction on your home.
You'll want to avoid these costly problems. If you ever notice water leaking into your home from your windows, don't hesitate - get replacement windows immediately. You'll want a window that better fits the opening so you won't have to worry about water damage or mold.
6. How to Fix and Prevent Window Problems
All 6 of these windows problems can be fixed with one simple solution - replacement windows. By getting a new window altogether, you know there will be no problems and you won't have to worry about high energy bills or mold.
The material your windows are made from makes a major difference. For instance, vinyl windows are resistant to warping, rotting, and bug infestations. That means many of these home window problems can be avoided simply by getting vinyl replacement windows.
Since vinyl windows don't warp or rot and are resistant to bug infestations, there are very few problems with vinyl windows you have to worry about. With a simple cleaning every so often, your windows will withstand the test of time.
Feldco offers the Midwest's best vinyl windows. We've been helping homeowners find their dream windows for 50 years. With expert installation and a quality product, you'll love your new windows from Feldco. Get a free quote now and join over 500,000 happy homeowners. Your new vinyl windows are only a click away!
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