Your windows play a vital role in maintaining your home’s beauty, comfort and energy efficiency — you need to maintain them if you want to protect your home’s comfort and curb appeal. To do so, take some time to check your windows for problems, especially after summer or winter. Exposure to extreme weather might have left them in bad condition, compromising your home’s look and feel. If your windows are older, inspection becomes doubly important. Should you notice rattling or other problems, you can promptly fix them or contact reliable window professionals to get the necessary solutions.
If you notice your windows rattling in the wind, you need to get to the root of the problem. Whether you want to know how to fix a rattling sliding window or to prepare for the future, we’re here to help. Read on to learn about the problem of window rattling and how you can keep your home in top condition.
You might notice rattling in windows when a strong wind or rumbling truck causes them to shake or vibrate. Rattling is loud and annoying, and it usually indicates that the windows’ overall performance is severely compromised. In other words, something is wrong, and it’s time to start looking into solutions.
Rattling is caused by either one of two things — a loose frame or a loose glass. In both cases, the warm air outside can leak into your home, leading to an increase in your air conditioning usage just so you can keep yourself comfortable during the summertime.
You can do your part to avoid window rattling by relying on professionals for window installation. Poor installation or window quality can lead to rattling. Turning to trusted experts for your window installation ensures the frame and glass are secure, keeping your home insulated and comfortable year-round.
If you’re dealing with rattling windows, you’ll want to get to the root cause quickly. While it might seem like a minor issue, it can cause significant issues for your home, such as driving up your energy bills and costing you big during extreme temperatures. Here are some potential solutions you can try to stop that rattling in its tracks.
If you identify that the window problem is caused by the glass, be sure to apply caulk to secure it and make it airtight. Apply the caulk on the cracks between the sash and the glass using a putty knife or the edge of a plastic card. Cracks must be completely filled with caulk. Wipe away smears of caulk on the glass surface using a rag soaked in vinegar.
Weather exposure may cause the frames of wood windows to warp or wither, leading to the sash no longer fitting properly within the track. This results in the units rattling in the wind. Consider applying weatherstripping to fix this problem on your double-hung windows to hold everything in place.
Weatherstripping is a great solution for rattling windows and makes your windows more secure and airtight. However, there are various kinds of weatherstripping, including metal, rubber, plastic, felt and foam. Ask a professional about the best material for your needs. Weatherstripping can either be nailed in place or has an adhesive that can be stuck on like tape.
Window maintenance is essential for reducing the risk of rattling. Wood windows, if left neglected, can deteriorate due to moisture damage. Rainwater may soften the wood components of the window units, leading to rot. Rattling can occur once the sash no longer fits properly within the frame, resulting in gaps that bring outside air in and compromise comfort and energy efficiency. You must repair any damage prior to repainting the exterior.
The mortise plate is a component that helps secure your window while it’s closed. Once it becomes loose or damaged, you may notice excessive rattling. To prevent this problem, try removing it and refitting it to the frame. If you can’t remove the mortise plate, you might need to consider replacing the window.
There are times when repairs are not enough to correct rattling or any kind of window damage. Once your windows show signs of extensive wear and tear, a window replacement by trusted window professionals would be a better and longer-lasting solution. This home improvement project keeps your home dry and free from damage, and it also boosts your home’s energy efficiency and curb appeal.
Older windows might also need replacement instead of repair. Windows can last anywhere from eight to 40 years, depending on the material. If your rattling window is getting up there in years, it could be more cost-effective to replace it.
Older windows have less advanced insulation and design technology. Newer models can give you an energy efficiency and durability upgrade, maximizing your investment. You can keep water and moisture out, and you’ll get years out of your new window instead of trying to maintain a window at the end of its life span.
On top of that, today’s replacement windows come in a range of materials, styles and customization options to help you make the most of your investment. Enjoy sleek, effective windows for years when you opt for a professional replacement.
When choosing windows, it’s important to consider build, quality and energy efficiency. First, consider the window’s primary material. With so many of them available, it pays to weigh each option’s pros and cons before settling on the right choice. The window material will influence your total cost, energy efficiency, life span and look. Try to find a material that meets your window needs while adhering to your budget.
For instance, vinyl may require little maintenance, but it’s prone to expanding and contracting when exposed to temperature changes. Wood, despite its great insulating value, tends to rot because of moisture. Composite, meanwhile, delivers some of the better features of vinyl and wood, including better strength and weathertightness.
Another thing you need to look for is the window glass. Pay attention to this component because it’s responsible for ensuring comfort and energy efficiency in your home. Make sure to choose your replacement units with low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. This treatment helps reduce heat transfer, resulting in more thermally comfortable spaces. It also allows natural light in while protecting your home’s interior from UV rays that cause your furniture to fade.
Reap the benefits of having new windows installed when you hire the right contractor for the job. If you want high-quality, trusted installation, turn to the experts at Renewal by Anderson. As a full-service window company, we provide design, planning, manufacturing, installation and even customer care. That’s one-company accountability, which means we’re with you every step of the way. Get custom window replacements from our knowledgeable team to enjoy windows that truly last.
Renewal by Anderson also offers the Nation’s Best Warranty Coverage. With no maintenance requirements and no restrictions for coastal or high-altitude homes, you can sleep easy knowing your window is protected. Enjoy industry-leading warranties and window quality when you choose Renewal by Anderson.
Replace your rattling windows with new ones through us. We have a wide range of window style choices, from casement windows to sliding windows. Fill out our contact form to schedule a free in-home consultation.
