Have you noticed your windows are feeling a little bit drafty? This might not be a problem with the moderate weather of summer and fall. But come winter, this could be a major problem. You definitely want to start looking into getting replacement windows in Moreno Valley, CA before winter rolls in.
Drafty Windows Create Unfavorable Conditions
Drafty windows can actually do a lot to wreck your home. First, they make certain rooms and areas of the house feel uncomfortable. Heat can leak in during the summer, and even worse, cold will leak through during the winter. In turn, this forces the HVAC system in your home to work even harder to help regulate the temperatures. Energy bills go up, comfort goes down, and your heating and cooking system sees a lot of unnecessary wear and tear.
What are the Main Causes of Drafty Windows?
There are several conditions and factors that contribute to drafty windows. These are the main ones to keep in mind:
1. Faulty Manufacturing
While not common, some windows come straight off the conveyor belt with leaks. This is why so many manufacturers undergo rigorous testing on their products to make sure they can deliver the most energy efficient windows in a variety of materials. It is vital to get new windows from a reliable company if you have any hope of preventing drafts and leaks.
2. Low Quality Products
When choosing new windows, a lot of homeowners want the most affordable option possible. This might mean settling for builder-grade windows. What they may not realize is these windows tend to last just a few years before they need to be replaced. It is much better to spend a little more upfront for high-quality products that will last for a couple of decades without wearing out or breaking down.
3. Poor Installation
When it comes to replacement windows, installation is critical. There is a lot of know-how and training that professionals possess so they can do their job properly. Not to mention all the tools they have on hand designed specifically for window installation. These are just a couple of the reasons why we emphasize that putting in new windows is not a DIY project. One mistake, and you will have leaky windows.
4. Extreme Temperature Fluctuations
The thermal expansion rates of the glass on your windows are not going to be the same as the expansion rate of the frame material. This is why windows come equipped with flexible seals, meant to stretch and shrink with the different materials so that they do not leak. That said, with extreme temperature fluctuation, the seals do not have the capacity to keep up with the different materials and the seals fail.
5. Age and Use
The last reason why windows leak is because of age and use. Eventually, materials will wear out and break down. They are not going to last forever. And this is why it is so important to watch your windows and prepare for replacement windows in Moreno Valley, CA before winter arrives in full force.