Shattered glass is an obvious indicator of the need for window repair and replacement. There are far more common issues, however, such as leaks, cracks, and failures in the windowpane material that is significantly less obvious than a baseball-sized hole. If not repaired or replaced quickly and correctly, both can leave you literally out in the cold.
Locating a leak can be difficult, and when you do find the issue, what to do next can be even more challenging. Keep in mind the following common causes of inefficient windows. If you find one of these common issues, be sure to contact JDI Windows today! Waiting typically only makes it worse on your windows, your wallet, and your warmth.
U-factor metric illustration via Efficient Windows Collaborative
Up to U-Factor
There is a metric used in quality control for all windows that measure heat loss from the interior to the exterior known as the U-factor. Under experimental conditions, window units are tested to see how they stack up to heat loss. The U-factor is expressed as a coefficient. 0.0 represents absolutely no heat loss, 1.0 represents complete heat loss. Typically for the Denver region, a U-factor of ≤ 0.25 is recommended for utmost energy performance. When the temp dips outside, even the slightest heat exchange can be felt inside. Although absolutely no heat loss (u-factor 0.0) is impossible, replacing windows with u-factor ≤ 0.25 window unit can pay huge dividends.
Typically for the Denver region, a U-factor of ≤ 0.25 is recommended for utmost energy performance. When the temp dips outside, even the slightest heat exchange can be felt inside. Although absolutely no heat loss (u-factor 0.0) is impossible, replacing windows with u-factor ≤ 0.25 window unit can pay huge dividends.
Reasons for Window Repair
The U-factor, alone, may not be enough to warrant a full window replacement and instead of window repair could be the answer. Check for one of the following issues to determine if window repair, rather than full window replacement, is enough to save you this Winter.
Sealant, Or Seal-Aint?
Damaged or cracked caulking can allow costly drafts throughout your home. Due to the changes in temperature day-to-day and season-to-season, silicone-based caulking is recommended for window repair in Denver and the surrounding region. Silicone is widely regarded as better than latex or acrylic at weatherization and waterproofing. In the wintertime, Denver gets a healthy dose of both weather and water. If you see – or more likely feel – a draft coming from cracked or damaged caulking, don’t replace it – repair it! Proper silicone caulking and caulking guns can be found at your local hardware store.
A Real Pane
Wood rot or paint stripping from wood window panes can cause serious, irreplaceable damage to a window unit. So, don’t replace it – repair it! If you find a windowpane painted shut, contact a JDI Windows associate before attempting to open the window in any way. Homes built prior to 1978 pose a threat of lead-based paint contamination and the dust being released into the air if opened could contain harmful lead.
