Winter weather will show your home’s exterior no mercy. Most homeowners assume that the primary issues are with moisture damage in their roof or ice silently and slowly damaging their siding. However, your windows are just as vulnerable, if not more so.
If you’ve noticed drafts, foggy glass, or visible cracks, you may need professional window repair to keep your home comfortable and energy-efficient heading into the warmer months.
Why Do Windows Crack in Winter?
Windows can crack due to extreme temperature changes. A good example is an icy-cold window next to a vent blowing out hot air from your furnace.
The stress from the back-and-forth temperature battle can eventually cause the pane to crack, resulting in broken window glass that you’ll need to act fast to address. Even small cracks can be major contributors to higher energy bills and winter discomfort.
This doesn’t just happen from direct heat and cold, either. Small but consistent temperature changes, like gradual warming and cooling throughout spring, can create the need for glass replacement.
That’s why it’s worth investing in window repair as soon as you discover damage — once formed, cracks will only get worse.
How Can I Tell if I Have Window Damage?
The best way to confirm that you have window damage is to contact a local window repair company. That said, it doesn’t hurt to perform a quick investigation yourself. There are a few main things you’ll want to look for as you assess your potential window damage:
- Peeling paint or soft wood
- Windows that stick or jam
- Visible damage to the pane or frame
- Condensation or “fog” trapped between the glass
Peeling paint is often a sign that water is getting in; there may be a small crack somewhere that you can’t see. When windows stick or won’t open, it usually means the material is warped, which is also a good indicator that you have a moisture problem around the window.
Most of these issues can also arise if the seal is damaged. This leads to a leaky window that lets both air and moisture penetrate the space between the layers of glass. You’ll know it’s a seal-related problem if you see moisture that you can’t wipe off from the inside or outside.
Why Prompt Repairs Pay Off
Timely window repairs have clear cosmetic benefits, but the benefits go much further than that. Leaky windows will force your HVAC system to work harder to compensate for the frigid winter air coming in. This will drive up both your heating costs right now and your cooling costs later in the year.
Well-maintained windows are also important for maintaining a high-value property. Any homeowner who plans to sell in the near future should invest in window repair or have new windows put in if their existing windows are more than 15–20 years old. Visible damage is a red flag for many buyers, even before they walk through the door.
Take Advantage of Professional Window Repair and Restoration
If your windows have become victims of the winter cold, contact Complete Window Care for expert assistance. Our capable team can fix cracks and leaks in just a single visit. We’ll restore your window glass to its former glory in time for spring.