Strong, conditioned windows are crucial to a home’s structural integrity, in addition to the health and well-being of those residing inside said dwellings. Therefore, damage to said features can be a frustrating and nerve-wracking experience. Events such as cracks and scratches are often truly worrisome and leave property owners wondering if the impacted structures will require window replacement.
Window professionals would suggest you read this short blog discussing the issues damaged or tiring windows can create.
Issues Damaged Windows Could Precipitate
Windows play a critical role in protecting a home’s residents and building patrons from potentially harsh external elements. Therefore, the slightest damage or deterioration to said features could lead to significant problems, including:
Unwanted Air Infiltration
Harmed windows could allow excessive and unwanted concentrations of exterior air to enter a construction’s interior. During particularly warmer or cooler periods, said occurrences possess the capacity to increase or decrease internal air temperatures appreciably.
Said event often places unnecessary strain on heating units or air conditioners. This stress can force said networks to operate ineffectively for extended durations. Perpetually running electrical appliances or those that guzzle tremendous amounts of fuel will seriously increase a property’s owner’s utility costs.
Water Damage
Fouled or tiring windows stand at a heightened risk of allowing water to impact and potentially destruct neighbouring interior components like walls, ceilings, furniture, flooring and carpeting. Water not only makes an unsightly mess but could defile said objects to the point where they require refurbishment or replacement.
Moreover, water damage could eventually foster the growth of potential health-inhibiting materials such as mildew and mould. Medical professionals maintain that these substances cause untoward upper respiratory symptoms in many otherwise healthy individuals and could exacerbate more serious health issues in stricken subjects.
Does Breakage Always Necessitate Replacement?
The short answer to this question is eventually. Many window installation replacement professionals opine that even the tiniest crack will grow larger over time and will ultimately mandate a replacement.
How quickly the window replacement process will need to commence depends on how significantly the pane is damaged. In instances where said components remain relatively intact, window remediation establishments might be able to glaze over and temporarily seal the damaged area. That said, if the breakage is moderate to large or penetrated the structure to where shards of broken glass are present on adjacent floors, said professionals maintain that replacement should promptly be performed.
Other Circumstances When Repair Or Replacement Might Be Warranted
Caulk Deterioration
Caulking is the white and pasty but strong material lining a construction’s windows. That said, this substance has a tendency to damage quickly. Signs of deteriorated or aged caulking include broken pieces, flaking, and cracking. Though this circumstance does not necessitate window replacement, fouled caulk should be replaced as soon as possible. Failure to complete such action could eventually result in water damage and excess air infiltration.
Damaged Associated Features
Windows are fitted with apparatuses like latches, locks, handles, and cranks. These devices help home or property owners perform pertinent endeavours such as opening, closing and securing said features. Industry professionals maintain that excessive decomposition of these objects or the inability to operate them properly often indicates the need for replacement.
Condensation Development
Condensation is a liquid that develops between window panes in structures known as insulated glass units, also abbreviated as IGUs. These enclosed spaces are filled with noble gases like argon or krypton. Said substances are noted for their capacity to prevent excessive air circulation. Should one notice condensation inside said features the likely culprit is a compromised seal holding the gas in place. This means the window in question’s ability to protect the interior from exterior air has been disabled.
Drafts
Should windows give off drafts, there is a good chance some component comprising the structure is leaking or has been compromised. In many instances, drafts indicate a problem necessitating replacement.