Once again winter is back! The approach of winter means that everything from staying snugly in warm clothing to winter-proofing the cars must seem appealing; it is time to prepare the house as well. Out in the cold, problems with the windows and doors that had probably been ignored during the warm season may come looking for attention. With the temperature starting to dip, it is the perfect time to address these slight yet potential problems before the worst of winter sets in.
Winter shows up the weaknesses in your doors and windows, and if you have noticed any of the problems mentioned below, it would be a good idea to get ahead of the game and fix them before comfort is affected. Here are the details of the most common issues and what precautions can be taken against them.
- Frame Warping-Causing Bigger Concerns During Cold Weather:
Windows and doors are vital parts of your home insulation system. But moisture and fluctuating temperatures do real harm to these frames with time. This is particularly true for the wood and metal frames of windows and doors.
Certainly, during the summer months, you may go about life blissfully ignorant of any problems; however, come winter and these imperfections assume prominence. Relative to inhabitance, moisture increases with falling temperatures, during which time doors and windows may seem to bear the brunt of that δόλιον.
What Happens If Your Door Frames Warps?
With greater warpage, it may get harder to open, close, or even do the job of sealing, thereby allowing in drafts and air.
TO DO LIST: - Examine all frames of window and door for any visible damage on a regular basis.
- Weatherstrip or caulk any gaps or cracks there may be in the frame in order to deny access to moisture.
- If the damage is beyond repair, time may come to either replace the frame or work on the damaged area.
2.Sticking Doors and Windows: Hard to Open or Close?
By and large, sticking doors and windows are another malady that may crop up in winter. It is typically most noticeable when doors and windows are stuck due to constant humidity and temperature changes causing some material, for example, wood, to expand or contract.
Cold and dry air naturally causes wooden frames to shrink and swell. Sometimes a swelling in the window or door frame may obstruct its proper opening or closing. In more serious cases, it will lead to a complete jam.
Here’s what you can do about it:
Do keep your windows and doors sealed properly and limit moisture contact with them to have less moisture content.
Lubrication of moving parts with silicone to run windows and doors smoothly.
If it is too misaligned, you might possibly have to get it adjusted or replaced. - Windows and Doors Leakage: The Reason Behind Cold Drafts-The leaks usually can be seen in the windows and doors during the winter, one of the cruelest problems. Cold air can seep into the house through the crummy windows and doors, thus increasing the heating cost and creating an unfriendly atmosphere inside. These leaks are usually found in old and damaged doors or windows.
Specifically, double-glazed windows develop leaks at the critical locations where the two panes seal themselves. At this stage, the air or insulating gas pockets trapped between the panes cannot escape and condensation occurs between panes; the window becomes inefficient for barring out the cold while keeping in warm air. This results in drafts and higher energy bills.
Leaks may occur anywhere along the edges of doors, around windows, or even in the weatherstripping; just a small gap between these surfaces is enough to allow such temperature loss in the home. More often than not, this is a problem that you will not see until it is too late.
What you can do:
Condensation on the inside of double-glass window panes indicates a broken seal, which means the efficiency of the window is diminished by leakage. Contact a professional for repairs or replacement.
Better inspect the weather stripping on your doors and windows. If it appears worn or torn or damaged, you need to replace it.
Moreover, you may place draft stoppers on doors leading out to help avoid heat loss. - Condensation and Mold Growth-Hidden Danger
As temperatures tumble outside, the indoor air can be warm and extremely moist, especially if you are turning your heating system on. The contrast of warm air with cold window glass surfaces can cause condensation to form on the inside of the windowpanes. The moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, especially if the condensation is not wiped off regularly.
Mold poses a health concern; put in mold is one of the factors facilitating the destruction of your window frames and wall structures.
What you can do:
Install a dehumidifier or air purifier to regulate humidity levels in your home.
Wipe off the windows regularly to eliminate moisture.
If you see mold or mildew on the surface around the windows, clean it using a mold cleaner or a bleach solution so that it does not continue to destroy the area.
Drafts: The Silent Drainer Most Energy from Nearly Closed Doors
The biggest culprit in energy loss during winter months is usually a drafty door. These drafts can be attributed to older or ill-fitting doors, spaces where the door meets the frame, or sealing materials that are worn out. If the old door closes but tight, warm air will escape, and cold air will come into the house; this is a challenge to maintain the temperature of a cozy home by the heating system.
Besides, it makes your home less comfortable, and it adds extra costs to energy bills.
What you can do:
Inspect your doors to see if there are any gaps around the edges. If there are, seal up with some weatherstripping.
Consider installing a door sweep at the bottom of the door to block any drafts coming from the floor.
And if your door is old or inefficient, replacing it with an energy-efficient model can help cut down on heating bills. - Frost and Ice Buildup: A Common Winter Complaint
If you live in an area that gets very heavy snow and icing, frost or ice accumulation can develop on windows and doors during winter. Such conditions occur when warm and moist air from inside touches the cold window and door surface causing condensation to freeze.
Thus, moisture damage can be inflicted on the wood and the frame over time leading to difficulties while opening and/or closing the windows or doors.
You can do this:
Keep low humidity indoors to prevent condensation.
Have window insulation film for additional protection against cold.
Check for ice accumulation and remove it immediately.
Preventative Measures: Regular Maintenance is Key
To be proactive when it comes to windows and doors in winter, the best thing is to do regular maintenance, such as inspecting and performing small repairs. It covers up a lot of major behind-the-scenes issues.
The time for an inspection of your windows and doors should be before they get too cold; otherwise, potential issues that could worsen over the winter will be less likely to see inspection: warped window frames, worn seals, and failing double-glazed windows.
Schedule Your Winter Window and Door Inspection Today
Asher Lasting Exteriors specializes in getting windows and doors winter-ready. These and other concerns have been plaguing you or you’d like confirmation on the condition of your windows and doors; our team is here to serve you by providing thorough inspections and giving advice on repair or replacement. Call us at (715) 333-3867 or fill out our contact form to schedule your consultation before it is too late. We are proud to serve homeowners in Eau Claire and Menomonie, WI, and are ready to make your home nice and cozy for the rest of the winter.
