Here’s what to watch out for:

1. Poor operation. If your windows stick or have to be forced shut, it’s a sign that they may have poorly installed weather stripping. This allows air to escape through the frame and can allow moisture into your home during rainy seasons or winter months.
2. There’s a draft. If you feel a draft coming through the edges of your windows, it usually means that the seals are faulty through bad weather stripping or faulty caulking.
3. Utility bills are high. For maximum energy efficiency, make sure your windows are double-pane. Many older homes have single-pane windows that don’t provide enough insulation from outside temperatures. If this is the case, upgrading to double-pane windows will help improve energy efficiency.
4. There’s fogging. When you see moisture between the panes of a window, it’s usually caused by seal failure, which is the loss of air between the two panes of glass. Not only does this let in outside moisture, but it reduces the window’s insulation.
5. There’s water damage. Water damage from condensation or leaks occurs when windows aren’t properly installed or if the weather stripping is faulty. If you notice water leaking into your frame or wall, it is likely that mold and mildew will grow, leading to peeling paint or wallpaper and more significant damage.
6. Window panes are cracked, chipped, or warped. If your window glass is cracked or chipped, it’s time to replace it. Broken window glass can be dangerous if not replaced promptly because it poses a risk of injury. Cracked or broken windows also let in more of the outside environment and make it easier for someone to break into your home.
7. Window frames are rotten. If the wood around your window is soft, spongy, or waterlogged, it’s rotten. This can happen when windows aren’t properly sealed and too much moisture has come in contact with the wood. Check where your window frame meets the wall or siding; if there’s rot or decay, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.
8. Windows look old or outdated. If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, we recommend replacing outdated or unappealing windows. Our custom-made replacement windows offer a variety of styles and colour options so you can find the perfect fit for your home.

Give us a call today or fill out our contact forms to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River

The post Eight Signs Your Windows Need Replacing appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. It warps in the Vancouver weather.

Vinyl is the worst material out of aluminum, wood, glass, or Fibrex® for holding its shape when it comes to temperature changes. It will expand and contract readily under heat and cold. In Vancouver, temperatures can change by up to 10 degrees Celsius in just a few hours. This relatively rapid change puts stress on your vinyl frames.

The problem is that over time, the shape of your frame will change. You’ll end up with bent lines rather than the sharp ones you originally ordered. And it doesn’t just look bad; this reshaping and constant warping of the vinyl can result in some issues, explored below, that can get very costly very quickly.

2. The glass can sheer through the vinyl glazing. 

Like we said, vinyl expands and contracts more than glass. Seven times more, in fact. So when you have a glass element attached to a vinyl element, you have one piece that’s moving around a lot and one that’s staying fairly still. This creates a lot of friction and can result in the glass sheering through the glazing.  

3. Poor vinyl joinery can leak.

It’s not uncommon for older vinyl windows to have poor joinery. Between human error and inherent problems with the material itself, vinyl joinery is notoriously leak-prone. Poorly sealed vinyl window joints can cause water infiltration and lead to a host of problems. Leakage compromises the window’s energy efficiency and may damage walls, flooring, and furnishings. Over time, persistent dampness may result in mold growth and wood rot or structural damage which are all costly and time-consuming to repair.

4. Vinyl insulated glass seals can fail.

Vinyl-insulated glass seals are prone to the same problems that afflict all vinyl products: they weaken with age, they warp or crack in extreme temperatures, and they deteriorate in harsh weather conditions. These issues can cause the seals to weaken, crack, or deteriorate, compromising the window’s energy efficiency. When these seals fail, moisture enters the space between the glass panes, leading to condensation, fogging, and a reduction in the overall effectiveness of the windows.

All of the reasons above are why we use Fibrex for our window frame material. This patented composite material combines the strength and beauty of wood with the maintenance-free durability of vinyl. Fibrex will never require painting or sanding, and it won’t crack under the extreme conditions found here in Vancouver. It lasts for decades!

Want to learn more about our durable, easy-to-maintain windows? Give us a call today or fill out our contact form to arrange a free consultation with one of our Design Consultants. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post Four Reasons to Replace Vinyl Windows in Vancouver appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. Combine window treatments

For protection against the elements, combine blinds, sheer curtains, and heavy drapes. Keep everything closed when it’s cold outside. If it’s cold but not frigid and the room gets sunlight, raise the blinds, open the drapes, and let some sunlight into the room to warm it up.

2. Use window snakes

Window snakes are long tubes filled with sand or water-absorbing material that are placed at the bottom of windows to block drafts and/or absorb condensation. You can also use a rolled up towel or blanket instead. Change these often if they become wet after absorbing moisture.

3. Cover windows with plastic

Window insulation kits, which seal the window with a plastic film, are available at your local hardware store or online. These kits include plastic sheeting that you affix to the jambs with double-sided tape. Once in place, heat the plastic with a hairdryer. The shrinking action will make it look like another glass pane.

4. Fill in any gaps around windows

If you have spaces in your window frames that you can fit your finger into, fill them with a gap filler. A popular choice is foam rope that comes on a roll and in various sizes to fill both small and large gaps. Press it into the spaces and trim off the excess with scissors.

5. Reglaze loose window panes

If your windows are old and wooden, check to see if any of the glazing is missing or loose. If so, reapply glazing in these areas to create a better seal around the glass. Just be sure to do this before the temperature dips below 10 degrees Celsius, as the putty won’t cure properly when cold.

6. Lock windows and apply weatherstripping

Last but not least, one of the most vital steps when winterizing your home is to lock the windows. Window locks pull the sashes together, closing up the space that cold air leaks through. Most of a window’s heat loss occurs through gaps between the sashes and the frame. You can reduce drafts by weather-stripping where two surfaces push together (the horizontals of a double-hung window and the verticals of a casement or gliding window) or where two surfaces slide against each other (the verticals of a double-hung window and the horizontals of a gliding window).

A word of caution: If you are planning on using rope caulk or other sealants that permanently render an operable window non-operational, make sure that you keep at least one working window in each room. Building codes require that basements and sleeping rooms have at least one functioning means of egress.

Our windows are ENERGY-STAR® certified and custom-made with a variety of glass options. If it’s finally time to replace your windows or doors, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post 6 Easy Fixes to Stop Drafty Windows in Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

1. Look for damage and gaps.

When winter comes, it’s easy for cold air and drafts to penetrate through door frames and window sills that aren’t properly sealed. To prevent this from happening, check your entry doors and exterior windows to see if they close all the way, with no gap left. Additionally, check if there are any damage or cracks in these areas. Regular inspection of your windows and doors will go a great way in presevering them. A routine examination will alert you when the damage is minimal and can be easily fixed.

2. Inspect for air leaks and caulk.

Drafts are the most common complaint you hear about windows during winter. The good news is you can often eliminate the issue by simply caulking your windows. Air leaks most often appear around your window or door frame, so inspect the frame for any cracks or visible gaps. Sometimes you may not be able to see the crack but can feel the outside air seeping in. Once you have identified the areas that require caulking, clean and remove any old caulk. Use the caulking on stationary joints and around the frame. Caulking can play a big role in preventing air leaks and help save you money on hydro bills.

3. Check the condition of weather stripping.

When weatherstripping wears out, cold air will leak through the spaces, and warm air from inside the home will slip out. The damage may not be easily visible in some cases, so you should check carefully that the stripping is intact, preferably after every season. If there is minimal wear and tear, the stripping can easily be fixed, but if there’s extensive damage to the weather stripping, you should consider getting it replaced. In most cases, repairing the weatherstripping will be cheaper than the increase in heating bills.

4. Remove exterior window screens.

When snow starts to fall, you may notice that your windows get covered in snow and ice. In particular, you may notice a build up of snow between the glass and the screen. When snow builds up on the sills it can cause damage to screens and windows. The moisture around your windows could do some serious damage to its parts and could also lead to mold and mildew. Luckily, there is one easy way to prevent this from happening: remove your exterior window screen before the first snow fall. Removing the screen ensures less snow will collect on window sills and allows more warmth and natural light into your home during winter months. Bonus: removing the screen will prolong its life!

5. Install storm doors and windows.

Storm windows and storm doors are specially designed to protect your house from the harsh elements of the weather. They include extra insulation layers, which increase their energy-efficiency. In most cases, storm windows are installed over your existing internal and exterior windows, which is why they help conserve indoor heat.

6. Add heavy curtains and drapes.

Heavy curtains are an excellent heat preservation option during the cold winter months. They act as an extra layer of insulation between your home and windows, keeping you warm and cozy. And since quality drapes are relatively cheap compared to other options, it’s a great way to help save on winter heating costs. Another great feature is that they’re easy to adjust; you can open them when it’s warm out or close them when it gets cold.

7. Install energy-efficient windows.

Last but not least, we recommend upgrading to energy-efficient windows. Single pane windows and old doors lose a lot more heat, significantly raising your energy bill. An excellent and long-term solution is investing in energy-efficient windows and quality doors. While they may cost more, they will make up for it in the energy, and money, saved during winter. Double-paned windows, for example, offer twice as efficient insulation as single-paned ones, and triple-pane, if you’re in a frigid environment or wish to maximize insulation, offer triple the insulation.

Renewal by Andersen’s custom-made windows are designed to fit your home perfectly. Installed by experts, you can be assured that drafts won’t be a problem. In addition, our windows are ENERGY-STAR® certified, with frames made from our exclusive Fibrex® material which insulates 700x better than aluminum. If it’s time to replace your windows or doors, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We offer window replacement services in the Greater Vancouver Area, the Fraser Valley, Victoria, Nanaimo, and Campbell River.

The post 7 Easy Ways to Maintain Windows and Doors in Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.