How Summertime Heat Affects Your Windows in Martin, FL
Summer brings sunshine and tons of fun, but the scorching summer heat in Martin, FL, can also wreak havoc on your windows. Consider exactly how summertime heat affects your windows and what you can do to protect them.
Expansion and Contraction
Windows, like most materials, expand when it is hot and contract when it is cold. This constant change in size can put stress on the window frame and seals. Over time, this stress can lead to cracks in the frame and even complete window failure.
Older windows are especially susceptible to this problem, and manufacturers now create windows with more flexible materials to withstand these temperature changes better. However, you should be sure to keep an eye out for problems by checking your windows regularly.
Sweat and Condensation
Your windows can get sweaty on a hot and humid day. When the warm, moist air outside comes into contact with the cooler glass of your windows, moisture condenses on the glass and leaves behind water droplets. It can also happen due to the high daytime temperatures dropping in the evening or if there’s a large temperature difference between your home and outside.
While a little condensation here and there is normal, excessive condensation can lead to biological growth. It can also damage the window frame and seals.
Windows Will Fade
The sun does not discriminate because it can fade your windows alongside your furniture. While window glass might seem immune, the scorching summer rays can target window frames and tinting over time.
Many frames consist of vinyl or wood, and they are susceptible to fading. The UV rays actively break down the chemical bonds in these materials in the same way they do with fabrics. A once-crisp white vinyl frame can slowly morph into a dingy yellow, and a beautiful stained wood finish can lose its richness and depth of color.
Direct Sunlight and Window Damage
The unrelenting summer sun can cause more than fading. Over time, direct sunlight can weaken the window glazing, which is the layer between the panes of glass in a double-paned window.
This weakening can lead to a loss of insulation, making your home less energy-efficient in both the summer and winter. In extreme cases, the glazing can break down completely and allow moisture to enter the space between the panes.
Windows most susceptible to glazing damage are older single-pane windows or those with a poor-quality seal. If you notice any fogging or haziness between the panes of your windows, you need to act quickly. The fogging or haziness indicates a failing seal and deteriorating glazing.
Cracked Window Seals
The constant cycle of expansion and contraction caused by temperature swings can also wreak havoc on window seals. The seal is the material that creates a watertight barrier between the window frame and the glass.
When the seal cracks, it allows moisture to seep into the space between the window frame and the wall. This moisture can lead to rot in the window frame and even structural damage to your home.
How to Mitigate Heat’s Effects
Apply weatherstripping. Weatherstripping creates a tight seal around your windows to prevent drafts and leaks.
Plant trees or shrubs around your windows. Trees and shrubs can provide shade for your windows to help keep them cooler and to keep the sun from causing damage to them.
Regularly inspect your windows and the seals for cracks or leaks. If you see any damage, have it repaired promptly by a professional to prevent further problems.
By knowing its effects, you can protect your windows from the summer heat and keep your home cool and comfortable all season long. Call Florida Windows and Doors for help with your windows today.
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