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The Dangers of Windows Frost
Protecting Your Home’s Windows from Frost
Waking up to the first snowfall of the year looks mesmerizing, especially when frost decorates the edges of your windowpanes. While homeowners in Chicagoland Area may have become accustomed to this picturesque sight, there are dangers in that view. If you have frost appearing on your windows, continue to read to learn about what this could mean for your home.
Why Does Frost Form on Windows?
Like on an ice-cold can of soda, frost emerges when cold air meets warm air. Frost forms when a glass pane is met with both moist, indoor air and cold, outdoor air. Water vapor then condenses on the glass pane, creating a frost pattern. Condensation often occurs on glass surfaces within the home first because they commonly have a lower temperature than that of other interior surfaces within your home. This is the same condensation that you’ve probably seen occurring on your bathroom mirror, right after taking a warm shower.
What Can Happen as a Result of Window Frost?
As frost melts, the water can seriously damage your windows, drywall, and the quality of air within your home. Excessive moisture often causes wooden windows to become warped. This occurrence is common on older houses, where wooden windows are often present. Water also enters the frame, creating the perfect environment for mold growth. Damaged windows also have the potential to create drafty windows. This means that windows that have been compromised by frost can eventually lead to higher energy bills for homeowners. Excessive water from melting frost can also make its way into your home’s drywall. Mold or mildew growth not only impairs your home’s air quality but also puts your family’s health at risk.
Ways to Prevent Window Frost
- Keep the inside of your home at a constant temperature that is warm enough to prevent the formation of frost.
- Prepare your windows for cold weather by re-applying caulking.
- Repair any needed weather stripping located on the window’s sash.
- Replace outdated windows with vinyl, double- or triple-pane windows.
If you find that your home’s ill-fitting and outdated windows are the cause of frost, call Hartford Exteriors TODAY to speak with one of our experts and learn about our Energy Star Certified vinyl windows. We provide only the highest quality windows that are designed with energy-efficient features to eliminate the strenuous work put on your home’s HVAC system. Hartford Exteriors is dedicated to providing Schaumburg, Hoffman Estates, Barrington, Des Plaines, Roselle, Bloomingdale, Bartlett, Arlington Heights as well as DuPage County and all Northwest Suburbs of Chicago homeowners with windows that embody the perfect balance of quality and durability, at the most affordable price.