Troubleshooting
Most of the common concerns that come up with new replacement windows are easily dealt with using simple, at-home techniques. These methods are explained in the text and videos below.
You may notice moisture on the inside surface of your windows, especially during colder months. This is not an indication of faulty windows; rather, it’s a sign that your windows are doing their job. During the winter, we usually close our windows, sealing the home against cold air. Humidity is trapped inside, and unlike old, drafty windows, your new windows do not allow the moist air to leak out. Condensation occurs when the water vapor in the air meets the cold surface of the window and cannot escape. As a result, it’s not uncommon for condensation to appear following window replacement. Controlling indoor humidity can help reduce condensation.
Tips for Controlling Indoor Humidity:
- Make sure all sources of ventilation to the outside are functional, such as kitchen, bathroom, and laundry room exhaust fans
- Air out your home periodically by opening your windows, if only for just a few minutes in the winter
- If you have a humidifier, make sure its comfort settings are correct
- Make sure all louvers to the attic and basement are open
- If you have lots of houseplants, try to concentrate them in one area
- Consult a qualified HVAC contractor if the problem persists
Sometimes, especially after being moved during cleaning, a window sash can become disengaged from its balancer in the frame track, often referred to as the “shoe.” When the window is open, this detachment will cause the sash to drop from its heightened position in the frame. Each sash has a pin on both ends that connects it to the frame. Fixing the issue is as simple as guiding the pins back into their shoes.
Fixing Dropping Windows:
- Insert a flat-head screwdriver into the indent of the exposed metal shoe and give it a quarter turn (the indent should now be perpendicular to the window frame)
- Keeping the screwdriver in the shoe, allow the shoe to guide you up the frame to a few inches under the sash
- Using a screwdriver, reset the shoe to the vertical position (the indent will be parallel with the window frame)
- Move the sash down to the shoe and tilt it in
- Balance the sash with one hand in the middle and push down the sides (where the sash connects to the frame) to lock the pin into the shoe
- Tilt the sash back and move it up a few inches to ensure the shoe is now engaged (the track should be empty)
- Lock the window
Windows that appear foggy could be suffering from seal failure, where outside air has penetrated the space between the two panes of glass and condensation develops. Unfortunately, once seal failure occurs, there is very little that can be done to repair the sash. Similarly, if the glass in a seal has been compromised, the best solution to maintain the integrity of the window is to replace the sash.
Window World customers have the peace of mind of knowing that they have an industry-leading warranty. If seal failure or glass breakage occurs, we can have a replacement sash specially manufactured to fit your window. Simply give us a call!
Your Window World windows were made just for you, which is why the serial number label on every one of your new windows is so important. If you need service, please locate the serial number on your window before you call your local Window World. This information will allow us to identify your window and quickly take care of the issue.