Windows bring many benefits to your home including relaxing views to the outdoors, letting natural light in, air circulation through the home and enhancing your curb appeal. However, with unpredictable and often harsh weather in Ontario, windows can also cause a lot of unwanted problems. Don’t worry, we’ve put together a list of six common window problems including their potential solutions so you can easily address them.
Problem #1: Drafts
Over time, windows may begin to let drafts in. You may notice your curtains moving. You might also feel a slight breeze when you walk by. Drafts are always unwanted. They disrupt the comfort of your home and cause your utility bills to rise. These drafts may be caused by improper window design. They can also stem from loose weather-stripping between the glass and the frame.
When cold air sneaks past these compromised boundaries, it forces your home’s heating system to work twice as hard. This extra effort is required just to maintain a steady temperature. This continuous cycling places immense strain on your furnace. It also creates uncomfortable temperature imbalances from room to room, robbing your living space of its cozy atmosphere.
Solution: To effectively deal with drafty windows, consider getting replacement windows to upgrade the technology and design. Alternatively, you can replace any damaged weather-stripping. This simple fix recreates a tight seal that will no longer let drafts into the home.
Taking action early prevents these minor air leaks from turning into a massive, winter-long financial drain. A quick weekend DIY weather-stripping fix can offer a temporary shield. However, investing in precision-engineered replacement windows provides a superior solution. It creates a permanent, maintenance-free barrier that locks out the elements for decades.
Problem #2: Leaks
Another problem that occurs with older windows is leaks. Leaks need to be dealt with immediately so the moisture doesn’t damage anything in your home. A leaking window may be caused by a broken seal or glass, excess humidity, too much condensation, ice build-up, and damaged caulking.
Left unchecked, water penetration can quickly travel down into your interior drywall, rot your structural wall framing, and ruin expensive hardwood flooring. The longer moisture is allowed to seep behind the paint and plaster, the more expensive and invasive the eventual home repairs will become.
Solution: There are several effective ways to address leaky windows. Some of the options include re-glazing, replacing glass, using a humidifier (to avoid ice build-up), or applying new caulking. If none of these solutions can effectively fix the problem, it may be time to consider a professional window replacement.
Pinpointing the exact point of entry is crucial to stopping a leak before it spreads. If the failure stems from a completely deteriorated structural seal or a warped frame, superficial fixes like fresh caulking will only mask the issue temporarily, making a full upgrade the safest long-term choice for your home.
Problem #3: Broken Springs
Due to the vast and often sudden temperature changes in Ontario, the crank handles and springs on windows often become seized up or worn out. This means that your windows may no longer open and close properly.
The extreme contrast between freezing winters and humid summers causes metal components to contract and expand rapidly, accelerating the breakdown of factory lubricants. When internal gears dry out, operating the window becomes a physical struggle that can warp the hardware or snap internal mechanisms entirely.
Solution: To avoid broken springs and cranks in the first place ensure that you do not force your windows open when they are frozen or over-tighten them. At least once annually, apply a lubricant to the cranks to keep them greased. Always make sure that you remove dirt and debris that may interfere with the function of the springs and cranks. If you window crank has given out due to long-term use, you can replace it for a minimal cost and effort.
A simple seasonal maintenance routine will easily extend the lifespan of your window hardware by several years. Keeping a high-quality silicone spray on hand allows you to clear away grit and restore a smooth, effortless glide, ensuring your home remains easy to ventilate whenever a nice breeze rolls in.
Problem #4: Fog
You may notice that your insulated windows are fogging up between the glass panes. Again, this is largely due to changes in temperature. However, it may also be a sign that the seal or spacer has deteriorated.
This cloudy condensation indicates a major problem. The dense, insulating argon gas originally sealed between the panes has completely escaped. This failure allows damp outside air to take its place. Once a thermal seal fails, the window permanently loses its ability to insulate your home properly. This leaves you with an unsightly view and higher energy costs.
Solution: The most effective way to deal with this particular problem is by hiring a professional. They can examine the issue carefully and recommend the proper repair.
An expert technician can evaluate the best path forward. They will check whether the condensation can be cleared through specialized defogging techniques. If not, a glass unit replacement is required. In many cases, you can replace just the multi-pane glass insert while keeping your existing frame intact. This option offers a cost-effective way to restore both your crystal-clear view and your thermal performance.
Problem #5: Rotting Frames
Older window models were typically made with wooden frames. Over time, the wood deteriorates and the aesthetic value of wood windows decreases. Prolonged moisture and exposure to weather events will eventually cause the frame to rot and may lead to mold growth.
As the structural integrity of the wood softens, the frame becomes porous and begins to sag under the weight of the glass. This warping breaks the tight connection between the window and your home’s outer envelope, creating massive gaps that invite pests, drafts, and water directly into your walls.
Solution: The best solution for dealing with rotting frames is to replace your windows altogether. Newer models of windows use improved technology such as vinyl or fibreglass windows last a lot longer and deliver a higher degree of energy efficiency. Sometimes, if the damage is not as extensive, an area of the frame can be temporarily patched up by a professional.
Transitioning to modern, non-porous materials completely eliminates the exhausting cycle of scraping, sanding, and painting old wood every few years. Vinyl and fiberglass options stand up beautifully to torrential rains and heavy snowpacks, providing a gorgeous, clean look that never absorbs moisture or degrades over time.
Problem #6: Mold Growth
Mold and mildew growth on your windows is ugly to look at. It can also be hazardous for your health and wellbeing. Typically, mold and mildew form as the result of collected moisture. This usually happens when dampness remains unattended to for too long.
When warm, humid indoor air comes into contact with a freezing cold, inefficient window pane, it drops moisture along the sash and sill. This constant dampness creates the absolute perfect breeding ground for airborne spores. These spores can quickly compromise your indoor air quality and trigger respiratory allergies for your family.
Solution: In order to properly deal with mold or mildew, you will have to remove the area where the mold is present. You can do this by cleaning the surface with a dish detergent or baking soda. After that, tackle the area with a disinfecting mixture such as bleach. To prevent mold from forming in the first place, make sure your windows are sealed properly. You should also deal with any leaks as soon as you notice them. If moisture continually builds up, it can lead to recurring mold problems. Over time, this cycle can turn into long-term structural damage. If this is the case, we suggest considering a full window replacement.
Consistently wiping away condensation helps keep spores at bay. Running exhaust fans in moisture-heavy zones like kitchens and bathrooms will also help. However, the mold may keep returning despite your best cleaning efforts. If so, the true culprit is a deeper insulation failure. This issue can only be permanently resolved with high-performance, condensation-resistant windows.
If you want to learn more about tackling common window problems in Ontario, or if you’re looking for factory direct vinyl windows, contact us at Custom Window Designs. We’ll be happy to help and offer professional window replacement installation!
Call 1-866-690-7990 for a FREE quote!
