When you’re trying to simply enjoy some fresh air indoors, but your home windows won’t stay open, it can be frustrating. When windows get old and worn out, problems occur. There are simple solutions to some common window troubles, while others require window replacement.
Take a look at some solutions from Approved Contractor for your window woes.
Solutions to Common Home Window Problems
1. Windows won’t stay open
One of the reasons a home’s double-hung windows won’t stay open could be because of a broken or untied sash cord. The window’s weight can cause it to be compromised over time. Or, your window may be closing on its own because of a problem with the balances—the hidden components on both single-hung and double-hung windows. The balances may be disconnected from the sash.
Another problem could be that the balances are connected to the sash, but not working the way they should work.
Solutions:
- If the sash cord is broken or untied, to get to the sash cord and fix it, remove the lower sash of the window.
- If the balances are disconnected from the window sash, simply reconnect the balance to the sash.
- If balances are simply not functioning as they should, they need to be replaced to fix the problem.
2. Window leaks create uncomfortable indoor drafts
The comfort level of your home is disrupted when temperatures change throughout your home interior. If drafts pour through your closed windows, you’re not only making your home interior uncomfortable, but also causing your air conditioning and heating to work harder, and what you invest in utilities will literally be wasted.
Cracks can form in the materials around your windows including where window frames meet the wall. This compromises your home’s seal and creates costly leaks. When your home’s energy goes out the window due to a window leak, it’s time for a quick solution.
Solution: If there are small leaks surrounding your windows, fill them with caulking. Replace worn out weather stripping to improve the window seal. If window leaks are extensive, get replacement windows to seal your home fully and avoid wasting energy.
3. Water leak
If your home has a window that is leaking water, it needs immediate attention to prevent additional problems like wood rot or mold growth.
Solution: The best solution for a water leak is to replace your windows promptly. Avoid the hassles of repairing wood rot, and skip the possibility of unhealthy mold growth in your home by installing new windows.
4. Windows are painted shut
If there’s paint in the crevices that should have been left open for the sash to move, then it’s been painted shut. Avoid this problem by painting your windows carefully, and opening them while paint dries to break any seals that try to form.
Solution: If your windows were painted shut by accident, you can fix the problem with a putty knife. Run the knife around the window sash to break the paint seal, and your windows should open again.
5. Condensation
When moisture appears between your window panes, it indicates your window is no longer sealed and the insulating argon or krypton gas that was between the panes is no longer there. When a window loses its seal, it compromises your home’s insulation and increases utility bills.
Solution: Replace your windows.
6. Faulty window sealant
Windows are caulked around their perimeter. Over time, caulk can crack or pull away from the window, allowing water to seep into your home.
Solution: Re-caulk your windows to replace their seal. Check for window leaks after it rains to verify your windows are now sealed.
7. Moisture intrusion
If you have wood window frames, they may crack, warp, or rot due to moisture penetration. One of the reasons homeowners switch to vinyl or fiberglass windows is so they don’t have to deal with the problems that occur with wood windows (like water intrusion, wood rot, warping, and high maintenance).
Solution: If your wood windows are already damaged, it’s best to replace them. If you have undamaged wood windows, prevent deterioration by applying a new coat of paint every few years to help protect your windows from weather elements. You may need to sand off old paint to prevent paint buildup.
Enjoy the Multiple Benefits of Replacement Windows
When windows age, they make your home look drab and hinder your views of the outdoors.
Boost your energy savings
Increase the value of your home and enhance its beauty with new windows. Their advanced technologies include dual pane glass, low-e films, and warm edge spacers to decrease heat gain and loss through the window.
Update your home’s style
Boost your home’s appearance with the beauty of crisp, new replacement windows. Enjoy the sleek frames that give you more natural light indoors, and greater views of the outdoors.
Increase home insulation
Get the insulation your home needs with refreshing window replacements. Argon gas placed between your window panes will increase your home’s indoor comfort.
The Best Time to Replace Windows
From late winter to early spring, it’s a fabulous time of year to install replacement windows in your home. You’ll wait less time for a contractor’s availability, and be ready to enjoy the mild temperatures spring brings to California.
Get Expert Window Replacement
When Approved Contractors installs your windows, your Southern California home will look fabulous for years to come. We are the Cape Cod style home window replacement team you can trust.
We’re here to help you discover the beauty and function window replacements can bring to your home. We’ll guide you through the window selection process so you get the best long-term solution for your needs.
Contact us today, and share your vision for new windows with our team. We’ll answer your questions and even provide a free estimate so you can plan ahead for your replacement windows.
