There are several advantages to upgrading the windows in your home. They can help reduce your energy consumption, boost your property’s curb appeal and let in more natural light. However, these benefits can be severely undermined if your windows aren’t properly installed by experienced professionals. Here are five problems you might encounter due to poor installation.
1. DRAFTS AND REDUCED ENERGY EFFICIENCY
If there are gaps between the frame and sill due to poor caulking or incorrect measurements, your windows won’t have an airtight seal. Even if the gaps aren’t visible, they’ll let in uncomfortable drafts and force your heating and cooling systems to work harder to regulate the indoor temperature. This will lead to higher energy bills and more frequent HVAC malfunctions. 2. LEAKS AND WATER DAMAGE
If a window doesn’t have an airtight seal, it won’t be effective at keeping out water either. Even minor seepages can cause extensive damage such warped wooden frames, peeled paint, rot and mould growth. This dampness is also likely to attract unwanted pests, which will have an easier time infiltrating your home if there are gaps around the windows. 3. TROUBLE OPENING AND CLOSING
A window can become difficult to operate if it isn’t properly aligned or one of its components is loose. You might also struggle to open and close the window if leaks caused by poor installation have warped the frame or rusted the hardware. This annoyance reduces your home’s energy efficiency and poses a safety hazard if the window can’t be relied on as an emergency exit. 4. FOG BETWEEN THE PANES
Multi-pane windows have a layer of gas sealed between the glass to improve insulation. If condensation starts to build up between the panes, it’s likely due to poor installation or a defective product. This issue makes it harder to see through the window, reduces its insulation capabilities and increases the risk of rot and mould growth around the window. 5. DISCOLOURED GLASS
Over time, water that seeps in through a poorly installed window can discolour the glass and create a yellowish tint. This gives the window a worn appearance, thereby reducing your home’s curb appeal. Alternatively, dark spots and streaks on the glass could indicate the presence of mould and mildew caused by leaks. LEAVE IT TO THE EXPERTS
At Canadian Comfort Windows & Doors, we understand the importance of proper window installation. That’s why we offer a 10-year labour guarantee and a transferable lifetime warranty on all the windows and doors we install in the Ottawa area. For more information about our products and services, or to request a free estimate, contact us today.