Doors and windows play an essential role in regulating the temperature of your house. They stop cool or warm air generated by your HVAC system from escaping your home.
Keeping them in excellent shape, therefore, is necessary. If you encounter issues with your windows and doors, you need to get them fixed as soon as possible.
Here are six typical door and window problems that you should check and fix in your home:
1. Sticking Doors
These doors are a common issue with homeowners. After all, the primary function of these entryways is to open and close. If the doors in your house become stuck often, the problem may be due to dirty hinges. If you can’t remember the last time you cleaned these components, now would be a good time.
Grab some lubricating oil (or olive oil if you don’t have that lying around your house) and use that to fix the door. Proper lubrication prevents your door from squeaking and allows it to open and close smoothly.
If the hinges aren’t the problem, the next component you’ll need to inspect is the door jamb. Free up space and allow your door to function smoothly by drawing in the jamb. Alternatively, you could get a new door jamb set to replace the defective component.
Another cause of sticking doors is the foundation problem in your home. If the hinge and jamb are working fine, you may want to look at having your foundation fixed. Consult a professional to confirm this issue.
2. Leaky Windows
Leaks present around your windows cause all sorts of damage. They encourage the growth of mould, rot wood, peel the paint on the window frame and prevent the window from opening and closing properly.
If you have a leaky window, consider the following solutions:
- Replace the existing caulk and apply a new one on the window exterior. When getting rid of the old caulk, use a putty knife and put a bead of caulk on the edges.
- Use a dehumidifier. Too much humidity can result in condensation. During winter, it could cause ice to build up. A dehumidifier would solve this problem.
- Get in touch with a glass company if your window is broken.
3. Loose Screws
Screws in your door may come loose, especially during the cold season. That is due to the changes in temperature and humidity. Although a few loose screws may not seem like a big deal, they can cause several problems. They could, for instance, cause the door to stick or rub against the frame. Also, they prevent the door from fitting squarely in the frame.
The immediate solution is to tighten the loose screws using the right screwdriver. If they’re loose and worn out, you’ll need to replace them with bigger ones. Drill new pilot holes to accommodate the new screws.
4. Foggy Window Glass
An insulated window comes with two glass panes. Air (specifically krypton or argon) sits between these two panes. That makes your window more energy efficient.
The seal on your windows wears down over time due to old age and excess heat. As a result, the moisture from the air leaving the glass panels can condense and cause fog.
You have three options to remedy a foggy window glass. The first is to use a defogging spray. You could get a defogging product or hire a professional to perform this procedure for you.
The second option is to replace your window’s insulated glass unit (IGU). That is usually more affordable than replacing the entire window company. The drawback, however, is finding a company that offers this service.
The final option is to sign up for total window replacement. If this is required, determine if the warranty on your windows covers seal failure.
5. Icy and Dirty Locks
Winter weather can undermine the security of your door locks. The moisture from the cold weather may cause your locks to become sluggish.
You can unfreeze icy locks by heating a key using a candle or a cigarette lighter. Alternatively, purchase a lock de-icer, which comes in a tube or spray can.
If the lock is both icy and dirty, you’ll need to disassemble the door lock and clean the components inside it. Then, use water and some mild detergent to eliminate the stubborn dirt and oil. After washing, dry the lock using a hairdryer.
6. Rotten Window Frames
Wood windows decay over time. The moisture causes the finish to peel and rot, and this undermines the condition of the window.
You have two solutions. The first is to replace the damaged part of the window and patch in a new section. If the damage is too extensive, you’ll need to have the entire window replaced.
Take note of the solutions to these common door and window problems. You need to take care of these two home components properly, as they help make your house secure and energy-efficient.
