Windows can have a huge impact on your home’s curb appeal, energy efficiency, security and comfort. When something is wrong with your windows, your first instinct may be to look at the glass. But did you know your window frame is just as important to your windows’ overall performance? Exposure to moisture, sunlight, drastic temperature changes and daily wear and tear can damage window frames over the years. While some window frame problems can be fixed, there comes a time when further repair is no longer the best option. Learn when window frames are beyond repair.
If you ignore those small problems with your window frames now, they can turn into big problems down the road. Unsightly gaps, leaks, structural damage, and higher energy bills could await you if you fail to address window damage in a timely manner. Keep reading to find out how to tell when it’s time to say goodbye to your window frames.
Tiny Problems Can Lead to Big Window Issues
Something as small as a crack in your window frame can easily turn into rot or a full-blown broken window. Many common window problems start out small and, if left untreated, can evolve into bigger, more expensive issues. Structural damage, energy inefficiency and poor performance are just some of the things your windows could suffer from.
Why Window Frames Are Important
Window frames do more than hold your glass in place. They help support your window and prevent outdoor elements from coming into your home. Once your window frame begins to fail, your whole window can struggle.
If your window frame has developed a gap or hole, it can let air and unwanted guests into your home. Even if your window glass is in pristine condition, one damaged window frame can compromise your whole window.
Signs Your Window Frame is Failing
Some window problems are very obvious, while others can creep up on you over time. You may start to notice your windows are harder to open and close. Others might spot paint chipping around their window frames or areas of discoloration. These can also be signs that moisture is taking a toll on your window frame.
Here are a few other signs that it may be time to upgrade your window frames:
- Cracks or splits in the frame
- Soft spots on wood window frames
- Drafts coming from your window
- Water stains on or around your window
- Warping or shifting window frames
- Mold or mildew growth around your window
Any of these issues can be signs that your window frame is no longer doing its job properly.
When Wood Rot Is Too Far Gone
Wood windows are a classic style many homeowners love. But even the most gorgeous wood window can fall victim to moisture and water damage. If you catch wood rot early, you may be able to cut away the affected areas and use wood filler to repair it.
However, when wood rot is far gone, you may have a bigger problem on your hands. Once water enters your window frame and begins to eat away at large portions of it, repair can become a band-aid solution.
The wood may become soft to the touch and may even fall apart with slight pressure. Once the wood in your window frame becomes rotten to the point of losing its structural integrity, it’s time to replace it.
Severe Sagging and Warping
Windows are measured and cut to specific sizes so they fit your window frame. However, when your window begins to sag or warp, many issues can occur.
You may notice your window is difficult to open and close. Or you may find that your window won’t lock properly and is leaving gaps all around your window. Warping can occur when there’s excessive moisture, extreme temperatures or years of weathering.
Little shifts in your window’s frame may be corrected with some DIY know-how. However, when your window warps to the point where it can’t keep its shape, you may experience some of the problems mentioned above. Air leakage, water damage and home security can all be affected by a saggy window.
If your window frame can no longer hold your window in place, the repairs you make may not last.
Never-Ending Water Problems
If you continue to have water problems with your windows even after they’ve been repaired, it may be a sign that there’s a problem with your window frame.
Often, if you have a recurring window leak or consistently see water stains on the same windows, there may be damage hidden in your window frame or surrounding areas.
If left untreated, water can damage your insulation, drywall, trim, and even some of the supporting structures in your wall. Interior and exterior mold could also begin to grow if excess water continues to enter your home.
Once you continue to have water problems with your windows, it’s time to consider replacement.
When Your Repair List is Too Long
Many homeowners try to keep up with repairs to their windows as the years go by. Replacing your weatherstripping, painting your window frames and sealing cracks are all great ways to lengthen the life of your windows. But what happens when your windows need more and more attention?
Eventually, the time and money you spend fixing your windows will start to add up. If your windows require a lot of upkeep to function, it may be time to replace them. Not only will new windows save you money in the long run by eliminating repair costs, but they can also increase your windows’ performance.
New windows should open and close more easily than windows that have been repaired numerous times. You’ll also likely see improved energy efficiency with a new window.
Energy Efficiency Starts with the Frame
Believe it or not, a lot of the heat loss from older windows can come from the window frames. As your window frame materials begin to wear down, cracks and gaps can appear.
These gaps not only allow the air you’ve paid to heat or cool to escape, but also let outdoor air enter. Not only will this affect your comfort, but rising utility bills will also be the telltale sign that your windows are losing energy efficiency.
While products like weatherstripping and sealants can help with minor cracks, older window frames will continue to lose energy efficiency as they age. Replacing your windows can help improve your homes’ insulation.
Your Window Frame Could Affect Your Home’s Structure
The worst types of window frame problems are ones that can affect your home’s structure. Once issues such as rot, rust, and material failure begin to erode the strength of your window frame, your window may no longer be properly supported.
Not only can this cause your window to perform poorly, but a lack of structural support can also be a safety issue. If your window suddenly seems hard to keep closed or you notice it shifting within the window frame, give us a call.
The issue will not fix itself and can become very costly to repair the longer you put off fixing the problem.
Advantages of Window Replacement
Window replacement doesn’t just give you a free pass on fixing your window frame. Installation of new windows can provide you with many benefits.
Not only will new windows improve your energy efficiency, but they can also:
- Boost curb appeal
- Increase your home’s protection from Mother Nature
- Allow you to easily open and close your windows
- Increase your home’s resale value
- Reduce the maintenance of your windows
Semko Can Improve Your Windows Today
Don’t let your windows go past the point of repair. Semko, Inc. can help you replace your windows and keep your energy bills low. New windows can also increase your home’s curb appeal and protect your home from harsh weather. Contact Semko today to find out how new windows could benefit you and your home.
