How Do The 4 Seasons Affect Your Windows?

We all know that the seasons can put our homes through the ringer. From sweltering heat to hurricanes, being prepared for the weather changes is one of our adulting tasks. 

As you can see from the above, there are plenty of things to be on the lookout for during the different seasons. If you are one of the 6.8 million people who suffer from anxiety in the U.S.  and this totally sent you spiraling, let us put your mind at rest and explain things a little further.

Spring 

We all know the saying, “April showers bring May flowers.” Spring is typically when most areas get the most rain. For us here in Georgia our rainy season is actually a little earlier, we get the most rain from January through March. Rain doesn’t cause inherent problems, but when the rain turns to torrential downpours with the wind whipping and wailing it’s good to check the structural integrity of your home. When it comes to your windows look for water leaking from or around the frames or water spots from where there was water but it’s dried. 

Spring also means allergies for a lot of people, if your windows have structural damage this can cause your windows to have a layer of pollen inside on the sills or around the frames. Check for things like broken or peeling seals, as well as cracks in or around the window frame.

Summer

Moisture combined with the rising temperatures that are summer not only put wear on you but your home as well. When you’re sweating buckets you don’t want your home to feel the same or worse than outside. Look for operational issues such as difficulty opening and/or closing your windows, difficulty locking and unlocking your windows, and drafts, as well as aesthetic issues like faded color. Heat and lots of sunlight can cause your windows to expand and warp causing things to not work properly, the list above is the most commonly noticed. 

Here in Georgia, we should also be prepared for Hurricanes. Hurricane Preparedness Week is April 30th through May 6th. Our official hurricane season according to GDOT, is June 1st through November 30th. Always make sure you have a hurricane plan for you, your family, and your home.

Fall

As the heat dies down and nature gets ready for its yearly shutdown that is winter, the creepy crawlies and critters can be a total menace. They are looking for a place to hunker down and the weakest part of your home is where there used to be holes, such as windows doors, chimneys, skylights, etc. Checking for holes, cracks, and the like around your windows will keep them from moving in permanently. No home invasions, please!

On the point of cooling temperatures, also be on the lookout for condensation and fog between the panes of glass in your windows. This happens when the structural integrity of your windows has been compromised. Look for warping, broken, or peeling seals, and always drafts. 

Bonus Tip: Check your gutters and drains for debris such as twigs and leaves. When those get clogged it can lead to water damage.

Winter

For winter, it doesn’t get too cold here in Atlanta compared to some places, however, we can get the odd few inches of snow. That cold can cause your windows to shrink. This shrinking can lead to bowing, warping, or cracking. Check for operations issues such as difficulty opening and or closing your windows. If there are catches, or hitches something is out of whack. Then check your seals and weatherstripping for any damage or signs of peeling. 

How We Help

The fun and relieving part about all of this is that Window Source windows automatically account for these issues. All models come specially ordered for your specific openings! Just like the infomercials that run at 3 am for random kitchen appliances say, “But wait…. There’s more,” and there is! All models are made with premium virgin vinyl which helps prevent: cracking, chipping, peeling, and warping. They all come equipped with a multi-chambered frame to add strength and thermal efficiency, 7/8 inch double insulated glass, warm edge spacer technology, interlocking meeting rail for a tight seal between sashes(the part of the window that slides), sloped sill drains, fin seal weather-stripping, and sturdy cam-action locks pull sashes tightly together.  If you have any questions or concerns, please call us at (417) 275-5159. We’d be happy to help you check out your windows.