5 Common Causes of Window Failure

Windows are essential to your home. They let in natural light and open for ventilation. They protect your home against unwanted intruders and the elements. They also keep your home cool in the summer and warm in winter. Thus, when your old windows break down it can impact your life in a number of ways and you will need replacement windows in West Linn, OR. But what causes windows to fail? Here are a few of the most common reasons:  

1. Faulty Installation

Premature window failure is often the result of bad installation. Some homeowners might try to tackle this home improvement project on their own with disastrous results. Or a general contractor gets something wrong while completing the project, but you may not notice until a couple of years down the road. Window installation is a meticulous business. It requires skill, training, the right tools, and precision. Otherwise the leaks and damage from poorly installed windows will be costly, and likely void any warranty you had on the product. That is why, no matter how handy you may be, it is important to work with a professional window company for installations.    

2. Accidental Damage

Another common cause of window failure is accidental damage. Blunt force can break glass and ruin frames. And when damage does occur it is fairly obvious. These are not problems you can repair with some sanding and caulk. Instead, you will need to get replacements if you want to restore the full function of your windows.   

3. Poor Upkeep and Maintenance

Most homeowners don’t give a second thought to the maintenance routines they have for their windows. That said, few people really know what they are doing when it comes to window maintenance. Ideally, homeowners should clean and inspect their windows every couple of weeks and perform general maintenance once per month. With the proper tools and technique, this maintenance schedule will prolong the life of windows, not shorten it. Proper tools and methods include gently washing frames with a mild detergent and water, and using a generic glass cleaner and a lint free cloth. Harsher methods like power washers, chemicals, and abrasives will cause windows to wear out much faster.   

4. High Moisture Levels

This is something most residents of Oregon are familiar with, but the high moisture can be detrimental to windows. This is especially true of old, wood windows. The moisture in the air makes windows more likely to fog, leak, and sustain water damage. As a homeowner you should watch for discoloration, peeling paint, warping, or signs of mold and mildew. At first, these issues may not seem like much, but over time the water damage could become costly and dangerous.   

5. Age

Last, but not least, all things break down with time. Age and use cause windows to wear out. Parts in the assembly will corrode, weather-stripping diminishes, and soon you will have leaks and drafts. Newer windows feature stronger, more durable materials meant to better withstand the elements.   

If you get replacement windows in West Linn, OR and take care of them properly they should last 20 years or more. For more information contact EnergyGuard Windows & Doors. Our experts can walk you through the upgrades of new window technology and tell you how best to take care of them. Call us at (503) 554-5500 to schedule an appointment. Or stop by our showroom located at 516 E. 2nd St., Newberg, OR 97132.