Before You Get Replacement Windows

Installation of replacement windows in San Jose, CA is one of the home improvement projects on the list for your home. But you may have other projects that are more pressing and need to be done sooner.

But your windows are not functioning properly or are less energy efficiency and you need some stopgap measures to help until you’re able to have replacement windows installed. There are a few things that you can do to your existing windows that may improve the way they function and their energy efficiency.

If a window is difficult to raise or lower (commonly referred to as sticking), it is likely because of the buildup of dirt and debris over time. As this buildup gets worse, the friction with the window increases. This makes opening and closing the window extremely difficult, and if it doesn’t close all the way, it can allow drafts into the room.

So, the dirt and debris that has built up need to be cleaned. Clean the tracks of the window frame thoroughly with a damp wet cloth, then wipe them down with a dry cloth to remove any moisture.

Next, apply a solvent-free, non-silicone lubricant on the tracks and open and close the window several times to distribute the lubricant. If the window is easier to open and close, then you’ve resolved the sticking problem temporarily.

However, if the window is still difficult to raise and lower, then it’s likely that one of the springs is not adjusted properly. It may need to be loosened or replaced, but you should have a replacement windows professional assess and correct the problem or recommend a replacement window solution if the problem can’t be corrected.

If your windows are drafty, one way to reduce the draftiness and increase their energy efficiency is to insulate them. As windows age, the caulk, which seals the window, around them can get dry and brittle, causing it to crack and create gaps where drafts can come in.

You can address this problem by removing the existing caulk from around the window frames and replacing it with new caulk. You can also add weatherstripping around your windows to help keep drafts from coming inside and affecting the interior temperature of your home and raising your energy bills until you’re ready to have replacement windows installed.

Another stopgap measure to increase the energy efficiency of windows temporarily during colder weather is to put plastic around them. You’ll want to use heavy plastic and make sure that it completely covers the entire window outside your home. You can remove the plastic in warmer weather when you want to have your windows open.

While it may be possible to make window repairs on your own and to use these stopgap measures to have your windows functioning better with increased energy efficiency, it’s important to remember that, other than exterior doors, windows are the largest openings in your home. Therefore, if they are old, the stopgap measures may buy you a little more time, but you may want to reevaluate your home improvement plans.

Replacement windows installation may need to move up to or closer to the top of your list because you have so many of them in your home. When all your windows are old, eventually they will have operation difficulties and they will be less energy efficient.

To learn more about the installation of replacement windows in San Jose, CA, you can talk with our expert team at California Custom Creations. You can call us at (408) 316-6293 to make an appointment for a free in-home consultation.