How to Inspect Old Windows for Damage

replacement windows in San Marcos, CA

When your old windows start to approach the 15 to 20-year mark, it is time to start paying closer attention to them. This is about the time you need to watch for signs that you need replacement windows in San Marcos, CA. But how do you know what to look for each year to make sure damage doesn’t go unnoticed? Here are a few steps you can follow to inspect your windows.

1. Clean the Frame and the Glass

The first thing to do is give your windows a thorough cleaning. Wipe down the window frames with mild detergent and water. Use a soft bristle brush to remove tough stains. Then use a generic cleaner and a lint free cloth to clean the glass. While you clean you can look closer at your windows and examine them for damage.

2. Check for Broken Glass

Broken glass isn’t always apparent. Small cracks or fissures could go unnoticed for weeks or months. Windows with broken glass are not as energy efficient, even if just one pane of glass is broken and the other is intact.

3. Examine for Condensation

The next thing to look for while cleaning your windows is condensation caught between the panes. It can look like fogging or droplets that don’t wipe away. This is a sign that the seals on your insulated glazing units (IGUs) have failed. And when the inert gas leaks out and gets replaced with normal air and moisture. The moisture gets caught and can appear and disappear with changes in temperature. So even if you notice fogging between the panes one day, and it is gone the next, you still want to think about replacement windows.

4. Check for Leaks and Seal Failure

Next, you want to check all the seals and weather stripping for signs of leaks. One way to do this is by closing all the exterior doors and windows and turning on all the exhaust fans in the house. Then light a match or an incense stick and pass it around the perimeter of the windows and doors. If the smoke pulls inward it means you likely have a leak.

5. Scan for Warping, Rot, and Mold

You can also examine the frames of your windows for signs of moisture damage. Check the edges around the frame and along the sill. Signs could be subtle, like discoloration or peeling paint. Or they could be more advanced like warped wood, rot, or signs of mold.

6. Test the Latches, Locks, and Operation

The last thing to do while cleaning and maintaining windows is to clean and lubricate the tracks and moving parts. Spray a silicone lubricant into a rag and use it to wipe down tracks, hinges, locks, and cranks. Then lock, unlock, open, and close the windows a few times. If the operation is sticky or stubborn then it might be time for replacement windows.

If you notice any problems getting replacement windows in San Marcos, CA is a good investment. It can improve the safety, efficiency, and aesthetics of your home. To set up an appointment with Pelican Replacement Windows, call (760) 598-6422. Or visit us at 2210 La Mirada Dr., Vista, CA 92081.

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