5 Common Types of Winter Damage That Affect Window Glass

Winter can be a hard season on your home's windows. A combination of winter moisture, extreme cold, and wind can all lead to damage. Knowing what to look for can help you spot developing issues early while they can still be repaired. 

1. Condensation Rot

Fogged windows and moisture on the sill can lead to rot in the wooden window frames and sashes. Moisture can also cause paint around the windows to blister and peel. Condensation can be due to worn-out seals on the windows, or it can be the result of insulation and humidity issues. Seals can sometimes be replaced, solving or at least reducing the problem. A repair service can determine the best way to address the condensation so it doesn't cause long-term damage.

2. Mold and Mildew

Mold goes hand in hand with condensation and damp. You may notice mold around the window frame without foggy windows, which may mean that moisture is finding its way through an air leak in a seal. Repair includes checking all glass weatherstripping and replacing any that is worn out. Then the area must be thoroughly cleaned to kill off any mold or mildew spores. 

3. Window Leaks

Residential windows can spring leaks for a variety of reasons, but winter is a common time for them to surface. Failing seals, weather stripping, and gaskets are the most common cause. Window frames may also expand or shrink as winter temperatures fluctuate, which can result in gaps around the framing. Howling winds can further drive moisture through small breaches that would otherwise be unnoticed. 

4. Freeze Damage

Extreme cold coupled with fluctuating winter highs and lows can cause window damage. Rubber seals and gaskets are in the most danger, as freezing can cause them to crack or peel. Water can also get into window tracks, where it freezes and expands. In extreme cases, the expansion can cause window tracks or framing materials to warp. 

5. Stress Cracks

Small damages in a home's window are often unnoticed. Yet the smallest chip can turn into a stress crack when temperatures begin to crack. Moisture makes its way into small imperfections in the glass. As the moisture freezes, it expands and puts stress on the glass until a crack begins to creep across the glass. Windows with cracks must be either reglazed or replaced. 

Contact a residential glass window repair company like Bay Glass Co. for more info. 


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