Windows are responsible for a lot of functions and sometimes these can take their toll. Learn what to avoid to help keep your windows at their best.

3. Our windows do more than just give us a view of the outdoors. They
also play a big role in our home’s weather protection, energy efficiency,
and curb appeal so it’s important for every homeowner to proactively
look out for signs of damage and dysfunction. A failing window is, after
all, an under-performing window.
WHAT COULD CAUSE WINDOWS TO FAIL?
There are a number of reasons you can blame, one of them being
the combination of faulty workmanship and poor installation. Many
homeowners think taking on a DIY window project can save them a
lot of money, but it only works out when the installation job is carried
out properly. Instead, installations by a professional window contractor
offers more assurance.What could lead to faulty workmanship and poor
installation?
Improper Preparations
Window sills must be flashed prior to installation to make sure any water
that seeps into the unit is redirected to the water protective barrier
(WRB) or house wrap. The flashing should also be integrated with the
WRB. When not done, this can cause possible problems with rotting of
the sheathing and framing, as well as staining of the drywall.
PART ONE: FAULTY WORK AND POOR INSTALLATION

4. Incorrect Material Choices
Sometimes, installers choose the wrong flashing for specific kinds of
window installations. Using straight flashing for site-made pans, for
instance, means that the flashing product will not be able to bend at
the sill-to-jamb location, which could lead to leaking.
Incomplete and Poor Workmanship
One of the most common missteps an installer may do is fail to install
an interior back dam. Without this, water that reaches the sill can enter
your home. In other cases, the installer overlooks an important factor
in installation – that results in windows that are not well suited to the
home’s architecture, geographical location, and climate zone.
Also, anything from ordering the wrong window size to installing the
window in the wrong place can happen during an installation. Poor
workmanship also takes away from a window’s aesthetic appeal and
can lead to safety issues.
A good rule of thumb for this is to ask for a written contract from a
contractor. This will include everything you’re supposed to get so you
can ensure that your windows will be installed as they should.
o o o o o
What about the weather? Does it factor into window damage? We’ll find
out in the next installment of this three-part blog. Stay tuned!
PART ONE: FAULTY WORK AND POOR INSTALLATION

6. We learned about the ways faulty installation or poor workmanship
damages windows. Now, we will consider how they are affected by
the very things they are meant to protect you from: the elements. Your
windows are meant to take on the elements, but if they are not properly
equipped for them, they can take a rather hard hit. The following, in
particular, can be quite intense:
HEAT
Heat warps window frames, damages home interiors, and adds to
energy bills, so you’re looking at these problems depending on the kind
of thermal performance your window is capable of. Wood offers ample
insulation but overall requires a lot of maintenance to keep performing.
Newer frame materials like composites address these concerns with
wood, on the other hand, offering superb thermal performance while
being easy to care for. If your home is particularly subjected to harsh
heat, it will be best to opt for window materials specifically suited for
withstanding thermal abuse.
MOISTURE
Moisture is also another thing that can do a number on your windows.
When rain penetrates the frames, sagging, rotting, and other signs of
physical damage can set in. There’s the potential for the formation of
condensation, too, especially if your home is not well-sealed. Opening
your windows and airing them out are especially recommended during
summer and spring to keep moisture at bay.
PART TWO: THE ELEMENTS

7. HAIL AND WIND
Wind-driven hail can cause large impacts against the windows, which
can break the glass or damage their structure. Aside from opting for
impact-resistant windows, you can also consider installing shutters
over your windows to protect them better from inclement weather
conditions.
OTHER TIPS
It is also important to remember that the weather may damage things
surrounding your house which can, in turn, damage your windows. If
you live in a wooded lot, for instance, care must be taken so that the
trees will not directly hit your windows if they are subjected to the worst
of the weather. Your siding should be able to handle the elements as
well since moisture seeping into your home’s cladding can find its way
to your windows.
o o o o o
Do you have a part to play in window health? How do your choices signify
how well you can enjoy your windows? We’ll know in the final segment of
our three-part series.
PART TWO: THE ELEMENTS

9. We found out about how poor installation and the weather can do your
windows in. Now, to cap off this blog series, we’ll be talking about how
you can choose window materials better to make the most out of your
investment.
CHOOSING WINDOWS: SOME CONSIDERATIONS
Homeowners who commission window replacements usually end
up choosing the old window material that they had. While this is not
automatically a bad thing, it can stop you from enjoying the benefits
that other window materials have to offer. This isn’t a matter either of
simply choosing a new window for the sake of it. Instead, your choice
should be guided by factors, including:
Your energy needs
Therateatwhichenergycostsarerisingisnojokesoalotofhomeowners
are realizing the benefits of energy efficiency. Windows can contribute
to turning your home more energy-efficient but only if you choose
those particularly rated for your climate zone. You can refer to ENERGY
STAR and National Fenestration Rating Council labels for guidance on
how energy-efficient a window is.
PART THREE: THE HOMEOWNERS’CHOICES

10. Your home’s architecture
To make the most out of a window’s aesthetic appeal, it must
complementyourhome’sdesign.Takingarchitectureintoconsideration
will also affect daylighting opportunities for your home, which in turn
can influence the type of window you should get. For instance, south-
facing windows receive the most light so you might be inclined to use
bigger windows for the portion of your home facing that direction to
take advantage of high levels of natural light.
THE NEED FOR MAINTENANCE
Keeping windows in shape is arguably the most important thing a
homeowner can do for their windows. Conducting routine inspections
makes it easy to spot problems, preventing these problems from
worsening by taking prompt action. Even regular cleaning will go a
long way towards keeping windows in great condition, preventing
debris from accumulating which can hamper operation and hide small
damage. This preserves the structural integrity of a window, allowing
it to perform its best. There are many maintenance tasks you can carry
out on your own but don’t hesitate to enlist the aid of a professional if
you want to.
PART THREE: THE HOMEOWNERS’CHOICES

11. Renewal by Andersen
of Los Angeles
2411 Artesia Boulevard
Redondo Beach, CA 90278
310-214-2222
310-734-5554
RbALosAngeles.com