How to Spot Window Damage After Winter

Winter is a harsh season that can leave your home weathered and damaged. The cold, ice, snow, and wind have the potential to seep through the cracks and affect every exposed area of your home including your doors, windows, roof, and siding. You may not realize it, but the after-effects of winter could be destroying parts of your property.

The one area homeowners tend to ignore during the winter are the windows. Keeping an eye on them throughout winter and performing checks when the air starts to get warmer is crucial to keeping repair costs low and minimizing damage to your home. Depending on what material your window frames are made from will dictate how you inspect them. Below, we have created a list of things to look for when trying to spot window damage after winter.

Vinyl Windows

• Condensation between panes: Condensation on windows is a common occurrence. This means that your windows are energy-efficient and working properly. However, if you start to notice condensation between the panes of glass, you should consider having the windows repaired or replaced because there could be a failed seal. This is a key sign the window is no longer an effective insulator.
• Cold temperatures coming from the window: If you feel a draft coming from the window, you should get it inspected for damage. Drafty windows can be caused by several issues such as worn-out weatherstripping, an aging window or frame, a frame that has contracted due to extreme cold, or high levels of moisture. Drafts will create unwanted temperatures in your home, stress on your heating system, and higher energy bills as you’ll be cranking the heat more often.
• Tears to weatherstripping: The weather-stripping and caulking that has been placed around your window to keep air out may have cracked or become damaged during the winter. This will require fresh caulking and weatherstripping done by a professional.
• Alterations in appearance: Winter weather tends to age your window frames. This greatly affects curb appeal. If this is the case, it’s recommended you get your windows replaced as soon as winter ends.

Wood Windows

• Swelling and sticking: Any sort of weather that involves water can cause wood to swell, thus making your windows difficult to open and close.
• Rotting frames: Wood rot is common during the winter and can also make your windows hard to open and close. If this happens, you’ll either need to sand and re-stain your wood-framed windows or replace them.
• Wear and tear: Wood windows also experience a lot of defects that vinyl windows do during the winter such as alterations in appearance, draftiness, and condensation between the glass panes. Any of these issues could require a window replacement.

The Professionals at MaxHome Are Here to Help Out

At MaxHome, we proudly offer a variety of window replacements and some of the best installation techniques around. If the windows in your home have been affected by winter weather, don’t worry. Our windows can provide your home with benefits such as low maintenance, increased energy efficiency, enhanced curb appeal, and long-lasting durability regardless of the weather. Your new windows will be installed by factory-trained technicians, so you won’t have issues such as drafts and condensation between panes in the future.

We have many window replacement styles available such as:

• Double-hung windows
• Sliding windows
• Casement windows
• Awning windows
• Bay & bow windows
• Many other styles

If you’re interested in the quality products and services we offer to homeowners at competitive price points, then contact MaxHome today. We’ll happily answer any questions you may have. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you become one step closer to installing stunning window replacements in your home.