Windows and doors are a vitally important part of the home. When working effectively, they bring in light, allow for control of airflow and entry, provide a view, and protect your home from the elements. It's essential that they be in good working order to do their jobs.
But when windows and doors are not working effectively, they allow the elements, insects or pests to enter, potentially causing damage. If you cannot control the airflow, it also means you cannot control the temperature in your home, which significantly affects the comfort of everyone inside.
But when doors or windows aren't performing at their best, how do you know if they require a quick fix, major repair, or complete replacement? With some problems, it might be more obvious, but with others, it can be difficult to determine. You'll need to take a good look and balance the pros and cons to decide which is the right solution.
If you have an issue with your doors or windows or just want to be able to identify when they come up, this post is for you. At Golden Windows, we aim to educate our customers so they can understand the best solution for them. Here, we'll discuss common issues that arise, how to decide between repairing and replacing, and how to maintain your windows to keep them in good condition.
Common Issues with Windows and Doors
Windows and doors take on a lot. Between exposure to the elements and constant use by the homeowner, issues can arise. Some are more common than others, and we'll explore those here.
Some of the most common issues with windows and doors include:
- Drafts
- Cracked or chipped glass
- Stuck or sticky window sashes
- Condensation
- Structural issues
- Squeaky hinges
- Trouble opening or closing
- Door alignment
- Warping
- Wood rot
Regardless of the issue, it's a good idea to look at your windows and doors warranty to see if it is still in effect and what it covers. Even if a job is repairable, it may be worth it to get them replaced if your warranty allows.
When to Repair
In many cases, issues with doors and windows can be simple and straightforward. Sometimes operation issues can come up, and it can be difficult to open or close windows or doors. There are times when this problem simply comes down to accumulated dirt and debris. If that's the case, all that's required is a simple but thorough cleaning. It could also be an issue with broken hardware, such as hinges, cranks, or other hardware, in which case, replacing the part can be a satisfactory solution.
If your windows or doors are drafty, try to see if you can detect where the air leaks are happening. There's a good chance that all that's needed is for you to install new weatherstripping or re-caulk the panes. It's a simple repair, but one that can have a big effect on comfort and energy bills.
Squeaky doors are an annoying problem but a simple fix. Dragging doors can be fixed by tightening the hinges using a screwdriver. If your door is sticking, drawing in the hinges or jambs can reposition the door, solving the problem.
When to Replace
It's extremely important to know when to replace doors and windows, as they'll be working inefficiently and could be causing discomfort in your home and skyrocketing energy bills.
When condensation occurs between the window panes, the reason is a broken seal. In this case, the insul unit needs to be replaced.
For example, when drafty windows are caused by rotted wood, full replacement is necessary. When wood isn't treated properly or experiences continuous exposure to humidity or rain, it can begin to deteriorate. If the affected area is small, you may be able to patch it up temporarily. However, if complete deterioration has occurred, there's a good chance it will be more cost-effective to get replacement windows.
If your door has warped excessively, you'll want to consider replacing your entry door. A warped door means there is a bad seal, which is not something you want to live with long-term. While it's possible to use weatherstripping to make up for this, it's not highly recommended as a long-term solution.
Another thing to keep in mind is that windows and doors that are aging or outdated might warrant replacement, even if there is no noticeable issue. Advances in technology have come a long way in the world of windows and doors, and there's a good chance that by installing new ones, you will see a world of difference in their efficiency.
For example, an older, uninsulated door could be letting heat in your home escape, even if the caulking and weatherstripping are in good shape. These doors just don't have the proper insulating materials that are standard today, so a total door replacement may be in order.
When Easy Repairs Become Too Big
Sometimes something repairable becomes too big of an issue and needs replacement. This can be because it was left without repair for too long, or in some cases, there have been several rounds of repairs, and they eventually stop being effective.
As mentioned, cracked glass is often easily patched, but if the cracks are more than an inch long or the glass has broken into pieces, it's beyond repair. Same thing with leaks and drafts. These can often be patched with caulking and weatherstripping, but it's likely that eventually, these will stop being effective.
Maintenance Tips to Extend the Life of Your Windows and Doors
Proper cleaning and maintenance can extend the life of windows and doors significantly and keep them working as they should. While you can stick to annual maintenance if you choose, we suggest a twice-annual routine to keep everything looking and operating at its best. Review our Care & Maintenance brochure for best practices.
Remember to clean all the operating hardware, hinges and tracks on your windows and lightly lubricate them with a silicone spray or gentle oil. Make sure you clean the vinyl and clad surfaces of the windows with mild soap and water at least once a year. To retain or restore the original luster of aluminum window frames, you can apply some automotive paste wax. When it comes to glass and other finishes, do not use abrasive cleaners or materials, as this can cause a host of problems with their appearance and function.
If you're planning to change up the look of your windows by painting them, you mustn't paint over hardware or weatherstripping, so take great care around these areas. Painting over these areas can result in windows not performing as they should and does not constitute a manufacturing defect.
Before winter sets in, we highly recommend removing internal screens to help reduce the chances of condensation on the glass.
Clean the Window Tracks
Dirt, dust and debris build up in the window tracks and can affect the performance of the windows. This makes them less efficient and also causes wear and tear. Vacuum the tracks using a crevice tool attachment, taking care to be gentle with the surrounding frame, sill, sash and stile. Then, gently cleanse the track with a light application of baking soda and vinegar, rinse and allow to dry thoroughly.
Also, be sure to remove debris that collects outside of your windows. Wet leaves, for instance, can stagnate when left unattended and cause damage later when they freeze. Take some time every once in a while to do a spot check from outside and clear any collected debris from your windows.
Check for Air Leaks
Checking for air leaks every so often is an important part of checking the performance and condition of your windows. There are some simple tests you can administer to determine if your windows have drafts or air leaks. The easiest way is to rely on your own senses. Move the back of your hand around the window and feel for any drafts. If you hear whistling sounds coming from the windows, or if the drapes rustle, that's also a good indication of air leaking.
The other rudimentary way to check for air leaks is by performing "the candle test." Simply hold a lit candle around various spots on the window – if the flame flickers, you may have an air leak that needs to be addressed.
Caulk and Re-Weatherstrip
Caulking and weatherstripping are effective at minimized air leaks, but there’s a chance they will get worn out as time goes by. In this situation, you need to redo the caulking or weatherstripping.
To recaulk:
- Start by gently removing the old caulking with a putty knife.
- Choose caulk that fits your purpose (i.e. if you're doing the exterior, ensure the caulk is suitable for outdoor surfaces) and use both hands on the caulking gun to run a steady, narrow bead along the length of the seam.
- Smooth the caulk with an applicator, working one small section at a time to prevent buildup.
Weatherstripping is relatively straightforward as well, and it's best to follow instructions for the specific product you pick up. If you have ongoing caulking and weatherstripping problems, it may be time to consider replacing your windows. Many of our windows come with double weatherstripping for long-lasting performance and draft-free comfort.
Maintain Your Doors
Regular maintenance can prevent issues like squeaky door hinges. By ensuring your hinges and closers get a couple of drops of oil, they'll swing back and forth without creating an ear-piercing squeak. You can also take the time to ensure screws are tight and the door is closing properly and without concerted effort. When doors close properly, they form a more efficient seal and reduce the amount of air that escapes.
What to Do with Old Windows and Doors
We understand that consumers can be hesitant to replace old products and worry about creating more waste. But windows and doors can account for up to 25 per cent of total house heat loss. Replacing these with more energy efficient models plays a significant role in improving comfort and saving energy. That's just part of the reason we focus on providing energy efficient windows and doors that make homes more efficient and sustainable.
Plus, getting more efficient models doesn't necessarily have to mean creating more waste that ends up in a landfill. We've previously discussed tips for disposing old windows and doors on the blog, giving plenty of ideas to reuse or repurpose them, as well as places where these items can be donated.
Whether you need service for your window and doors or want to discuss replacement and installation services for windows and doors, we're here to help!
Request Service for Your Windows
If you need to request service on your windows and doors for any reason, you can do so through our service request page. It makes things easy and simple for homeowners to get in touch with our service team. All you have to do is click on the Request Service tab and choose either the "Homeowner" or "Builder/Contractor" form. Next, just fill out your information and provide some insight into the history of the window or door and what the issue is. Next, just hit submit and someone from our team will get in contact.
Contact Golden Windows today for all your door and window needs.