Your windows and doors, like every other aspect of your home, require regular maintenance and inspections to stay in good condition. A little more attention may go a long way in practically everything in your home, as any experienced windows and doors contractors can assure you. Window inspections can be time-sensitive tasks that imply the difference between a working window and one that must be replaced entirely. The advantage of having your windows inspected on a regular basis is that you can detect any damage to the window as soon as possible. As a result, early maintenance can add years to the life of your windows. Whereas windows that have been neglected will need to be replaced sooner rather than later.
Discover any indications of damage
By having a routine inspection of your windows by an experienced inspector they can detect any signs of damage from both the exterior and interior of your windows. The signs of physical damage can be very small or quite large. In addition, with the changing seasons, it is always best to have a routine inspection as heavy weather conditions can have a great effect on a window’s performance.
Regular inspection can find any signs of water damage since leaking windows may wreak havoc on your home, affecting its structural integrity, look, and even smell. When left ignored, leaking windows can cause a variety of difficult and costly problems. Issues such as Black mold around windows are not only unattractive and harmful to your health. It can also damage your window by eating into the window frames. So it is crucial that you have any mold on your window frame removed immediately. Another indication of water damage on your windows is if the surrounding floorboards have begun to warp. Since the window has been letting water into the surrounding areas it is also being affected.
A trained professional can trace the water damage to a number of pain points that can include cracked or deteriorated wood, discoloration of your floors, and bubbling or peeling paint. While discovering evidence of broken windows and water leaking may not seem like an advantage, knowledge is always powerful. Learning that it is time to repair or replace windows today might prevent minor water damage from becoming a serious issue later, saving you both time and additional costs.
Find any signs of vulnerability to security
An entire home window examination will reveal the numerous ways in which the weather may damage your windows. In addition, a window inspection will also reveal whether your windows can withstand the next wet, sunny, windy days and nights. A comprehensive examination, on the other hand, will deal with factors outside of weather conditions and general wear and tear, while examining your home’s capacity to withstand a wide variety of situations, such as break-ins, fires, and general home security. While these worst-case situations are unlikely to occur in the majority of homes, a window inspection may give you a refreshed sense of security and peace of mind. Your experienced inspector will notify you of any issues with your home’s security and safety features or will set your mind at ease, by ensuring that all of your windows and doors close, lock, and open correctly in compliance with safety regulations. A broken window lock might compromise the security of a home. If the lock is too near to the frame, your finger may become trapped between the lock and the frame. In contrast, if the lock is installed too far away from the frame, the latch will break, posing a security risk. A regular window inspection can identify the operation of all window locks and security features.
Check the energy efficiency of the window
During an inspection, one problem that a professional inspector will look for is signs of drafts. Signs such as whistling coming from the window, a slight breeze or chill when the window is closed or the drapes on the windows slightly move even with the windows being fully shut. Drafty windows not only let the cold or warm air in but also let air escape your home. This means that your HVAC system will work hard to keep your home at a comfortable temperature because of that air leakage. However, replacing drafty windows with energy-efficient windows can prove advantageous. The potential for lifelong savings is perhaps the most essential advantage of having regular window inspections. You may discover that the previous owner’s poor caulking caused air leakage, resulting in months of excessive heating expenses. Alternatively, you may discover that adverse weather has reduced the lifespan of your windows and that you are in need of window replacement. Discovering that it is time for repairs and renovations might be intimidating, but it also provides a chance to make a wise investment in your home. One of the wisest moves you can make for your bank account and the environment is upgrading to energy-efficient windows and doors that can save you on costs per year on your power expenses.
Verify the overall integrity of the design and installation
Along with damages, a routine window inspection can shed light on other physical traits in the window that may need repairs or even replacement. An experienced inspector can identify faulty screens, chipped paint, and splintered wood. Depending on the extent of the damage, fixing these issues are relatively easy to do with a simple screen replacement or repainting the frame to cover any blemishes. However, some physical issues may prove problematic such as the stability of the glass unit and window alignment.
During an inspection, a misaligned window can be very hard to operate. Continued use of a misaligned window can cause damage to the windows mechanisms like the window roller. If the roller is damaged the window could ultimately jam and stop functioning altogether. In contrast, a properly aligned window can open, close, and lock without any excess force. There are a few causes of window misalignment such as the foundation of your home settling over time which is normal. Another cause of misalignment is the result of an improperly installed window which can be avoided by ensuring a qualified contractor installs a good-quality window.
Find out the windows age compared with its expected lifespan
Another benefit of regular window inspection is discovering the age of the windows. Typically windows and doors can have a lifespan of 20-25 years. By knowing the number of years your windows and doors have been in use you are able to figure out how many usable years those windows have left. In contrast, knowing the age of your windows when they are new may not be as useful but as they age knowing how old they are can make you more aware of potential signs of damage. Along with determining the age of the window, a professional inspector can also determine the condition of the seals. Even though seals can fail at any window age they do pose a significant issue amongst older windows. As windows age, the wooden frame can expand and contract. Glass can become loose; water, sun, and temperature changes can damage the seal over time. Eventually, even the sturdiest homes will start to see drafts no matter the type of windows. Ensuring that the window seals are properly intact is another benefit of regular window inspection.
It is recommended that homeowners have their windows and doors inspected about every six months since there are a number of issues that need more regular inspections. Residents in coastal locations or other high-moisture areas should inspect their windows at least once a month for symptoms of decay, mold, and mildew. Homeowners in tough winter climates should employ experienced home inspectors to evaluate their windows before the temperature lowers. In addition, windows should be visually inspected following physical damage to a home, whether that be by accident or severe weather conditions.