Window Replacement Archives

Spring has sprung! The days are longer and the air is warmer. Time to put away the winter coats and break out the toolbox. Winter storms and temperatures can wreak havoc on a home and finding out where repairs may be necessary is vital. Some are cheap; others…not so much. In any case, it needs to be done. So get up off your duff, grab a pen and paper, and get ready to look at these Top 10 Spring Things to Check!

Spring Cleaning. Your house has been shut up all winter; hermetically sealed against the cold winter storms. Now that spring is here, it’s time to open the windows and start dusting! Make a list of what need to go into storage and which rooms are in most dire need of cleaning.
Change the Filter. This is a bi-annual job best done during the spring and fall. Clogged air filters in the furnace often cause the unit to work harder which means a higher energy bill.
Air out the Attic. Leaks or condensation buildup in the attic are a great place for mold and mildew to start. By opening attic vents and letting a fan blow through, you dry out the stale, possible humid air and make it harder for spores to grow. This is also a fantastic time to look for those leaks and get them repaired.
Test the top. While we’re on the subject on the roof, safely climb up and check for broken, worn, or buckled shingles. The summer heat will exacerbate any damage that’s already been done during the winter and increase the chances of a leak. While you’re up there, check the chimney as well.
Gauge the Gutters. This one gets a whole section of its own since this can be a huge job. Yearly cleaning of the gutters will keep old detritus from compacting and composting; weighing down the bracers and creating sagging areas. It’s also another place to figure out how much graveling your shingles have lost.
Scope the Sides. Since you started at the top, work your way down. Look for cracks and leaks around window frames and doorways. Are there breaks or damage to the siding? Maybe this is the year to slap a fresh coat of paint on.
Brace the Bottom. The melting snow has a tendency to wash earth away from the foundation so you may need to replace it with new compacted soil to prevent basement leaks. Look at outdoor faucets as well for breaks or leaks in the wall around them.
Look at the Lawn. Wander around your yard and find low spots where water may collect. It may be great for the grass in that area, but it also means that water is flowing away from other spots that won’t look as healthy later on in the season. De-winterize your lawn tools now as well. Change out old gas and clean the contacts so that you aren’t fighting to start the mower when the time does come to trim the grass.
Check the Cooler. Whether you have forced air A/C or and evaporative cooler, this is the time to get them cleaned and cleared. Check the A/C condenser for any twigs or other fan blade damaging debris that might cause costly repairs. Open up the swamp cooler and clean the media to prevent that nasty musty smell the first few times you run it.
Deck out the Deck. Let’s face it, with longer days, you’re going to be out here more and it needs to be nice. Look for damaged or warped boards that need to be replaced. Break out and hose off the patio furniture that has been buried at the back of the garage since late fall. Take the cover off of the grill and give the slats a scrape to clear off the dust that has collected.

Prepping for spring and summer isn’t really hard to do. It can be time-consuming and may claim a few weekends. While inspecting your house, take a look at your windows, siding, and doors. Do they need spring cleaning, or maybe even replacement? Contact New Windows for America for a FREE estimate! When you have completed this checklist, you will know that you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the summer.

Working with New Windows for America is always “A Better Way to Buy Windows”

Springtime has come around again and it’s time to start looking at exterior home repairs. Windows, doors, and siding can be expensive and time consuming replacements and knowing when they are necessary is crucial. Can it be put off for another year, or is it time to start looking at budgeting now. How to tell? To make that decision easier, here are 3 signs that it’s time to replace windows, doors, or siding.

Leaks. This is the most obvious sign that replacement is necessary. A gap between the doorway and frame that lets light in is also letting that expensively heated air out. As a house settles, frames shift and lose their original shape; warping the door or window as well. This causes leaks that may be fixed temporarily with foam sealers or stick on weather stripping, but in the long run, will require replacing the frame and window alike.
- How to tell: The easiest indicator is the feel of a draft. Moving a lit candle around the edge of the window or door and looking for abnormal flame motion will indicate air movement in and out of the casement. In the case of leaking siding, cold areas may form inside a room with an outside wall. These spots will occur close to the wall itself and might even be felt by hand.
Difficulty Operating. Another indication of warping frames can be detected when windows or doors are difficult to open or shut. When they were installed, they moved smoothly and without trouble. Expansion of the wood in the frames or the frames moving “out-of-square” will keep the window or door from sliding easily on its rails or hinges. This will eventually lead to more sticking and loss of function.
- How to tell: In sliding windows and doors, applying a small amount of lubricating jelly in the runner will help a window that is simply running paint-on-paint or is low on lubricating grease that was part of installation. Difficulty in movement after sliding open and shut around 10-20 times indicates a disfigured frame and replacement is necessary.
  In swinging windows and doors, friction areas in the frame will be visible where the frame is pinching. A small section that does not hinder opening or closing is ok, but indicative of future problems. Replacement is necessary when major effort is required to operate the window or door.
Aesthetics. In a house that has historic value, replacement may not be an option. In younger homes, however, perfectly usable, yet outdated, windows, doors, or siding may need to be updated to increase resale value or to coordinate with a new theme design. Another visual indicator might be chipped paint, cracked panes, or water stains. These are signs of neglect and disuse that make a negative statement about the homeowner.
- How to tell: Signs of neglect are often obvious, glaring, and can be detected on a daily basis. In the case of design or outdated style, a consultant may be required to make the final call.

It is important to keep windows, doors, and siding updated and in good condition for many reasons. Leaks cost money, framing disfigurement causes frustration, and poor maintenance announces neglect; all problems that no homeowner wants. Proper repair or replacement, however, will improve the home and life all around.

Contact u s for an In-Home estimate or call us at 303-920-0175 today!

Working with New Windows for America is always “A Better Way to Buy Windows”

Tag: Window Replacement

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