You may notice that your windows aren’t functioning as well as they should be, but it doesn’t mean that they are useless. If you can target the root of the problem, you might be able to fix it and have your windows back to normal in no time.
Drafts Are Sneaking Inside
You can try to solve this problem by caulking your windows to seal the visible gaps along the exterior using a store-bought tube of caulk and a caulk-gun, then letting the material dry for approximately twenty-four hours. If you don’t notice any difference after covering the gaps, it may be an issue with the overall quality of your window. You should look for energy-efficient window replacement options to guarantee that your house is protected from drafts and that your indoor temperature is regulated, no matter what the weather is like outside. If you hire a certified contractor, they can follow window and door installation tips to make sure the job is completed correctly or you can hire certified installers directly from the window manufacturer.
The Glass Is Sweating
Window condensation is a build-up of moisture that can cause peeling paint, water stains, mould growth and wood rot. You can try to reduce the amount of moisture by improving air circulation, running a dehumidifier and adding ventilation fans in kitchens and bathrooms — you can find more helpful tips for taking care of your windows and doors in their resources section under the article for window condensation and controlling moisture. If those precautions don’t stop the water droplets from appearing on your windows, you probably need replacements.
Horizontal Slider Windows Are Slow To Open
If you have horizontal slider windows that are sticking along the track or that are moving at a snail’s pace, you likely have build-up from dirt and grime getting in the way. You can clean window tracks by coating them in baking soda and then pouring on a mixture of white vinegar and water — let it fizzle for several minutes and then scrub the area with a toothbrush. Wipe it dry with a paper towel and use a butter-knife wrapped with a rag to get into the difficult-to-reach corners.
Crank-Operated Windows Aren’t Working
Much like the horizontal slider windows, this could be another case of routine cleaning and maintenance. To remedy this problem, you should clean and lubricate window cranks for your casement or awning windows by removing the arm of the crank, getting rid of rust inside the gears with a wire brush and then using a toothbrush coated with cleaning liquid to give it a final scrub. After you are finished scrubbing, you should dry the pieces off with a rag and then lubricate the gears and the crank. If this doesn’t resolve your problem, you may need to get replacement casement windows or awning windows for your home.
Windows With Wooden Frames Aren’t Opening
Unfortunately, wood can warp when it deals with too much moisture and humidity, which means that frames can change and keep windows from properly opening and closing. This frustrating situation can occur during the more humid times of year and when there is lots of condensation on the surface. You can see if the frames return to their normal state when the weather clears up or after you follow steps to deal with condensation. A final solution is to get energy-efficient replacements with vinyl frames that can handle sudden changes in temperature and humidity — the Classic Plus series is known for staying flexible through extreme temperature fluctuations.
Most window problems can be solved with a few practical household changes and a little bit of maintenance. If they can’t be salvaged and need to be replaced, this post still has information that can help you in the far-away future when your windows decide to act-up.
