- Keep windows clean: You see your main windows everyday, so you may overlook the fact that they are pretty dirty. Dirt, dust, pollen and stains from dried, dirty water are common types of debris you’ll find on the outside of window glass. The inside panel can have the same debris, but you should also toss in saliva from dog or cat licks, handprints and traces of glass cleaning solution. In addition, use a slightly damp cloth to wipe away debris buildup from windowsills, joints, tracks and frames.
- Inspect frames: Window glass is not the only thing you need to check for problems. Inspect window frames—including the windowsill and moldings—for wood warping or metal deterioration, and look closely at frame connectors for missing hardware, or glue that’s lost its holding power. Regular inspections are important to ensure that window frames are in good condition and free of damage that can lead to costly repairs.
- Check for signs of moisture: Window glass is susceptible to moisture when cracked or if there’s a problem with the frame. Signs of damaging moisture include mold or mildew along the edge of the glass or frame, bubbling paint and warping windowsills. Also, if a part of your window is malfunctioning, you may see moisture in double or triple pane window glass in the form of condensation or fog. Ignore these signs and you could end up needing window replacement in Highlands Ranch, CO.
- Check weather stripping: A window is like a lens that lets you see what’s going on outside, which means it’s a barrier between the inside of your house and the external elements. Thus, ineffective weather stripping will cause all sorts of problems. But keep in mind that depending on the type of window installation, weather stripping and other seals may not be in plain sight. In this case, should you detect issues, it’s best to schedule an inspection with a window professional. Otherwise, check the weather stripping material for damage, like bends, breaks, cracks and looseness—missing sections need immediate replacement. And don’t forget to clean weather stripping every so often as a preventive measure against damage.
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Because there are so many windows in your home, you may not pay them any mind until it’s too late, which may require you to replace a window that might’ve been salvageable if properly cared for. This is why it’s important to perform regular and proper care for your glass windows—including frames, sills, paint and seals—just as you would any other part of your home. With that in mind, let’s look at some maintenance tips to keep your new window replacement in Aurora, CO in good condition for years to come:
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When it comes to your home’s windows, it might be easy to assume that if you don’t see any breaks or cracks, all is fine. But not so fast, especially if you notice condensation. Condensation occurs when warm, moist air comes into contact with cooler surfaces—moisture in the air condenses into water vapor and beads into the surface of the lower temperature surface. Condensation occurs because the cooled air next to the cool surface can’t hold as much moisture as the warmer surrounding air.
While exterior condensation is a form of dew that you’ll notice on your window because excess moisture from the air needs a surface on which to condense, it’s worth a closer look to check for interior condensation. Take a look at what interior condensation could mean and why you should hire a professional if you notice it. Then, contact the team of residential window repair experts at Fast Glass in Highlands Ranch, CO, to schedule an appointment if your windows are in need of repairs. What does interior condensation indicate? First, it’s important to note that you may notice interior condensation taking one or more forms. It may block the view, making it difficult to see out of your window. This interior condensation indicates excess humidity in your home, which means that this condensation may be causing other humidity-related problems. Excess humidity may lead to one or more of the following:
Why should I take care of this problem? Given the effects that can take place because of interior condensation, seeking immediate repair is a priority so that your home can return to its comfortable, aesthetic appearance as soon as possible. Beyond affecting your home’s appearance and structure, the excess humidity that results from this interior condensation can also affect your health. Most experts suggest maintaining indoor humidity levels between 30 and 50 percent. At levels higher than 65 percent, upper respiratory afflictions may occur in those who experience asthma and allergies, according to the World Health Organization. Condensation is more likely to occur in climates where the average January temperature is 35°F or colder. While it’s most common in winter, it can occur at any time during the year when water vapor in the air comes in contact with a surface wherein the temperature is lower than the dew point of the environment. If you notice interior condensation, don’t risk your health or the quality of your home. Contact the residential window repair team at Fast Glass in Aurora, CO, today. If your windows are in need of some help, you may want to consider whether window replacement in Denver, CO may solve your problems, or if you may be able to get by with some affordable window repairs. Here’s what to look for while you are deciding if you should replace or repair your windows.
Broken panes Do you have cracks, scratches or chips in your windows? These could have been caused by a variety of things, including storm damage or abrasive cleaners. Since cosmetic defects like these are definite eyesores, if you have inexpensive vinyl windows, you should consider window replacement in Denver, CO. If your windows are vintage, aluminum-clad or multi-pane custom designs, you may want to salvage them and go with repairs that replace the glass. Broken seals If you have foggy condensation or streaks between double or triple panes, you likely have broken seals in your windows. The contraction and expansion of the window induced by heat destroys the window seals, which then creates condensation between the windowpanes. Once a seal is broken, it is very hard to save the pane. You can repair the seal of the window by installing a new sash. This will preserve the frame and help breathe new life into the window. Drafty windows Do you feel a draft of air coming from the windows? Is air able to move between gaps in sashes, frames or dividers? If so, you have drafty windows, which are often caused by caulking that has cracked or pealed, old weather stripping, a loose sash or rotted wood on the frame. You can repair the windows with caulk that seals the gaps, as well as new weather stripping. You may also want to consider window replacement in Denver, CO and install new energy efficient windows that will help lower your energy bills by eliminating these drafts. Windows that won’t open Maybe you have windows that don’t operate very smoothly or don’t open at all. Are your sashes painted shut, or is there dirt and grime in the track and balances? There could even be broken hardware that is preventing you from opening your windows to enjoy a cool breeze. When your window is painted shut, you will have to break the paint seal with a saw or putty knife. You will then need to scrape and sand the old paint and putty. If dirt is involved, simply clean the tracks and balances. If broken hardware is the culprit, replace it with new hardware for a simple fix. If you simply can’t find the right replacement hardware, window replacement in Denver, CO may be what you need to get those windows open again. Rotting wood How does the wood around your windows look? Do you have rotten frames, sashes or dividers? If so, the wood has probably deteriorated. This often happens when windows are primed and painted incorrectly or they have been exposed to precipitation and humidity. You may be able to patch smaller areas of rot with epoxy, but if the frames are thoroughly rotten you will need to consider window replacement in Denver, CO as the most cost effective option. Whether you’re looking for window repair or window replacement, give Fast Glass a call and we will provide you with timely, effective and affordable window work for your home or business. |
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