Windows play a vital role in your home’s comfort. They allow natural light indoors, enable those in the house to see outside, and provide your home with cross-ventilation. Many people think they will continue to perform indefinitely as long as they are not broken, but unfortunately, windows do need to be replaced from time to time. New glazing can refer to two aspects of the window. Windows glazing most commonly refers to the glass itself and can be used interchangeably with the term “window glass.”
However, it is also sometimes used to refer to the glazing compound, a putty-like substance that is used to hold the pieces of glass in place within the window. Glazing can also refer to the process used to install this glazing compound. Here is a look at how you can tell when your old windows need new glazing, whether you need to replace the glass or the glazing compound itself.
Signs Your Old Windows Glazing Needs To Be Replaced
Outlined below are several signs you can look for to determine if your old windows need new glass.
You Can See Chips Or Cracks In Your Windowpane
This is one of the most obvious signs of damage. Even smaller chips and cracks in the pane of glass indicate a replacement is in order before it can turn into a bigger problem.
You Feel A Draft
If you are finding it harder to keep your home warm in winter, it is time to check around your windows for drafts. If you can feel a stream of air coming in from around your windows, no matter how weak it might be, it could mean that the seals around the windows have worn away. It is typically more cost-effective to replace such windows completely than simply repairing the weather seal.
You Notice Condensation
Condensation occurs when vapor or gas becomes a liquid. This can occur when the temperature of the glass falls below the dew point temperature of the air surrounding it. The water vapor that is found in that air will condense into droplets of water on the surface.
This issue is not just frustrating; it is a clear sign that your window glazing needs to be replaced. When the condensation is forming in the space between the sheets of glazing within your windows, it means the seal for those sheets of glass has a leak and the gas cavity is no longer sealed. In this case, the windows need to be replaced as soon as possible.
Your Windows Do Not Work Well
If your windows are not opening or closing smoothly and you find yourself needing to exert force to operate them, replacing your windows is a question of safety. Windows that cannot open could put the inhabitants of your home at risk in the case of a fire or other emergency.
Your Energy Bills Are Rising
If your utility bills have increased lately and it is not related to a rate hike by your provider, there is a chance that your windows are failing to keep the heat in or the cold air out. In addition to costing you more on your energy bills, this can put undue stress on your central heating or air conditioning units and reduce their lifespan as well.
Water Is Leaking Into Your Windows
When you see any amount of water leaking in through the window frames of your home, there could be issues with the weather seal or a blockage in the drainage section of your window. Although leaky windows can sometimes be repaired, those that are around 15 or 20 years old are approaching the end of their useful lifespan, so new glazing could be a more cost-effective solution.
Signs Your Window Glazing (Putty) Needs To Be Replaced
Some window problems can be solved by applying new glazing putty. This glazing compound forms a weathertight seal between the glass of your window and its wood, and it plays an essential role in the functioning of your window. Unfortunately, this glazing can wear off over time, particularly in older homes.
The Putty Is Falling Out
If you see window glazing putty falling out of its position on your window, it is time to consider new glazing. It may not all fall out at once, but when you can see exposed bare wood, it is time to act.
The Putty Is Pulling Away From The Glass Or Frame
When the glazing putty starts to pull away from the glass of your window or is separating from the wooden window frame, it needs to be replaced. Cracking on the putty itself and the paint on the putty are also signs you need new glazing.
Reach Out To The Window Glazing Professionals
Like many of your home’s features, windows and their components need to be replaced over time. If you are seeing any signs of damage around your windows, get in touch with the window glazing professionals at Waterproof Caulking & Restoration.