Many homeowners throughout the United States have never stopped considering that their windows could be damaged, and they might not even know it! This is especially true for those who live in older houses with windows that haven’t been replaced in a decade or more. Damaged or leaky windows could be causing problems that you haven’t even realized yet. That’s why it is so important to learn how to look for issues with your residential windows, then understand when you should call professional window contractors for assistance.
Here, you’ll see a list of common types of window damage and what red flags you should be aware of. Remember, the team at Hatch Homes is here to help you navigate the entire window replacement process, from determining if you need full (both window frame and windowpane) or partial (windowpane only) replacements to helping you select the most energy-efficient window options within your budget.
Hail damage
Both North Carolina and South Carolina get hail storms. When hail hits windows, it can do several types of damage. The most common, of course, is to crack window glass. However, hailstones can also leave unsightly dents in vinyl window frames and even knock frames out of position, leading to leaks and heat loss.
Wind damage
Wind damage is a common problem in some regions of the Carolinas, specifically coastal areas that are prone to hurricanes. Hurricane-force winds, as you can imagine, tend to lead to a lot of damage. If your windows are not blown completely away during a hurricane, they are likely to sustain major damage. Broken glass and bent window frames are two tell-tale signs you need window replacements.
Water damage
When water damage occurs around windows, it needs to be dealt with promptly. The longer leaks are allowed to continue around window frames, the more damage your Carolina home is likely to sustain. Moisture can lead to a wide array of problems, including wood rot and mold growth. Black mold, in particular, should not be inhaled and could result in health issues for you or your loved ones.
Some major indicators of water damage are bubbling paint, peeling wallpaper, and fog between the two sheets of glass in double-paned windows. If you notice any of these issues, contact the Hatch Homes team for a consultation right away.
Air leaks
You can’t look for air leaks the same way you can look for physical damage to your windows. Instead, you should carefully use a lighter or a candle to see if the smoke wavers when you move it around the edges of your home’s windows, at a safe distance, of course. Wavering smoke and flickering flames indicate that air is getting into your house; in turn, warm air is escaping in the winter, and cool air is escaping in the summer. This means your utility bills aren’t as low as they could be, and you might be losing hundreds of dollars per year!
If you’re ready to talk windows, give our team a call at your earliest opportunity. We take great pride in our work and look forward to making you a Hatch Homes client for the long run! Our crew is here to answer any questions you may have about the window selection and installation process.