Windows are one of the most important features in a home. They let in light and ventilation, but also protect the home against the harsh elements and provide security. Poorly maintained or installed windows will have a dramatic impact on life inside the home. So before purchasing a home, it is important to assess the condition of the windows and understand if you will need replacement windows in Phoenix, AZ. Here are the most important issues to watch out for:

1. Stuck Windows

Windows get stuck for a number of reasons. The frames might be warped or swollen from excessive heat or moisture. Or the foundation settled and caused changes in the window frames. You want to be sure you test every single window before purchasing a home. All of the windows in the home should open and close smoothly with little effort. This is especially important for egress windows, which need to act as an escape route in cases of emergency.

2. Mold or Water Damage

Water damage in the home is never a good thing. And leaks around a window casing are particularly troubling. Leaks often occur because of poor installation, damage to the siding, improper maintenance, and age. And water gathering inside the windows and around the frames can lead not only to the growth of mold and mildew but also can cause serious structural damage to the home. It is important to spot leaks early and fix the problem before damage becomes more extensive.

3. Drafts or Excessive Heat

Leaky windows are a nightmare for the efficiency of the home. And window leaks are generally easy to spot, especially if certain rooms on the house feel too cold or too hot. In some cases, you can fix the gaps around the window assembly with new caulk and weather stripping. But larger gaps or inefficient products will require full-blown window replacement if there is any hope of maintaining energy savings.

4. Poor Maintenance

Routine cleaning and maintenance should only require the use of mild detergent, water, a soft cloth, and silicone lubricant spray. Occasionally the homeowner might need to replace damaged caulk or weather stripping. But it is surprising how many people do not care about window maintenance. They leave their windows to the elements without care until something goes wrong. And there are also many homeowners who don’t know how to take care of their windows properly. There is never any cause to use harsh chemicals, power washers, or abrasives on home windows. These products and techniques will do more harm than good and could damage the finish or cause leaks. It will be obvious if windows have not been properly maintained.

5. Fogging Between the Panes

Condensation between the glass is more than just a mild annoyance. This indicates the seals on the insulated glazing units (IGUs) have been compromised. Most windows feature inert gas fills to help reduce heat transfer. This is what makes modern windows so efficient. But if the inert gas fill leaks out, it gets replaced with ordinary air and significantly reduces the efficiency.

Shopping for a new home is stressful. For more tips about checking the windows in a home, contact Freelite Inc. They are a fair and reliable company if you happen to need replacement windows in Phoenix, AZ.