Year-round temperature fluctuations can affect the lifespan of your windows and doors. Humidity and local weather conditions can also contribute to damage, especially to timber or vinyl frames. But don’t worry, Window World of Columbia has you covered with tips to protect your windows and doors from temperature-related wear and tear. Keep reading to find out more.
What Does Temperature Do to Exterior Windows and Doors?
A window or door frame’s structure may eventually warp or distort as a result of temperature change. Frame materials such as wood, aluminum or vinyl are more susceptible to warping than fiberglass or compositive frames—adding strain to the frame and glass, compromising the seal and potentially disconnecting the frame from your home’s structure altogether.
Effects of Cold Temperatures on Window and Door Frames
Cold temperatures can cause a frame to shrink and contract, potentially bowing or warping its structure. A bowed frame makes it harder to open and close your windows or doors, negating the effectiveness of the sealing around them. An ill-fitting window or door frame may also damage the window’s hardware, weather stripping, paint and even cause thermal stress cracks.
Impact of Warm Temperatures on Window and Door Frames
While the cold causes frames to shrink, warm temperatures lead a window or door frame to expand. Repeated sun exposure and hot conditions may warp a frame to the point where its energy efficiency and quality are compromised. You may even have issues with locking and unlocking your exterior products, as warmer temperatures tend to jam locks.
How Can You Prevent Long-lasting Damage?
To keep your windows and doors in the best shape possible, you have a couple of options.
Inspect Your Home Annually
Performing annual inspections and maintenance on your home is the best way to ensure your windows and doors have maintained their quality. Carefully inspect these areas, as damage can be subtle—but should never be ignored. Common issues that indicate a damaged door or window frame include:
- A drafty house: If you notice drafts in certain rooms, it may be a sign that your windows or doors are not sealing properly. This can lead to increased energy bills as your heating or cooling systems work harder to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.
- Irregular interior temperatures: When windows and doors are compromised, you may experience inconsistent temperatures throughout your home. Some areas might feel colder or hotter than others, which can affect your comfort level and energy efficiency.
- Condensation or higher indoor humidity levels: Excess moisture on window panes can indicate a seal failure, leading to condensation buildup. This not only affects visibility but can also contribute to mold growth and damage to the surrounding frame.
- Hard-to-operate doors or windows: If your windows or doors become difficult to open or close, it could be due to warping or misalignment caused by temperature fluctuations. This can lead to additional stress on the frame and hardware, increasing the likelihood of future damage.
- An increased number of bugs or pests entering the home: Gaps or cracks in your frames can create entry points for insects and other pests. If you find more bugs inside your home, it’s time to inspect your windows and doors for potential weaknesses.
Weatherproof Your Windows and Doors
Upon your inspection, you may find areas that need extra attention. Using caulk to repair external cracks or gaps will prevent moisture, air and insects from entering your home. Weather strips work great on the internal side of things, working to seal air leaks around windows and doors.
Invest in Safe, Energy-efficient Replacements
Oftentimes, issues with your windows and doors can go unnoticed, leaving the opportunity for the damage to get worse. Your best option is to invest in high-quality replacement windows and doors, installed by a professional
Find Your Perfect Fit with Window World of Columbia
Address your temperature-related damage before the winter weather hits. Contact us to request your free estimate on custom window replacements today!