Your windows add beauty to your home, provide a means of ventilation, and allow you to enjoy bright sunshine. But sometimes, windows don’t always work as they should. Window problems can be frustrating, but there are usually simple ways to address them. Read on to discover solutions to four of the most common window problems to plague Dayton home owners.
If you frequently notice condensation in the inside of your windows, you may worry about mold formation and breakdown of the window frame material. It’s not wise to ignore this issue, however, it is rarely a problem with the windows themselves. Usually, condensation on the windows means the air inside your home is too humid. Your best bet is to install a dehumidifier. Whole–home models work best because they treat the air throughout the home and integrate with your central heating system. However, placing a couple of portable dehumidifiers throughout the home is a more affordable option.
Condensation appearing between the two panes of glass is quite another story. This means the seals between your window glass and the sashes are deteriorating. You can try applying some caulk to the gap between the glass and sash, but ultimately, replacing the windows in questions is the best approach.
When you walk past your window in the middle of winter, do you feel a cold breeze? Air leaks like this tend to develop as windows age and the sash material starts to bow away from the glass. You can apply a bead of caulk to the inside of the window or place a sheet of plastic over the windows in order to squeeze a few more years out of them. When you do replace the windows, make sure you choose a weather–resistant sash material, like Fibrex®, so your sashes stay more tightly sealed to the glass as your new windows age.
When hung windows are new, they are incredibly easy to open; you just have to slide them up and down in the frame. But wooden windows, in particular, can get trickier to open as they age. Usually, this is because the wood has absorbed moisture and has changed shape as a result. If your double–hung windows fold inward for cleaning, you can try gently sanding the edges of the sashes. This may help them slide more freely. Applying a little beeswax to the sash and frame can help, too.
If you have casement windows, you may notice that the crank gets harder and harder to turn. Usually, this just means you need to clean your window. Wipe along the track, and use the wand attachment to your vacuum cleaner to suck any debris out from the hinges. If this does not work, your crank mechanism may need to be oiled. Unscrew the arm from the bottom of the window, and then add a few drops of lubricant to the gears and arm before screwing it back into place.
If you are having a lot of trouble with your windows, you may be better off replacing them now rather than trying to make do for a few more years. New windows are more energy–efficient and will add style to your Dayton home. Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule your free, in-home consultation today.
