Cold, snowy Minnesota winters can cause wood window frames to swell, leading to problems. Window leaks may spring up and cause indoor drafts. Chipped paint can invite moisture intrusion, rot, and mold to fester. Or, your windows may function poorly and get stuck closed.
If your wood windows show signs of wear, restoring them to their original condition is wise, particularly if you live in a historic home.
Spring or summer is the ideal time to have your classic wood windows reconditioned, so examine them to see if there are signs restoration is needed.
Indications Your Wood Windows Require Restoration
1. Are Your Utility Bills Higher Than They Should Be?
Minnesota winters are frigid, and it is common to have elevated heating bills. But if they do not go down once spring arrives, it is worth investigating why. Your wood windows are integral to keeping your indoor comfort level optimal. If they stop insulating as they should due to their age or other damage, it may be time to have them restored and reconditioned.
2. Are Your Windows Damaged?
Cracks in your wood windows should not be ignored. They put your safety at risk, allow moisture into your house even while they are closed, and usher outdoor air inside, causing your heating and air conditioning unit to work overtime. If your window glass needs to be removed or replaced, that is included in window reconditioning, and now is the time to do it. You will re-fortify your property’s protection and keep your air conditioner from requiring early replacement.
3. Is It Tough to Open and Close Your Wood Windows?
When windows are hard to open and close, they pose a safety hazard to your house. If you ever needed to exit quickly due to an emergency, you would have to open your windows.
What causes windows to stick? Sometimes it is just nearby paint that was applied too heavily, or their hinges and springs may be loose or rusty. The opening mechanism could be askew, keeping them from functioning properly.
Stuck windows are a sign that you need restoration for your current frames. While some contractors may only give you the opportunity to replace them, at Beissel Window & Siding, we offer the practical option of having them reconditioned so you can maintain the beauty and authenticity of your property.
4. Are Your Windows Fogging Up Regularly?
Hazy windows hinder your view of the outdoors and should be addressed. If a faulty window seal is the culprit, then water damage, mold, and mildew can result. Old windows typically become impaired due to broken seals, indicating that your window’s structure is beginning to break down.
When seals break, it may get tough to open and close your windows, and your utility bills may skyrocket. The longer you wait to address this type of problem, the greater the damage and the bigger the repair job.
5. Are Pieces of Your Wood Windows Chipping Off?
When your wood windows age, the surface of their frames and sashes may begin to chip, opening up their interior to moisture penetration—which causes damaging wood rot. Once your frames rot, they will deteriorate, turn moldy, and compromise the integrity of your window system. This is the perfect time to have your windows restored.
6. Did Your Windows Stop Locking?
When wood windows get old, their sashes swell and contract, causing them to bend away from the frame and making it impossible to lock them. If your windows do not lock, your house’s safety is compromised. It is important that you have them restored quickly to ensure your well-being and your property’s security.
7. Have Your Windows Been Infested by Insects?
When wood windows rot, they become attractive to termites. If you spot termite wings near your windows and chew marks on your window frames, you probably have termite damage. The faster you act, the better.
If you do not get rid of pests quickly, they could spread throughout your home and cost thousands of dollars in damage. Avoid the hassles and expense of further loss by dealing with termites early on. Restoring your windows is a smart solution if you see pest destruction on your window frames.
8. Are Your Wood Windows Warping?
When your wood windows encounter water and sunlight repeatedly, they can begin to break down and warp. Once warping starts, it can escalate into more serious trouble like insulation issues and moisture infiltration. These issues usually result in increased utility bills and the need for repairs. Window restoration is a viable solution for warping wood windows and can save you the expense of window replacement.
Why Replace Your Wood Windows When You Can Restore Them?
Whether you live in a historic residence or a traditional house, if your old wood windows show signs of damage, you may think window replacement is your only option, but that is not the case! Wood window restoration and reconditioning offer lasting results that homeowners love.
Your Wood Windows Can Be Restored to Looking Like New Again!
If your classic historic wood windows are not working correctly, but you do not want to replace them or sacrifice their timeless appeal, window reconditioning and restoration from Beissel Window & Siding is a great solution!
We give your current windows a fresh look, particularly if the wood is still in good shape. We refill holes and cracks in your frames, replace rusted or faulty hardware, sand and clean your frames, and insulate your window. If you would like to learn more about our window restoration services, please reach out to us for a free consultation!
