Windows are made to shield the indoor environment from direct sunlight, infestations, dust and other related elements. Any damage to a window calls for a window replacement because it can result in leaks that pave the way for pollutants and more damages to occur in the room. Fortunately, finding these leaks is not a complicated process. Check out this guide to launch your window inspection for leaks and damages:
1. Check for cracks or dented glass
Cracks in windows are most likely to be very visible. In some cases however, you might have to look closely for light cracks that may not be obvious to the eye. Some window glasses are also fragile so they easily get dented. If not inspected carefully and attended to on time, cracked or dented glass can cause much havoc in the home.
2. Use the incense test
To check if windows have leaks, you can perform the incense test by moving a lighted candle near your window rims. Before you do this, ensure that doors, air conditioners e.t.c are turned off or closed. This is to ensure that there is no leak that can cause a diffusion of the lighted candle smell. If you do this and the smell stays strong for a while, then your window is free from leaks.
3. Give it a little bit of push and pull
This is just to ensure that the window is not in any way unsecured. Storms and violent hits may have affected the durability of window glasses, steadily doing a push and pull exercise can help you determine this for sure. If your window is not the pull type, but rather a fixed window, you might want to consider giving it a shake to ensure the glass is just as steady as it should be.
4. Examine if it can be locked and unlocked effortlessly
This will require a little back and forth practice of unlocking and shutting the window. Also check the window knob, does it allow for easy closure? Or is it just sturdy? Windows that lack easy opening and closing mechanisms can encourage air leaks and thus affect the weather in the home.
5. Inspect the holes and shatters
What’s worse than a crack in your window? Definitely a hole or a shattered window. It’s bigger and can allow insects to crawl in, wastes air conditioning and allows other unwanted conditions. Sometimes, windows even can be damaged to the extent of shattering and are usually very obvious.
Whether your windows are old, new or slightly affected in a storm, you need to carry out an inspection today to prevent indoor pollution and waste of energy resources. A window replacement might be the right option to fix any damage to your windows.