It’s easy to forget about window sidings until something breaks or stops working.
However, if you’d like to avoid higher energy bills and other annoying problems, regular inspections are essential – at least once per year. If your repair estimate is over $100, it might be time to consider replacing the entire window system.
What Should You Do For Sidings That Are Hard to Open?
If you have windows that were installed before 1993, they could use siding that involves both plastic and metal tracks. It should open easily without sticking or screeching noises. On the contrary, if your window sidings can’t move forward & backward, it may be time for a replacement.
The good news is that newer models come with updated siding materials and other components that make them last for several years.
How Often Should You Check Your Siding?
Is it time to learn how to frame for a window installation to fix your window sidings?
Since window sidings go through harsh weather conditions, they’re prone to wear and tear. As such, it’s a good idea to inspect your windows twice per year. For instance, the first check should ensure you won’t have trouble closing your window at night.
And the second inspection – before summer – will reveal whether or not you need to replace siding screens and provide better insulation during hot months. If you live in places where winters involve extreme cold and strong winds, schedule at least one yearly inspection between October and March.
What Issues Can Occur With Old Window Sidings?
It’s crucial to keep track of window sidings, especially if they are older than five years.
- Dents & scratches: If the siding is working properly, it should open and close without any problems. However, some shrieking sounds or even creaking noises are normal – only if you avoid forcing the siding to move. Over time, repeated pressure can lead to deep dents that might interfere with the opening/closing process of your windows.
- Rotted wood/metal tracks: When window sidings aren’t moved for several years in a row, they can become rusty. The same thing happens when humidity levels are high and there’s no sunlight to dry them up once per day (or more often). Metal tracks tend to corrode faster than wood does, but either one can be replaced without too much trouble.
- Broken screens: A lot of people don’t even think about new window screens until they’re forced to do so. One reason is that replacement usually takes place after a major storm when all windows need repairs at the same time. Another reason is that many homeowners might not know that window screens should be replaced once every 5 years.
However, if you notice that your window sidings are hard to open or close and it’s been a while since you last checked them, scheduling an inspection with professionals is always a good idea.
They will check for any damage and provide you with an estimate before carrying out the necessary procedures and replacements. If you notice problems with siding materials (leaking, rotting, rusting, or dents/scratches) you’re most likely facing window replacement.
When is it Time to Repair Your Window Sidings?
Some are worried that they would need to learn how to measure a window for replacement for their window sidings.
It’s worth noting that if your siding measurements are more than ten years old, they may need to be replaced. For instance, older window systems relied on vinyl and metal components for durability (especially in harsh weather conditions).
As such, they might have yellowed or even deteriorated with time. Newer sidings feature UV-resistant materials that resist dents, scratches, and other damage caused by high heat levels. Plus, there are various ways to modify the siding color of your house – depending on the number of windows you have in their size/orientation.
In any case, proper care and regular inspections make a difference when it comes to the durability of window sidings. In some cases, you may even prolong their lifespan beyond 20 years with regular maintenance!
Parts of a Window Siding
Window siding is made from several different materials. Some parts are designed to open and close easily, while others provide insulation during winter or lock heat inside your house – on hot days.
The following components are usually included in window measurements: tracks/ rollers: these can be made from plastic or metal, depending on the model you choose. Rollers should open & close the window smoothly without making screeching sounds.
If they don’t, call professionals for an inspection. bottom rail: this part helps you adjust the window siding using a special tool. Placing it onto tracks can be done easily, even manually if you want to avoid additional costs. weather stripping: this part is designed to keep hot/cold air inside your home ( during winter or summer ).
It’s usually made from foam or rubber & often causes friction when moved away from the outside of the siding
screens: today, screens are mostly manufactured with plastic components – to ensure durability and prevent rust. When it’s time for a window screen replacement (every 5 years), choose top-quality models that come with UV protection (blocking 99% of harmful rays).
This way, your window sidings will look great for longer periods – no need to replace them every few months!
Replacement vs. Repair
You might want to repair your windows but you’re worried about things like how much does window installation cost?
If you notice any problems with window siding, it’s a good idea to schedule an inspection with professionals, who will assess the current state of your home and offer appropriate solutions. In most cases, window replacement is cheaper than repair.
The latter can take up lots of time – depending on the level of damage, as well as how long it takes to find matching parts for your window model. In some cases, you may not be able to purchase or install needed components – especially if they’re no longer manufactured!
Even if that’s the case, getting rid of old tracks/ rollers might save you money: new ones are designed to fit specific types & models only (and won’t work on older sidings).
As for window installation, it’s worth noting that not all installations require professional assistance. For example, if you want to replace existing windows with double-hung models (new ones don’t fit into your walls), you can do this by yourself – with proper tools and a step-by-step guide.
Why it Can Help to Hire Professionals
However, most window siding issues may be fixed faster with help from professionals. For one thing, they’re aware of how to handle specific types/ models of sidings, so they won’t have any problems when installing or repairing them later. Plus, there are loads of other advantages that might convince you to hire experts for window measurements/ replacement every time!
For instance, they know how to clean dirty tracks & rollers using specialized tools. If you do this yourself, you risk adding new scratches/ dents onto the siding of your house, or even causing serious damage.
If window installation requires new parts – but they’re no longer manufactured, professionals have access to secret storage, where valuable sidings are kept for years (or decades). Replacing brands/ models is not a problem for the contractors that work with us!
The advantages of professional assistance don’t end there – people that handle windows professionally also benefit from special grants once they complete their training. Plus, most employers provide additional bonuses to keep employees motivated – not to mention discounts on window replacement services.
To conclude every homeowner should know how to take care of window siding & inspect them regularly. Even if you’re keeping an eye on your home, hiring professionals for window measurements/ replacement is a good idea. Their service doesn’t cost a lot of money – and it can save a lot in the long run!