Do you know? If you take proper care of the glass windows in your home, they can remain functional for approximately 20 years. This fact alone is enough to highlight the importance of residential glass repair. Well-maintained window panes not only shield your home from moisture and dirt particles but also make it aesthetically pleasing. Do you want to learn:
- The importance of glass maintenance.
- Signs of glass damage and
- The role of foundation repair in maintaining glass windows.
Have a glance at this blog.
Signs of Window Damage
A residential property is incomplete without windows. Windows allow natural light to reach in and regulate the temperature and airflow through your home. Therefore, it is important to conduct regular inspections to be aware of any window damage beforehand. But first, you need to understand the below signs of glass damage:
Cracks
Even the tiniest cracks are indicative of potential window damage. Therefore, if you ever notice any cracks in the windows, get them checked instantly. Otherwise, the cracks can widen over time and result in the following:
- Water seepage.
- Air leaks.
- Compromise the integrity of the windows.
- Susceptibility to shattering.
Condensation
Fog or mist appearing on the outside of window glass on a cold winter morning is quite normal. But do you often see the mist or fog between the window panes? If yes, the seal around your window frame is broken and requires an instant check-up. A broken seal can generate condensation between the window panes. This condensation can:
- Block your view.
- Favor mold growth.
- Compromise air quality.
Scratches
Scratches appearing on the window glass seem very innocent and superficial, but they:
- Make the glass weak and vulnerable to further damage.
- Distort the light coming through the window.
- Affects the curb appeal of your home.
Sticky Windows
If you have difficulty opening or closing your home's windows, it means that the window frame has been damaged or misaligned. Sticky windows can allow stale air to enter your home, affecting air quality. In this case, you might need to realign window frames to restore their functionality.
Water Damage
Windows are prone to water intrusion. Notice water stains on the surrounding walls while inspecting windows for damage. Water can seep through:
- Broken seals.
- Damaged caulk.
- Improperly installed windows.
This water seepage can ultimately lead to:
- Mold growth.
- Wood rot.
- Damage to the structural integrity.
- Weakened frames.
Discoloration
Discoloration might not be a big issue, as constant exposure to sunlight can ultimately cause the glass to lose its original luster. However, in some cases, the discolored glass:
- Indicate sun damage.
- Looks aesthetically unappealing.
As a result of constant UV damage, the glass can weaken over time and break. You can install UV-protective glass in your windows to:
- Restore the visual appeal.
- Improve energy efficiency.
- Increase the lifespan of your windows.
Impact of Foundation Stability on Glass Windows
Just like a well-aligned spine ensures the mobility and functioning of our entire body, a house's foundation also impacts its entire structure, including its windows. Let's examine how foundation issues affect your home's windows.
Misaligned Structure:
A settling or moving foundation can misalign the entire structure of your home, including the seals surrounding the window frames. It can also create gaps around the window edges.
Extra Pressure:
A sinking foundation exerts extra pressure on various parts of your home, including windows. This extra pressure can cause cracks in the walls surrounding these windows and weaken the window frames, potentially damaging the glass.
Water Intrusion:
Water intrusion resulting from compromised foundation integrity can increase moisture levels in your home. Increased moisture around windows can exacerbate the risk of window glass damage.
Foundation Repair and Maintaining Residential Glass
We can mitigate the risks of residential glass damage by focusing on our home's foundation. Following the foundation repair, it is important to fix other problems arising from it, too. As discussed above, one particular problem arising from foundation damage is deteriorated windows. If the damage is small, for instance,
- Small cracks, and
- Missing caulk.
You can fix it on your own. However, if the problem is serious, you need to hire a handyman to resolve the issue. You can contact a residential glass repair company to deal with window problems. Trained professionals can eradicate the window-related problems by:
- Remove the old window.
- Fixing the studs that the window frame attaches to.
- Reinstall a new window.
Tips to Maintain Residential Glass Windows
We are sharing some tips from professionals who can help you maintain the glass of windows in your home.
Clean your windows.
Clean your windows at least two times a year. You might need to clean them more often if you live in the following:
- A sandy or dusty area, or
- An industrial area.
Follow a proper cleaning schedule to ensure that corrosive substances do not damage your window frame or glass. Use a soft cloth or rubber-edged scraper to clean the window. Regular cleaning will also enable you to notice the early signs of window damage.
Weatherproof your windows.
During the winter season, ensure that your home is properly insulated and the heat remains within four walls. To accomplish this,
- Seal your windows with clear plastic covers.
- Fill the gaps between the window frames.
If you're unable to figure out where the heat is escaping, contact a residential glass restoration company to help you in this regard. During summer, you can use shutters or shades to shield your home from the rays of the sun.
Check the functioning of the window balance rod.
If your window is not functioning adequately, there might be some problem with its balance rod. Remember, never use force to open or close a window. Meddling with the window can worsen the problem or even break the glass.
Avoid moisture accumulation.
Maintain the moisture levels across your home. Excessive humidity can lead to:
- Condensation between the window panes.
- Mold growth.
- Broken seals.
- Damaged frames.
Ensure proper ventilation to stay safe from moisture build-up. To alleviate the risk of condensation, install exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathrooms to facilitate proper ventilation.
Seek professional help.
Schedule routine inspections at least once or twice a year to identify potential residential glass issues beforehand. We recommend that you contact a team of glass-repairing experts for this purpose.
Conclusion
Cracks, scratches, discoloration, or condensation appearing on the window panes indicate potential glass window damage. Damaged windows also resist when you try to open or close them. A stable foundation acts as a backbone in maintaining the structure of your entire house, including its windows. Persisting foundation problems can cause damage to glass windows as well. Therefore, it is important to fix the foundation problem and then focus on the residential glass repair. For maintaining your windows, you need to clean your windows regularly, weatherproof them, prevent moisture, and conduct regular inspections for timely identification of the problem.
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