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 Windows look old or outdated. If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, we recommend replacing outdated or unappealing windows.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.

• Tip #1: Repair obvious damage. Now that the winter weather has ended, examine all your windows for cracks, chips, or warping. Have a professional repair major damages as soon as possible.

• Tip #2: Check the weather stripping. The strips of material between a window’s sash and pane help seal the window, preventing outside air from leaking into your home. These strips are often one of the first features to deteriorate, so it’s important to check their condition. If they’re worn down, they can let outside air into your home, which can result in higher hydro bills.

• Tip #3: Clean the glass. You might be surprised to see how much dirt and debris accumulate on your windows during the winter. This can break down the surface of even the best windows, causing them to age prematurely. Clean your windows with soap and water and a good glass cleaner. Don’t forget to do both sides!

• Tip #4: Use lighter curtains. During the winter, it’s common to hang curtains made of heavier fabric and darker colours. However, during spring and summer, keeping these up can leave rooms feeling too hot and stuffy. Switch to light-coloured, thinner curtains to help with airflow, making your rooms feel brighter.

• Tip #5: Display indoor plants. Indoor plants bring a sense of spring to any home. They not only add colour to a room, but they also filter allergens, promote natural oxygen production, and absorb carbon dioxide.

If these tips don’t restore your windows to their former glory, it may be time to invest in new ones. Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia installs superior windows protected by one of the industry’s leading warranties. Give us a call or complete our online form to schedule a consultation.

The post 5 Ways To Spring-Proof Your Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.

The post Window Seal Failure: What Usually Causes This Issue? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of British Columbia.