As temperatures begin to drop, you want to keep your home comfortable, especially during the holiday season. But have you ever walked by a window in the late afternoon and felt the heat getting through? Does a particular room get cold at night? The problem can stem from a leaky window. Not only can it have a huge impact on your comfort level, but also your energy bills. Here are a few of the most common causes of leaky windows Lakewood, CA:
Number of Panes
Not super common, but some old windows were made with just a single pane. These windows do very little to insulate and protect your home. They are also highly susceptible to seal failure. You will want to upgrade to a double-glazing as soon as possible. Newer widows have more thermal resistant properties, last longer, and will give you the energy savings you are looking for.
Age
As with most home products, the components of your windows will start to break down as time goes by. Seals will fail, frames may warp, and frequent use can wear down the weather stripping. The locks or latches might break, preventing the window from forming a proper seal. Really, when your windows are 20 or more years old, it is time to start looking for replacements.
Poor Installation
Some homeowners want to tackle home renovation projects on their own in an effort to save money. What they fail to realize is that window installation may seem straight forward, but improper installation can cause early window failure. Even a small mistake in measurements could result in serious window leaks.
Pests and Mold
Heat and moisture are a bad combination, something there is an abundance of in Lakewood, CA. This causes condensation, mildew, and mold. At the first sign of moisture leaks, dry the area. If you leave it and it results in mold, you will want to clean it with an alcohol-based cleaner. Another thing you want to watch out for is critters that will chew up your window materials. Again, wood windows are susceptible while vinyl and fiberglass are not.
Neglecting Maintenance
Most windows do not require that much work to keep them looking and working like new. That said, few homeowners take the time to regularly clean and lubricate their windows per the manufacturer’s instructions. Instead, dirt and debris builds up in the tracks and can cause a number of problems.
Extreme Changes in Temperature
This is something that can impact cheaper window materials that expand and contract due to hot and cold temperatures. In these cases, the glass does not change at the same rate and the seals break down. If you live in an area where season temperatures fluctuate more, you would want fiberglass frames to counteract this issue.
If you have leaky windows in Lakewood, CA, you can try replacing the weather stripping or caulking to see if that corrects the problem. But most often, these air leaks stem from a larger problem and can only be resolved with replacement windows. Contact Seaport Windows and Doors at 714-220-3939 for more information about energy efficient products. If you come by 4201 Katella Ave., Los Alamitos, CA 90720, we can set you up with a free estimate. There is a reason we have become a respected leader in the window industry!
