With spring still quite a ways off and the blisteringly cold weather having finally reared its ugly head, you might be noticing that your windows and doors aren’t quite performing the way they used to, or that there are more quirks to them than you remember. These things could be signs that your doors and windows might have been damaged by the winter weather, and means that you could soon be considering door and window replacement.
While we haven’t seen heavy snowfall yet this winter, the cold weather can do more than enough to damage your windows and doors, creating drafts and air leaks into your home that lead to high energy bills and an overall less comfortable living environment. In older windows, freezing weather has been known to cause cracks in glass panes and can even warp materials and impact the overall integrity of windows and doors. Here are some of the signs that the windows and doors in your home or cottage might have been damaged by the cold winter weather.
How winter weather affects wood windows
While wood windows look beautiful, they typically experience more issues after long winters than other materials. If your home has old wood windows, it’s a good idea to look for signs of damage once the cold has faded and the snow has started to melt. Some of the most common issues with wood windows include sticking and swelling caused by winter weather, making it difficult to operate your windows. Chipped paint can be caused by winter weather, forcing you to paint once the weather has cleared up.
Perhaps the most subtle weather damage to wood windows is cracked or broken weather stripping, which can disrupt the seal around your window and make it easier for drafts and leaks to present themselves. Pay close attention to your windows, as damaged weather stripping can be more difficult to identify once the winter weather has departed. You may also notice that the frames are beginning to rot – if this is the case, it’s time for a window replacement due to the additional issues this can cause.
Vinyl windows can also be damaged by winter weather
While vinyl windows are perhaps the most durable type of window, they too can experience problems caused by harsh winter weather. The most common types of damage caused by winter weather will include things like noticing moisture between panes of glass, indicating that a condensation buildup exists between the panes. If this is the case, your vinyl window has lost some of its efficiency due to a failed or damaged seal, and will need to be repaired. Another common problem is that of excessive condensation. If you’ve begun to notice large amounts of condensation on your windows or mold growth around your windows, there could be a significant issue with them that should be addressed immediately.
As with other window types, vinyl windows are also prone to drafts caused by winter weather damage. This typically happens when the weather causes damage to the window frame (through ice build up, falling ice, freezing temperatures, or wear and tear), affecting the weather stripping and creating air leaks. Damaged window frames and weather stripping should be addressed immediately to ensure that you don’t overspend on utilities and can continue living comfortably inside your home or cottage.
Don’t forget to check on your doors for signs of weather damage
Your windows aren’t the only things affected by the cold weather – your doors can also be affected by the winter weather. While much of this damage is often cosmetic (things like peeling paint), doors can also become warped by the freezing weather, causing them to function much less efficiently. Like windows, your doors can also suffer from damaged sealing, which can cause drafts and air leaks to appear. When you’re checking for signs of damage to your windows, remember to check all around your doors for similar damage.
The team at Muskoka Window & Door Centre has seen it all, having spent dozens of seasons repairing and replacing windows and doors damaged by winter weather. If your doors or windows have been affected, you can count on us to fix them. In the event that the damage is too extensive for repair, our expert team can replace your doors and windows with durable and energy efficient units that will hold up to Muskoka winters for years to come. For more information about how the team at Muskoka Window & Door Centre can help, get in touch with us today.