How to Address Common Old Window Problems - Avalon Home Inspections

Old window styles can be charming, but they often come with a host of issues that impact your home’s comfort, efficiency, and value. From drafts to stuck frames and fogged glass, the potential is not only headaches but also more extensive repairs or higher energy bills if ignored.

If you’re planning a renovation, selling your home, or just looking to improve energy efficiency, address common issues as soon as they’re suspected—this guide will explore common issues with original windows and our two cents on how to tackle them.

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows are one of the most common problems in older homes. Over time, seals wear down, frames shift, and gaps develop, allowing air to leak in or out of your home.

Not only does this make a home less comfortable, it can mean your heating or cooling system has to work overtime to maintain a stable temperature. Drafts occur when the seals around the window panes deteriorate, gaps form between the frame and the wall, or materials like weatherstripping wear out.

Older windows, especially single-pane styles, are particularly prone to this because they lack modern insulation features. Inspections using infrared technology can help pinpoint hard-to-spot leaks and assess whether the issue extends beyond the window itself.

Drafty windows can significantly increase your heating and cooling costs. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that windows account for up to 30% of a home’s energy loss. Plus, they can allow outdoor pollutants and allergens into your home.

How to Address Drafty Windows

Fortunately, drafty windows are fixable with the right approach. Here are some effective solutions:

• Weatherstripping: Adding weatherstripping to the edges of windows can seal gaps and block drafts. It’s an affordable and straightforward fix that can make an immediate difference.
• Caulking: Apply caulk to any visible gaps around the frame to prevent air leakage. Opt for a weather-resistant caulk for durability.
• Thermal curtains or film: For an extra layer of insulation, consider using thermal window coverings or applying an insulating film directly to the glass.

Hard-to-Open or Close

This issue is particularly common in older homes, where frames, hardware, or tracks may deteriorate over time.

Stuck windows hinder ventilation and can also create a safety hazard in emergencies when quick access is critical.

Windows can become sticky for several reasons. Firstly, wooden frames can swell, warp, or shrink due to changes in humidity or temperature. Hinges, tracks, or latches may corrode or break with age, making operation difficult.

Multiple layers of paint applied over the years can also cause windows to stick in place.

How to Address Sticky Windows

• Lubricate Moving Parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to tracks, hinges, and other hardware to reduce friction.
• Remove Paint Build-Up: Carefully use a putty knife or sandpaper to remove excess paint from the edges where the window is stuck.
• Replace Hardware: Check for worn-out or broken parts, such as latches or pulleys, and replace them as needed.
• Assess Alignment: If the frame is warped, a professional inspection can determine whether repairs or replacements are necessary.

Foggy or Cloudy Panes

Foggy or cloudy windows are a common issue with older double-pane or triple-pane windows. They often indicate a broken seal, which compromises the insulation properties of the window and detracts from its appearance.

The seal between panes can break due to age, repeated exposure to extreme temperatures, or physical damage. Once the seal is broken, moisture and air can enter the space between panes, causing condensation or a cloudy appearance.

Alternatively, improper installation can accelerate wear on seals and lead to premature failure.

If it’s left for too long, a broken seal can reduce the insulating ability of the window, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.

Cloudy windows diminish curb appeal, and trapped moisture can encourage mold or mildew growth within the window assembly.

How to Fix Foggy Windows

• Reseal the Glass: In some cases, a professional can repair the seal and remove moisture without replacing the entire window.
• Replace the Panes: If the seal damage is extensive, replacing the affected glass is often the most effective solution.
• Upgrade: If fogging is a recurring issue, consider upgrading to newer energy-efficient windows designed to resist seal failure.

Similar to drafts, infrared technology can also help confirm whether a fogging issue is affecting energy efficiency!

Deteriorating Frames

Wood naturally absorbs water, and without proper sealing or maintenance, it can begin to decay, weakening the frame’s structural integrity.

Moisture from rain, humidity, or condensation is the primary cause of wood rot. Poor drainage around the window can also allow water to pool, accelerating damage. Over time, this creates soft spots in the wood, which can spread and attract pests like termites or carpenter ants.

Rotting wood can also lead to more significant problems, like moisture intrusion or mold growth. As such, addressing it early is the best way to avoid more serious problems.

How to Address Them

• Repair minor damage: Remove soft or decayed wood and fill the area with an epoxy wood filler. Once cured, sand it down and apply paint or sealant to protect the area.
• Replace severely damaged frames: If the rot has spread extensively, replacement is the safest and most effective option.
• Improve drainage: Ensure the area around the window slopes away from the home to prevent water buildup.
• Regular maintenance: Inspect and reseal wooden frames every few years to prevent moisture from penetrating the surface.

Damaged Locks and Hardware

Old or damaged components like latches, hinges, and handles can become corroded, loose, or broken due to age, frequent use, or poor maintenance. Loose locks can make your home vulnerable to break-ins, and improperly sealed windows may allow drafts or water leaks.

For homeowners preparing to sell, faulty hardware is often flagged during inspections, which can affect resale value.

The most common causes of damaged locks and hardware include corrosion, wear from regular use, and outdated designs that no longer meet modern security standards.

How to Address Damaged Hardware

• Tighten loose screws: Check all hardware for stability, and tighten any screws that may have come loose over time.
• Repair or replace broken components: Install new latches, hinges, or locks if the existing ones no longer function properly.
• Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to keep locks and hinges operating smoothly.
• Upgrade to modern hardware: Consider replacing outdated locks with tamper-resistant options to improve security.

For older windows with significant frame damage or misalignment, a professional inspection can identify deeper issues and recommend repairs or replacements to restore full functionality.

Other Recommended Maintenance

Maintaining old windows regularly can help prevent many of the issues covered in this guide.

Routine care not only extends the lifespan of your windows but also enhances energy efficiency, safety, and overall functionality.

• Inspect seals and weatherstripping: Check for cracks, wear, or gaps and replace them as needed to prevent drafts and energy loss.
• Clean windows and tracks: Dirt and debris can build up in tracks, causing windows to stick. Regular cleaning helps maintain smooth operation.
• Repaint or reseal wood frames: Apply a fresh coat of paint or wood sealant every few years to protect frames from moisture and prevent rot.
• Upgrade single-pane windows: If you have single-pane windows, consider upgrading to double-pane or triple-pane models for improved insulation and energy savings.
• Ensure proper drainage: Keep gutters clean and ensure water flows away from your home to prevent moisture from pooling around window frames.

When to Call a Professional

• If wood frames are severely decayed, a professional can assess whether repairs or full replacements are necessary.
• Infrared inspections can pinpoint hard-to-detect air leaks and determine if the window or surrounding structure is the issue.
• A professional can restore proper alignment to ensure smooth operation and a tight seal.
• During a pre-sale inspection, professionals can identify window issues that may need to be addressed to meet buyer expectations or pass inspections.

Conclusion

Old windows may add charm to your home, but they can also bring a range of challenges, from drafts and fogging to rot and broken hardware. Addressing issues quickly can significantly improve efficiency, safety, and overall while protecting home value.

For expert inspections and specialized infrared assessments, contact Avalon Home Inspections today in Atlanta, GA and surrounding areas.