Windows have an average lifespan of between 20 and 25 years, give or take. They can start to show signs of wear and damage long before their time is officially up. Factors like high humidity levels in a home can speed up the aging process. Here’s how to identify the eight most common problems and their causes so you can quickly take action.
1. Condensation on windows
Condensation forms when warm, moist air comes in contact with a cold surface. There’s no need to sound the alarm if you notice the appearance of a few water droplets. A window may be cooler than the rest of the room. Make sure the heating source is installed directly under the sash.
If humidity levels are too high in a house, condensation will persistently form due to the temperature difference between inside and out. When that happens, it’s rare to find only one window affected. Other elements in your home, like pipes, roof, exterior walls, may also be impacted. If droplets continue to show up on windows, check for humidity stains on the walls. Take this issue seriously as it could trigger mould growth.
Start by using a hygrometer to check humidity levels. If high levels are observed throughout a home, a damp basement may be the culprit. Check if your air exchanger (for those who have one) has a interior dehumidifying function. However, if the issue is caused by water infiltration coming through the basement, roof or walls, it must be dealt with at the source to avoid any structural issues. In this case, you may be looking at extensive renovations instead of a simple repair.
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The table below shows recommended humidity levels according to outdoor air temperature:
2. Ice at the bottom of windows
Ice may sometimes form at the bottom of windows. It may be caused by high humidity levels in a home or faulty installation. Some contractors will go the retrofit route to cut costs: install a new pane in an existing frame (instead of a total replacement). If the perimeter is not properly insulated and cold air can pass through, ice will appear. Make sure the sash is in good condition and the installation is done according to best practices. If this is your situation, the window should be properly insulated after winter gives way to warmer days.
3. Air leaks around windows
Another common problem in houses is air leaks. A window casing seals the gap between window frame and house and blocks cold drafts from coming in. It also helps keep warm air from escaping. If you walk by a frame and feel cold air, you can bet your bottom dollar the window casing is damaged and no longer efficient. It’s like watching money burn as significant energy leakages drive up your heating bill! A simple caulking job may be all it takes if you have older windows that are still in decent condition. You could also consider putting up plastic insulation to cut your heat losses.
4. Water infiltration around windows
Poorly applied caulking or cracks caused by UV rays and temperature fluctuations may be letting water seep in. There has to be adequate caulking around both the inside and outside of windows. The minimum width of caulking used should be 16 mm, and its thickness, 12 mm.
Poorly installed protective coverings may be another reason for water infiltration. To ensure maximum watertightness, a window flashing should come in one continuous piece. It must also have a 6% slope, extend beyond the siding, have a secondary sealing membrane, etc. The dimensions of flashing components vary according to region and P-value (energy efficiency) to suit the climate.
In short, window installation can seem simple at first glance but there are lots of details to figure out to ensure proper installation, guarantee a home’s watertightness as well as the longevity of the building structure.*
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5. Difficulty opening and closing windows
There’s nothing more frustrating than trying to open a window and the mechanism jams. Perhaps the sash is just too old. Since houses tend to shift a bit with age and weather variations, windows may no longer line up with their frames and that makes them hard to open. If you have crank windows, under no circumstances should you force them shut. Close the windows and let the locking mechanism do the rest. If you have newer models, check if you can replace defective parts to get the mechanism closing smoothly again.
6. Deterioration of wooden frames
It’s quite common to see wooden frames in the windows of older houses. This material is more susceptible to faster deterioration from weather and insects than PVC or aluminum. The frames have less resistance against condensation or water infiltration. Bubbles and cracks may develop, paint starts to peel and mould creeps in bit by bit. A new coat of paint won’t be enough to counter this amount of rot. You should consider replacing your windows at this point.
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7. Foggy windows
When the silicone rubber seal around windows starts to wear out, moisture moves in between the panes and produces constant fog. Windows with aluminum spacers are at risk: metal is much more conductive than PVC and may create thermal bridges that cause condensation to develop. Besides blocking the view, a leaky window loses its insulating properties.
“Some companies offer a demisting window service,” says Maria Santamaria, team leader, residential services and training at RenoAssistance. “One technique is to drill small holes at the bottom of double-glazed windows. This is only a temporary fix because it doesn’t address the source of the problem, not to mention it reduces overall energy efficiency. Change the thermos instead. Choose a double-glazed window coated with low-emissivity film and filled with argon gas, which is a better insulator than air.”
8. Thermal breaks
Windows are like an invisible safeguard against the cold and heat. They can sometimes crack due to a phenomenon called thermal breakage. It’s a common occurrence, especially if the sash has endured some extreme temperature fluctuations.
Imagine a blue sky winter morning, the sun is shining down on an icy window. Cold glass reacts by expanding but uneven expansion can cause a crack to develop.
The good news is this can be easily fixed by replacing the glass. In some cases, a quick replacement is all that’s needed, but depending on the damage, a full window replacement might be necessary.
To prevent this from happening again, try to maintain a constant temperature around window sashes. Add curtains or blinds to the mix to shield the glass from sudden light changes. This is one tip that can make all the difference to extend the lifespan of your windows!
Repair or replace windows?
Sometimes, all it takes to resolve a window problem is to replace a seal, change a defective mechanism or reduce the overall humidity level in a home. However, if your windows have reached the end of their lifespan or are showing signs of mould, these will only be short-term solutions. Try to quickly find the source of the problem because mould can cause damage not only to your home–it can result in serious health issues.
Replacing windows will improve the thermal comfort level and make your home more energy efficient, especially if you’ve been living with air leaks. Double-glazed windows are now the standard. According to Hydro-Québec, choosing energy-efficient windows can help shave up to 10% off heating costs. If you do decide to go with energy-efficient windows, check if you qualify for the Canada Greener Homes Grant to help cover renovation costs.
Why hire a door and window installation specialist?
Sliding, hybrid, casement, aluminum, PVC, double- or triple-glazed…the world is your oyster when it comes time to choose your windows. Ask a door and window specialist about what models would work best in your home according to the climate zone where you live. They can also advise you whether you need a permit to carry out the work. They know about standards to meet for ventilation, security, natural lighting and even door and window appearance. A considerable investment like this demands a precise, high-quality installation so it makes sense to rely on an expert team!
Get quotes from qualified contractors for your windows
Have you decided to install new doors and windows? Contact one of our Renovation Advisors today: you’ll get up to three quotes to replace your doors and windows from Verified Contractors in our network. They have successfully made it through our 360° Verification Process: insurance, solvency, criminal record, client references and more.
Fill out our form or call us at 1-877-736-6360. There is no cost or obligation with our service!
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*Note that contractors in the RenoAssistance network do complete door and window replacements. They do not do simple repairs.
