The aesthetic appeal of window boxes is undeniable—framing your windows with flowers or greenery is always a welcome sight. But so many are worried about the structural damage it might cause to a home’s exterior in the long run.
Window replacement should be the least of your concerns if correct installation and routine maintenance are adhered to. After all, beautifying one’s home entails putting in a bit of time and effort.
Prevent Damage From the Very Start
How do you prevent future damage? Begin by investing in the best quality of window boxes your budget can afford. Then ensure that they are correctly installed. When you follow these tips and regularly maintain your window boxes, damage should be minimal to nil.
Choose window boxes for their capability to resist rot and ability to carry over 90 kilos of soil, water and all sorts of flowers and plants. However fancy looking it may be, the material you pick should hold up well for the years to come. You also have the option to make your own out of wood. Should you go this route, create one out of treated redwood and cedar. Or purchase one made out of extruded fiberglass, which resists rot and only requires hidden clips to be hung.
After picking out a window box, plan for proper installation; an open pathway is needed to prevent water from flowing behind the box. Any type of window, such as specialty windows, needs enough space in between the box and the wall so rainwater, too, will not get trapped. Use stainless-steel bolts to embed the boxes to the outside wall studs.
For Brick Homes
Bricks need to be repointed when damaged. To prevent this tasking repair, it is important that there is a pathway for water to flow behind the box to prevent soaking the mortar and causing it to crack. Applying a silane to the surface behind the box will help it repel water and avoid future damage to the masonry.
An expert windows contractor will be able to help you choose and install window boxes that will not damage your home. When it’s time, call Renewal by Andersen in Huntington at 866-609-5033 or fill out our contact form to get started. We serve Huntington and nearby areas.
