Checking your windows and doors each time there is a seasonal change can help prevent common issues from occurring. It can also help you catch a minor issue before it becomes a major problem. In this blog we are going to discuss about the common windows and doors issues in winter.
Winter can bring awareness to issues with your windows and doors that you may not have noticed during other times of the year. Even newly installed windows and doors can experience problems in the winter if they are not installed properly. A simple oversight by the installer could create issues.
Below we outline four of the most common window issues and four of the most common door issues to key an eye on during the winter:
4 Issues With Windows –
There are a lot of things that could potentially go wrong with your windows. Here are some of the most common issues that can arise with your vinyl windows during the cold season:
Air and moisture leaks
Your window frames are designed to prevent outside air from getting inside your home. Overtime, it is possible for small cracks to develop. This is particularly the case around the exterior of the window frame.
You can test if you have a leak by simply putting your hand close to the frame and feeling for air flow coming through. Another sign is if you notice water getting through the frame. If it is a small crack, you can re-seal your window with caulk. Make sure you select the right product for your window.
Ice forming on windows
Ice will form in any open spaces between windows and the frames. This is a common windows and doors issues in winter. So, if your weatherstripping or caulk has failed, it could be a place for ice to form. Ice forms when warm air from your home gets through cracks or seams. It freezes when it meets cold air from the outside. This ice can make it difficult to open and close the window and it could cause damage to the frame or hardware.
Condensation
Condensation is not necessarily a bad thing. It can be a sign your windows are energy efficient. A lot of condensation could be a sign you have a lot of humidity in your home. Simply reduce the humidity by using a dehumidifier. You can pick one up at any local hardware store. You could also have one installed on your furnace.
Condensation is an issue when you see it build up in between your window glass panes. This is a sign you have a leak or a blown window seal. When you see this, call a window professional to come and look at the windows. You may need to replace the seal or the window, depending on the severity of the issue.
Warping
This is more common in new or old wood or metal windows. This is a reason we recommended energy efficient vinyl windows. Warping happens because of repeated exposure to moisture. If your windows warp, it is a sign its time to upgrade. There is not much you can usually do to fix a warped window.
If these issues persist, call a window installation professional to assess your windows.
4 Issues With Doors –
Just like your windows, winter can present several issues for your exterior doors. Here are some of the most common issues to watch out for as the weather gets colder:
Colour fading
Exposure to moisture on a consistent basis, especially during the winter can cause your door to prematurely fade. The repeated barrage or rain, ice, and snow can have an impact. But you can prevent this from happening. There are several treatments you can apply to wood doors or prevent fading. Make sure you choose the correct product for your type of door. Another possibility is to choose a fibreglass door. These doors typically do not fade or experience moisture damage.
Frozen locks
Snow, ice, and frigid temperatures could cause your locks to freeze. This is not something you want to happen. Can you imagine getting locked out of your house during a snowstorm? Keep some de-icer on hand if you run across this issue. You can usually spray some on your door lock to clear up the issue. Worst case, you may need to replace your locks if they become damaged beyond repair.
Worn out weatherstripping
This is perhaps one of the most common issues that arise with doors. If your weatherstripping is worn out, damaged, or has cracks, there will be very little to stop drafts from getting through. This can have a big impact on your energy bill. The good news is it is a relatively simply problem to correct. All you need to do is install new weatherstripping. If you are not confident in your abilities, speak with a door installation professional.
Loose hardware
The cold winter weather can cause screws in your door to come loose. This can loosen hardware elements that could potentially cause your door to start to sag. When this happens, the door will not sit in the frame the way it is intended to. This can cause it to rub or stick when opening and closing it. Check all hardware elements and tighten any screws you notice that have become loose. These are some common windows and doors issues in winter.
Notice Issues With Your Windows and Doors? Give Us A Call!
Have you noticed one or more of the common window and door issues in your home? Now is the time to act before it becomes a bigger and more expensive problem to deal with.
Call us at 1-888-837-6569 for a free in-home estimate! Our consultants are happy to come to your home to assess your window and doors. Depending on what we find we’ll recommend a repair or replacement. We look forward to helping you!
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