If you're like most El Paso homeowners, understanding how to maintain your home is an ongoing challenge. After all, El Paso is a city that regularly experiences both hot and humid temperatures, which can greatly diminish and damage your homes’ exterior over time.
Maintenance is especially important for your windows and doors, which don’t last forever, and are often the first parts of a home that can begin to decline. By regularly inspecting your El Paso windows and doors, you can better determine when it’s time to replace them, and avoid costing energy bills (and unexpected discomfort) in the process.
Do you have old or damaged windows or doors in your El Paso home? Inspect your windows and doors for the following tell-tale signs that you need new windows or doors for your home.
Air Leaks
Windows and doors are one of the biggest sources of energy loss in a home. Not only do they account for nearly 30% of all the heat lost through your home, but account for roughly 80% of the air that enters your home (the cause of most humidity problems).
The most common cause of energy loss is, of course, air leaks, which can occur in more than a few places around your windows and doors. You can check your home for air leaks in the following ways. First, inspect the caulking on the outside of your windows (on the exterior of your home) to make sure there are no gaps between your window frames and your siding. Next, if your home has single-glazed windows, look at your interior glazing—the hard putty material that holds your window panes in place. If it isn't sealed fully around the entire perimeter of your window, it means that energy is likely leaking out, a sign you may need window replacement in El Paso.
You can also check your doors for air leaks by inspecting for gaps under or around your doors. You may need to repair your doors if you see any minor gaps. If your doors are in good condition, you can probably get by with weather stripping. However if it’s an old door or the opening is rather large, your door may need to be replaced.
Water Damage
Do you see condensation on your windows or glass doors that you can’t wipe away? If so, it’s important to replace your windows as soon as possible. Condensation between panes is an indication that moisture is trapped between the layers of glass in the insulating layer of your windows. This can quickly lead to the growth of mold or mildew, which can be harmful to your health, and cause wood rot if left unchecked.
Another thing to keep in mind is that incorrectly sealed windows and door frames are convenient entry points for water. If your windows or doors are hard to open or close, it could be a sign that water has already seeped between the jamb or sash and the frame, causing water damage. Water damage can also cause serious structural problems if left untreated, so be sure to get it fixed!
Structural Damage
Cracked windows and sticking doors are often tell-tale signs that your window and doors need to be replaced, since they often indicate a problem with the structure around the opening, either with their frame or something else. Same goes for windows and doors that are impossible to open or close. You should also look for dented frames or damaged hardware (such as damaged hinges or rollers) since these can cause drafts around windows and doors, leading to higher energy bills.
Also: beware of cracked or broken glass. If you have a window with cracks, you should seriously think about repairing it. Even a small crack can affect your energy bills, and you can almost guarantee it will get worse over time. Better to repair if before it warrants a complete El Paso window replacement.
Replace Your Windows & Doors in El Paso
Newer windows and doors can help reduce energy loss by using better insulation materials, such as double-pane glass with low-e coatings or argon gas between panes. These new materials act as barriers to keep cold air out during winter and hot air out during summer—and they do it much more efficiently than older models. This means replacing your El Paso windows and doors won’t just make you more comfortable, but contribute to significantly greater energy savings long-term.
Need a window replacement or door installation in El Paso?
Contact Southwestern Home Products today to get a free estimate on your El Paso window replacement or door installation. We’re happy to be a partner with some of the best window and door manufacturers in El Paso, including: Milgard Windows & Doors, Sierra Pacific Windows, and Don Young Windows & Doors, among others. Whether you want double or triple pane replacement windows in El Paso, or premium El Paso custom glass doors, we offer both the quality products and installation services you need to make it happen. Contact us today to learn more about our excellent warranties, or to schedule a consultation for an exact quote on your El Paso window or door installation project!
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