Summers in Southeast PA often come with torrential storms. Now is a great time to check your windows to make sure you can keep the rain out and protect your home from moisture damage. 

Regular maintenance and inspection

If you have heavy curtains or blinds, you may not look too closely at your windows very often. But over time, the upper sash can slip down just a crack, especially if the windows aren’t kept locked, allowing rain and wind to blow in. 

As you give your windows a good cleaning this spring, take note of any problems – loose pieces, windows that do not open easily, panes whose caulking is beginning to peel. Sometimes the window latches wear or break, which not only allows an upper sash to slip down, it allows potential thieves to slip in! So always check those latches to make sure they’re properly operating. 

Check for peeling paint around your windows, cracks, or loose sashes. Try to feel around the edges of your window panes and around the outer edge of the trim against the wall for a draft. This is a signal that your window or the sashes are not fitting well and could be letting in moisture. Certainly, they are letting out your a/c and heat. 

It’s great to open the windows and let the fresh air in every now and then, even if you have central air, so check your screens for holes and tears. 

Signs you may need to replace some windows

Any windows that you have trouble opening and closing may have some damage that is causing the frames to swell or twist. If they are not operating properly, there may also be damage around the framing or walls as moisture can seep in. It’s important to have a professional take a look.

If your energy bills seem to be high and you’re feeling a draft around any of the windows, they either need to be repaired or replaced. Condensation on your windows or between double panes is another sign that there is a crack or leak that’s letting air and moisture in.

If you’ve had storm damage, you probably don’t want to leave those windows in. Often, homeowners’ insurance will cover replacements from storm damage that is covered by the policy. 

Single-pane and double-pane windows can let noise in from the outside. If your area has gotten noisy since you had your windows installed, you may want to consider replacing them with more modern, energy-efficient windows that can absorb sound waves and keep the inside of your home quieter.

Fixing the problem

You may not have to have all your windows replaced, although many people like to do them all at once so they will all last the same amount of time. However, if your budget doesn’t allow a complete replacement, you should still look into fixing or replacing the ones that are aging. The more time you wait, the more moisture they will allow in. This will cause more damage to your home, resulting in a much bigger problem. 

At M&K Renovations, we work with our clients to solve their problems while they’re small to protect their biggest investment. Give us a call from anywhere in the Philadelphia area at (610) 353-2895. We can come out and evaluate your windows and help you decide what’s best for you, your home, and your budget.