Inspecting Old Windows For Damage

Windows serve a lot of purposes in a home. You use them to get fresh air into the house, to see what’s going on outside, and to protect the home from the outdoor elements. If your windows are starting to age, perhaps they are 15-20 years old, even, you will want to keep a close eye on them for damage, so you know when you need to get replacement windows in Carmichael, CA. Here are a few tips to help you inspect older windows so you know what to look for and can time replacement processes in the right manner.

Inspect Interior And Exterior Portions

The first thing you can do is simple and easy and doesn’t take any time at all. Just look your windows over inside and out. IF you can see damage, like warping, rust, peeling, cracks, then you know your windows need some help. If there doesn’t appear to be any damage, you can take a closer look at other areas. Just a visible inspection can tell you a lot. Major damage will show, and you will need to get replacement windows or, at the very least, do some repairs.

Check Hinges Or Tracks

After you visibly inspect your windows, go around a second time and take a look at the tracks or hinged, depending on what kind of window you have. Make sure they are clear of dirt and debris. For hinges, you can oil them. Tracks can be lubricated and cleaned. Open and close the windows a few times and if they are hard to open, or refuse completely, they might be warped or painted shut and you need replacements. If you are able to loosen with cleaning, you might be able to keep them longer.

Test The Locks

Locks are an important part of a window to keep your home safe. After you check the hinges and tracks, open and close the locks and make sure they operate correctly. You might even want to go outside your home when the locks are closed and jimmy the windows a bit. IF the locks open on their own or the windows open with ease even when the locks are supposed to be in place, you need some help with those windows.

Take A Look At Caulking

When you are outside, look around the window frames and see if there are cracks in the caulk around the windows. These gaps can let air through, and you might want to re-caulk. If your windows leak and the caulking looks find, replacements are in order.

Inspecting your older windows on a regular basis can help you know when you need replacement windows in Carmichael, CA. But you might be the first to admit, you aren’t an expert. When you want professionals to take a look, the representatives at Southgate Glass can give you a free consultation in your home, which includes a window inspection. Once we look them over, we can offer you suggestions as to what you need to do moving forward.