A Primer on Window Damage – Part I: Signs of Window Damage

Visual signs of window damage

Identifying that your windows need replacing takes just a little attention to detail. Anything which seems out of the ordinary is a good reason to check further to see if there is actual damage to the window. Things to look out for include:

Build-up of condensation or frost – If your windows are fogging up, and you see moisture building up between the panes, then that’s pretty much a sure sign that your windows’ seals have failed. A rather more telling sign is if you can actually see frost or ice building up on the panes. This is especially true if your windows came with a gas fill. This indicates that the gas fill has leaked.

Difficult to open – if your windows resist opening and closing, even after routine maintenance, then you should consider replacing them. Not only are they worn or damaged, but they could pose a security or health risk to you and your family.

Visible damage – this is the easiest to spot, of course. If the window frame is cracked, shows signs of rotting, or is otherwise visibly physically damaged, then it’s way past time that the window should be replaced. This also holds true for damage to the glass, such as cracks or breaks.

Signs of faulty installation

In addition to outright damage, your window problems could be caused by a faulty install. Here’s what to look for:

Window not functioning properly – If your window is just not operating properly, then you have a problem. Does the window close and open and lock properly? Does it close loosely, or does it swing too tightly? Does closing the window block outside sounds properly?

Visible sources of leaks – This is more a quality issue. Do you see gaps in the flashing, or a lack of sealing or fasteners? Does the shimmying look uneven, or the caulking badly applied? All of these can cause problems down the line.

If you’ve signs of window damage, you’ll no doubt want to know what’s causing it all. More on this in part II.