Summer is winding down, and it’s the perfect time to go over your doors and windows before the first cold snap. Here are five simple checks you can do yourself in less than an hour.
1. Weatherstripping
Run your finger along the weatherstripping on each sash. A soft seal that’s firmly attached is doing its job. A seal that’s hardened, cracked, flattened or peeling away lets air through and will drive up your heating bill. It’s a replaceable part, so there’s no need to replace the whole window.
2. Drainage and screens
The small drainage openings under the frame carry water outside. A buildup of dust, pollen or leaves can clog them. A quick pass with the vacuum is all it takes. While you’re at it, remove, wash and store your screens: they’ll last longer and you’ll get more light during the winter.
3. Hardware
Open and close every casement, awning and slider. A crank that sticks, a loose handle or a sash that no longer closes perfectly calls for an adjustment, not panic. Taken care of now, these small fixes will save you from a patio door that freezes up in January.
4. Exterior caulking
Walk around the house and look at the perimeter of the frames. The sealant should be continuous, with no cracks or gaps. Corners and the tops of openings are the most exposed areas. Caulking redone in mild weather holds up much better than caulking rushed on at the first frost.
5. Condensation between the panes
Fog on the inside surface of a pane is a matter of humidity in the house. Fog or a whitish haze between the two panes is something else: the sealed unit has lost its seal. The good news is that the Roberge warranty offers up to 20 years of protection on sealed units and transferable coverage.
Concerned about something you noticed? Our dealers can tell you whether it’s a simple adjustment or a replacement. Find the dealer nearest you.
