Common Signs Of Poor Performing Windows In Your Home

The windows in your home are probably something you don’t think much about, until there’s a problem. They’re such an important component of any house, condo, or apartment because they perform many various functions.

The windows offer a view of the environment surrounding the home, they allow sunlight to come into the home, yet they still need to be secure in more ways than one. That means the windows need to perform as expected and when they don’t, it may be time to have them fixed. Sometimes the damage and disrepair is significant enough to warrant having replacements put in.

But the cost of installing windows that are brand new can be rather considerable. So you need to weigh your options carefully and see which option fits your home and your wallet best.

The best way to do that is to examine the windows to see just how bad your problem might be. Here are some of the most common signs that a window is performing poorly and will need your attention as soon as possible.

Poor Functionality Issues

With so many various types of windows on the market, functionality malfunctions can also be varied. Sure, they all may share certain specific problems as a result of how they are all supposed to operate and the purpose they’re supposed to serve, but you may also run into specific issues that are a result of the way that particular window is designed and manufactured.

For instance, there are plenty of different types of windows that are made from wood. Yet if you find you are having issues trying to open and close the window, it’s possible the wood has swelled due to a change in temperature or an increase in humidity. In most such instances, sanding or planing the wood will help to work out the problem.

But with issues that are specific to a certain type of window, you may need to diagnose it a little more closely. As an example, casement windows may be performing poorly as a result of specific aspects that you can attribute to the design and make-up of that type of window. There are a lot of moving parts to this window and your malfunction could be found in any of these areas.

The track is likely to blame in many of these situations, either due to some type of debris trapped within or all you need is a little oil or lubricant to make it operate more smoothly. You should also take a close look at the components by which you physically maneuver the window to open and close it. These parts may need some lubricant as well.

Air Leaks

There are two things to understand about your windows. The first is that the glass contained within is a very poor insulator, which is why most homeowners are now having double and triple pane windows installed in their homes. Those multiple panes combined with inert gas injected and sealed in between them are designed to keep air from moving through the glass and escaping in or out of the home.

The second is that your windows can be one of the biggest culprits for a loss in energy efficiency due to the fact that your windows are compromised in some way. A window frame has settled out of place and now a gap or two exists between the window unit and the space in your home. Perhaps the window doesn’t close all the way, meaning it doesn’t shut flush against the jamb and doesn’t seal properly.

There could be a problem with the seal inside the window, this is a common issue with double and triple pane versions. When this occurs, you’ll notice condensation getting into the window itself.

As for cracks and gaps surrounding the window or due to a decrease in functionality, you’ll be able to tell there’s a problem almost immediately, especially when it rains or snows outside. Inclement weather with precipitation will alert you quickly that you have an issue. The water will seep in through these compromised areas and you could be dealing with water damage over time.

Fixing the issues could be as simple as installing some weatherstripping along the edge of the window to having the entire window replaced so it now sits flush in the space of the home.

Those windows with condensation in between could pose more complicated problems with various solutions available depending on the severity of the issue. In these cases, you may need to have a professional diagnose the problem and offer you available repair or replacement options.