Windows are a curious thing; we tend to look through them dozens of times a day, yet we rarely look at them. However, it is important to check the state of your window frames a couple times a year to make sure they are not deteriorating or causing a risk to your home. Your exterior window frames are a key component for protecting the longevity and appearance of your home. Here are four reasons why you should look them over as soon as possible.
Reasons for Examining Window Frames
1. Window frames tend to be more vulnerable than other exterior surfaces like siding and shingles. The paint is more prone to peel, wood is more likely to rot, and cracks are more likely to develop in your caulk, all of which can pose hazards to your home’s health.
2. Window frames protect your home from moisture intrusion, which would lead to rot, mold, mildew and other water damage if they were allowed to fall into disrepair.
3. Windows are a highly-visible aspect of your home, and when the frames look shabby, your whole home exterior begins to look shabby.
4. When you catch a problem early, it is usually quite simple to address. However, when a problem is allowed time to develop, the deterioration speeds up, and the process for fixing it is often much more difficult and costly.
So, what are you looking for when you examine your window frames?
Cracked or peeling paint is a sign that your paint is beginning to fail, and water intrusion is not far off.
Gaps or cracks in your caulking are a sign that your caulk is worn out, and water now has a clear path into your home (along with a variety of bugs!).
Splitting or rotting wood is an obvious sign that your window frames need attention desperately. They have already been neglected too long, and wood replacement may be necessary.
Do I need to examine my windows if they have vinyl or metal trim?
Some types of materials are less likely to deteriorate. Vinyl or PVC trim may be impervious to the weather, but it still has caulk around it which you should examine from time to time. The same applies to metal window frames.
A.G. Williams Painting would be happy to come to your house and give you an assessment of your exterior paint, including the health of your window frames. We are a multi-generational painting company serving residential and commercial clients in Westchester County, New York, and Fairfield County, Connecticut. Contact us with any painting needs or questions you may have.