Drafty Windows
Drafty windows may not be the end of the world, but they can be a frustrating problem to have as a homeowner. If you feel a distinct chill or breeze when you pass by a certain window in your home, you’re dealing with drafty windows. There are several possible causes of a drafty window, and the damage could be located in any one of the window’s components. By understanding the possible causes of drafty windows, you can avoid future window damage in your Denver home.
Drafty Windows
Drafty windows may not be the end of the world, but they can be a frustrating problem to have as a homeowner. If you feel a distinct chill or breeze when you pass by a certain window in your home, you’re dealing with drafty windows. There are several possible causes of a drafty window, and the damage could be located in any one of the window’s components. By understanding the possible causes of drafty windows, you can avoid future window damage in your Denver home.
Extreme Temperature Fluctuations
Temperature fluctuations could be the cause of the draft coming from your Denver windows. Some window materials may contract in low temperatures and expand in high temperatures. When this occurs, especially repeatedly, the material could incur damage like cracking or splitting. This damage can cause air from the outside to leak into your home, causing a draft.
If temperature fluctuations are the cause of your drafty window, you’ll need to schedule either a full Denver window replacement or window repairs, depending on the extent of the damage. To prevent this problem from recurring, you can use exterior-grade caulk around the perimeter of the window on the outside of your home. This will reduce the impact of temperature fluctuations on the window itself.
Failed Window Seal
If you have a double pane window or a triple pane window, the cause of the draft could be a seal failure. When a window seal breaks, the argon gas that’s trapped in between the glass panes leaks out. The failed seal will compromise the window’s energy efficiency, so outdoor air will likely start to leak inside.
A broken window seal can result from simple wear and tear, poor installation, damage during shipping and handling, or even mold growth. Your Denver window experts can take a look at your draft window to determine if a broken seal is the cause of the damage. If this is the case, you’ll need to schedule a window replacement to restore the condition of the window.
Excess Moisture
Moisture and humidity could be behind the drafty window in your home. This excess moisture makes it more likely for water to seep beneath the seal and damage it. With a damaged seal, as we just learned, air from the outdoors can leak inside, leading to a draft.
While it can be difficult to manage humidity, you can keep an eye out for condensation of your windows. If you see condensation, wipe it away to prevent water damage to the window.
Mold Growth
Window seals that are made of a material like rubber, may serve as a prime environment for mold growth. If mold starts to grow on the seal, it will gradually eat away at it, eventually altering its shape. When the window seal changes shape, it will become less effective at maintaining energy efficiency.
Check your windows regularly for signs of mold and mildew. If you notice mold beginning to grow in the seal, give the area a thorough cleaning with vinegar or an alcohol solution. Mold growth that has already eaten away at the window seal, however, may create the need for Denver window repairs.
Poor Window Installation
Unfortunately, not all window installers provide top-quality service. Errors in the window installation process could lead to a draft if the window isn’t properly fitted to the window opening. The gaps in between the opening and the window will allow air to leak inside. This can be a frustrating issue, but it can be easily resolved by getting help from a reputable Denver window installation company.
Installing windows isn’t a project to tackle on your own. To ensure that the windows last for as long as possible and are resistant to damage, you need the services of window installation experts. So, think twice before you adopt window installation as your next DIY project. Doing so could simply lead to costly future damage!
If you have a drafty window in your home, contact Clearwater Exteriors for help from an expert window installation and replacement team. We’ll restore your window to prevent drafts and future damage.