Winter Watch – Signs That It May Be Time to Call a Home Improvement Contractor

Winter, WHAT Winter?

Unfortunately (depending on your point of view), we haven’t seen much of a winter in the Southeast so far this year. That is to say, we’ve had a relatively mild winter up to this point, with very little snowfall to speak of. Folks from the North continue to migrate South every year for this very reason, but many of us native Southerners still revel in seeing some measurable snow from time to time. The groundhog recently saw his shadow, so his prediction is that what’s left of our winter will transition to an early spring soon. To be fair though, the groundhog is historically wrong more than he’s right, so winter still has an opportunity to strike the South over the next couple of months.

Winter Is Still a Good Time to Check the Condition of Your Windows and Siding

Whether it ends up snowing or not, one thing we have had plenty of this winter rain. With all the moisture that’s been around, you really should take the opportunity to take a look at your home’s windows and siding, and see how they’re doing. Persistent moisture can compromise the performance of windows and siding over time, and winter is a good time to conduct an inspection. Here are a few things you should be looking for:

• Windows

• Windows jamming or sticking – Often this is a result of the impacts of moisture and temperature changes over time. You may be able to lubricate the windows to improve their performance.
• Noticeable drafts around windows – If you can feel air coming in, that also means that your climate-controlled air is getting out. Unless you just like to pay higher energy bills, you should look at having your windows resealed or possibly replaced.
• Condensation or “sweat” on windows – If “sweat” is noticeable on the inside of your windows, that’s an indication that you have a source of moisture infiltration. If you notice condensation between the panes, then your glass has lost its seal and is no longer serving its insulation purposes properly.
• Outdoor sounds becoming louder – If it’s starting to seem like you can hear more outside noises than before, that could mean you’re simply becoming older and grumpier. Alternatively, it could also point to the fact that your windows are starting to lose some of their insulating properties.
• Windows installed pre-1992 – Even if your windows look fine to you, they may not really be performing to their potential. If they were put in before 1992, they’re simply not designed for energy efficiency. Modern vinyl windows are engineered for much greater insulation performance, and can really save you on your energy bills.
• Cracked or broken windows – If you have windows that are visibly cracked or broken, you don’t need to sit on that. Not only are you letting heat out of your home and allowing moisture to infiltrate freely, but the security of your home is compromised, too. Contact a local window professional to schedule your window replacement today!

• Siding

• Warped or rotted siding – If your siding is showing any visible warping, that’s usually a sign of underlayer damage due to moisture infiltration. And if any of your siding displays rot, it’s definitely time to replace it.
• Bubbles – If you notice bubbles that have formed beneath your siding, that’s typically an indicator that water is being trapped underneath. This is a condition that won’t fix itself, and requires some attention to get to the root of the problem.
• Mold & mildew – Mold and mildew formation aren’t uncommon in humid climates like we have in the Southeast. Using some cleaner and a pressure washer, or simply having your siding professionally cleaned, can work wonders. On the other hand, if mold and mildew are persistently present on your siding, it’s a good idea to have a professional come out and take a look at what may be going on.
• Interior signs – Obviously you should check your siding’s exterior, but it’s a good idea to look around inside in your home as well. If you start to notice any loose wallpaper, peeling paint, or soft spots in your interior walls, that can point to problems with the performance of your exterior siding.
• Check your energy bill – Energy costs tend to go up in the winter since your heating system is having to work harder to keep your home comfortable. However, if you notice that your heating bill seems to be higher than normal, that could be an indicator of issues with your siding, windows, and/or other parts of your home insulation system. It’s better to be safe than sorry; schedule a home improvement professional to come out for an inspection.

Get in Touch with Skywalker Windows & Siding

When it comes to the comfort and beauty of your home, and to the safety of your family, it’s just not worth it to cut corners or take chances. Let the pros at Skywalker Windows & Siding come out and make sure your windows and siding are pulling their fair weight! We’re happy to come out and perform a thorough inspection for FREE, and then we’ll sit down with you to share our findings and listen to your needs. We offer repair services, and our team has the tools, training, and experience to provide you with the best windows and siding installation services, too!

Skywalker is one of the highest-rated, most-awarded contractors serving the NC Piedmont Triad, Piedmont Triangle, Charlotte Metro, and Roanoke, VA areas, and we’re here to help take care of you. Reach out to us today at (336) 265-9595, and experience the Skywalker difference for yourself!