If your windows are the “eyes” of your home, it’s only fair to give them a little check-up now and then.
Over time, frames, sills, and sashes can start to show their age (and let’s be real, they don’t have the luxury of anti-aging cream). So, here’s the lowdown on what you should be checking out to keep those windows working well and looking fresh. Plus, it’s easier than you think!
Start with the Basics: Frame, Sill, and Sash
Why: These are the window’s workhorses, and they take the most abuse. Weather, sun, and water love to mess with them.
What to Do: Check for cracks, warping, rot, or anything that looks out of place. If something seems wonky, it probably is.
2. Inspecting the Flashing: Don't Let Water Crash the Party
Flashing is like a raincoat for your window, but if it's slanted the wrong way, it can direct water toward the window instead of away. Not ideal, right?
Pro Tip: If the flashing seems off, it’s time to fix it—before your window becomes a mini waterfall.
3. Know Your Window Types
Did you know there are eight types of windows? Just like people, they come in all shapes and sizes:
Double-hung, single-hung, casement, horizontal sliding, awning, hopper, fixed, and jalousie (the fancy term for glass louvers on a frame).
And don’t forget the six types of frame materials: plastic, aluminum, steel, wood, plastic-clad wood, and metal-clad wood.
Why It Matters: Different windows wear down in different ways, so knowing what you’ve got helps you know what to look for.
The Glazing Check-Up
That putty-like stuff around older glass panels? It’s called glazing compound, and it keeps the glass secure. Over time, though, it can crack and peel.
Check For: Cracks or peeling in the glazing putty, especially on older windows. Fixing it now will save you a lot of hassle (and probably a headache) down the line.
5. TLC for Metal Frames: Keep Those Weep Holes Happy
Weep holes might sound like something from a sad movie, but they’re actually tiny heroes on your metal sashes. They let water escape so it doesn’t sit around causing rust and rot.
What to Do: Make sure they’re not clogged with paint, dirt, or old sealant. A quick clean-out with a toothpick or tiny brush will do wonders.
6. Hurricane Zone? Double Check That Impact Resistance
Live in a stormy area? Make sure your windows are ready to stand up to a hurricane’s fury. Impact-resistant windows can handle flying debris, but if yours aren’t certified, it might be worth getting plywood panels as a backup.
Need Help? A Wind Mitigation Inspector can give you the lowdown on protecting your windows if you’re in a high-wind area.
7. Storm Windows and Doors: More Than Just Backup Players
Storm windows and doors add an extra layer of weather protection, but they can’t do their job if they’re in bad shape. Check for things like weather tightness, fit, and if weep holes are blocked.
Heads Up: Blocked weep holes can lead to wood rot at the window sill, so give them a good once-over and make sure they’re clear.
Quick Recap:
Check your frames, sills, and sashes for signs of age.
Flash those flashings (away from the window, please).
Know your window types and materials—they age differently.
Inspect the glazing compound around older windows.
Clear out those weep holes in metal frames for rust-free windows.
Hurricane-ready windows if you live in storm zones.
Don’t forget storm windows and doors! Weep holes, fit, and condition matters here too.
That's a short guide to window inspections. Giving your windows a little attention now can save you a ton of hassle (and cash) later. Plus, who doesn’t want to keep their windows looking spiffy and leak-free?
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