Common causes include: 

1. Deteriorating seals: over time, the seals around the window frames can deteriorate, allowing air to enter or escape.
2. Poor window installation: improper installation can leave gaps between the window frame and the wall, creating a pathway for air leakage.
3. Worn weatherstripping: weatherstripping creates a tight seal between the moving parts of a window. When it wears out or becomes damaged, drafts can occur.
4. Single-pane windows: single-pane windows lack the insulating properties of double or triple-pane windows, making them more susceptible to drafts.
5. Structural issues: in some cases, drafts can result from structural problems, such as gaps in the wall or poorly fitting windows.

How Renewal by Andersen can help

We specialize in high-quality replacement windows and doors. Here’s how we can help fix drafty windows:

1. Custom window solutions: our custom-made windows ensure a precise fit in your home. Every window is customized to your precise measurements.
2. Energy-efficient glass: our windows are equipped with advanced glass technology, including low-emissivity coatings and insulating gases, which help reduce drafts and maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.
3. Durable window frames: our window frames are made with Fibrex®, a patented material that combines wood’s strength with vinyl’s low-maintenance features. This prevents warping and shrinkage, ensuring a tight seal against drafts.
4. Professional installation: our team of certified master installers will ensure that your new windows are correctly installed to eliminate any drafts caused by gaps or other installation errors.
5. Warranty protection: we offer one of the industry’s best warranties, giving homeowners peace of mind that their windows are protected against defects or future draft issues.

Drafty windows are not only uncomfortable but also have a negative impact on your energy bills. If you’re having this problem, you can contact us to learn more about our custom window options, energy-efficient glass, durable frames, and professional installation services. We’ll help eliminate drafts and create a more comfortable and energy-efficient home environment. Feel free to give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post What Causes Drafty Windows? appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

When you see moisture on your windows, it isn’t necessarily a sign that something is wrong. While interior condensation can sometimes result from a failing windowpane seal, most often, it’s simply a result of humidity in the air. The water you see is condensation from the warm air meeting the cooler glass, like when a cold beverage sweats on a hot summer day.

In fact, condensation may be more noticeable on high-quality windows since they are so energy efficient, indicating that your windows have good tight seals. The things that make homes more energy efficient—weather stripping, high-quality insulation, vapor barriers, and windows and patio doors that reduce air leakage—also lock moisture inside your house.

Moisture is a part of everyday life. Anytime someone takes a shower or cooks, it increases indoor humidity. In Alaska, where the fall and winters are especially cold, it’s important to keep indoor humidity only as high as you need it. When you see interior window condensation, it’s a sign to lower the humidity.

A few quick and easy ways to do this include:

1. Opening the blinds and drapes to let moisture-laden air escape.
2. Raising the air temperature in your home (turning the heat on will decrease relative humidity).
3. Turning on ceiling fans to improve air circulation.
4. Running exhaust fans in the kitchen while cooking and in the bathroom while showering or bathing. Leave the fan running for 15 minutes after you’ve finished to clear out lingering moisture.

It’s important to manage humidity inside your home for its overall health, not just to manage condensation. Excess interior moisture can lead to swelling wood, mold or mildew, musty odors, discoloration, and cracking or blistering paint. Remember that wiping condensation off windows, especially wood or vinyl, is essential. Prolonged condensation can lead to mold, rot, or leaky seals. Use a towel, paper towel, microfiber cloth, or squeegee to wipe away excess moisture.

Want to know more? Take a look at this short video on understanding condensation.

Consider upgrading some of your older windows with new, energy-efficient ones. Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. We proudly serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Condensation Season is Coming appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

How do ice crystals form on windows?

Water vapor is present as moisture in the air, experienced as humidity. In warmer months, you’ll feel a heaviness to the air. In cooler months, when the temperature drops and the windows are closed, that moisture is trapped inside your home and drawn to the window panes where it makes contact with the cold glass and changes from a gas to a liquid. This is experienced as condensation, and when outside temperatures drop further, this condensation freezes and forms into ice crystals.

For more information on indoor humidity and how to manage it, take a look at our previous post, How to Manage Indoor Humidity. For more information on how condensation happens, take a look at our video:

What can happen?

Over time, exposure to ice can cause both aesthetic and structural problems with either the finish and/or frame of your windows. As the frost or ice melts, the liquid can sit along the window frame and discolor the topcoat, crack the paint, rot the wood, and even cause mold and mildew to grow.

How to prevent it?

• Upgrade from single-pane to double- or triple-pane windows. Experiencing ice build-up on windows is more common with single-pane, as double- or triple-pane offers extra insulation from outside temperatures and should prevent the humidity inside your home from coming into contact with freezing outdoor temperatures. In addition, single-pane windows are more prone to frame, wall, and insulation damage as water may run behind the wallboard into the insulation without the double- or triple-pane to capture any excess moisture.
• Keep a towel rolled up on the window sill at night which will collect any water that forms on the glass. Mop up any excess water and replace with a fresh towel the next day.
• Raise the room temperature at night to prevent ice and frost from building up. You may need to use a space heater in a particularly cold room.
• Don’t over-water plants, and keep them in one room.
• Store your firewood outside to prevent moisture from the wood from building up inside.
• Look for leaks in your plumbing and have them repaired. Even a dripping faucet can add moisture to the air.

Ready to replace your windows? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post How to Prevent Ice Build-Up on Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. Shrinking, Warping, and Cracking

Shrinkage, warping, and cracking are common side effects of extreme temperature changes most often seen in wood products. For example, wooden window frames, doors, and door frames can shrink in extreme cold. In extreme humidity, they can begin to warp or bow. The same can be said for most builder-grade PVC windows and doors although quality PVC windows allow far less structural movement which eliminates these types of issues. Our Fibrex® frames retain their rigidity and stability in all climates and come with a no blister, peel, crack, rot, flake, rust, pit, or corrode warranty.

2. Ice Build-Up

The main reason you should maintain or replace your weatherstripping is because ice tends to form in gaps around doors and windows. When warm, moisture-rich air escapes through these openings, it freezes upon contact with the cold air leaking in. This can make it difficult to open a window or door without damaging the weather stripping, which will only lead to more ice being created.

3. Drafts

Old, poorly fitted or poorly insulated windows and doors most often cause drafts within the home. Adding or replacing weather stripping may help, but in most cases, a new door or window will likely be needed to eliminate the problem.

4. Condensation

Condensation on the inside of your windows during the winter months is often a sign that your windows have good energy efficiency and usually isn’t cause for alarm. Condensation occurs when warm, humid air in your home comes into contact with the cold surface of the window pane. If the condensation appears excessive, you may want to reduce the humidity in your home either by using a dehumidifier, extraction fans, and by ensuring your home is adequately ventilated. If you find condensation or a fogginess developing between the panes on a double- or triple-paned window, it’s likely that a seal has been broken which will need to be repaired.

5. Hardware Failure

All doors and windows have latches, handles, hinges and other operating hardware. When ice or cold weather freezes these parts or shifts the position of your doors or windows, these parts can become damaged or jammed.

Now that you know what to look for, you’re better prepared for what the winter weather may throw at you. If it’s finally time for a new window or door, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post 5 Ways Winter Impacts Doors and Windows appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Several signs could indicate window seal failure. As your trusted window replacement contractor, we share the three main signs here.

1. Condensation

You may have a broken seal on your windows if you see condensation inside the window panes. Clean your window thoroughly to ensure that there is no condensation or smudges on the outside of the glass. When you’re certain that your window is completely clean on the inside and outside, check for foggy patches again. If you still see condensation at this point, it means that moisture is trapped between the panes and you have a broken seal.

2. Glass Distortion

You can also check for glass distortion to know if your window seal has failed. If your window is filled with argon or krypton gas, the gas that leaks out is not replaced with air. This can cause the middle of your window to bow. To check for glass distortion, stand outside away from the window and compare your reflection between the window you suspect has a broken seal and the other windows in your home. If your reflection appears more warped in one window than the others, you most likely have a broken seal.

3. The Ice Test

Sometimes, you may have a broken seal but no visible condensation on the window. In this case, you can use a piece of ice to check for a broken seal. Make sure you clean both sides of your window. Then, for a few seconds, rub a piece of ice on a small area of the window. Remove the ice and clean the window once more. If you can still see moisture on the window after wiping both sides, you have a broken window seal.

Need to replace your windows? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a free, no obligation consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post 3 Signs Your Window Seals Have Failed appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

What effect does indoor humidity have on window condensation?

Condensation is caused by excess humidity. When the outside temperature cools, the temperature of the glass in your windows does as well. When warm, moist indoor air comes in contact with this cold glass, the moisture condenses and forms water droplets. To prevent condensation from forming on windows, you have to consider the window’s energy efficiency, inside and outside temperatures, but most importantly, the humidity inside your home. Indoor moisture is just a part of life. Many activities such as cooking and bathing release moisture into the air.

How can I cut down indoor humidity during winter?

• Open the blinds and drapes to let out moisture-laden air.
• Raise the air temperature in your home to decrease relative humidity.
• Turn on ceiling fans for more air circulation.
• Run exhaust fans in the kitchen and bathroom and leaving them running for 15 minutes or longer to clear out lingering moisture.
• Ensure proper ventilation of appliances, like dryers, to the outside.
• Avoid storing firewood in your house or basement.

What about the opposite problem? In winter, indoor heating makes the air too dry. Are humidifiers OK to use?

While some people may find humidified air easier to breathe, it’s important to clean your humidifier regularly so that mold and bacteria don’t build up in its filters. Also, if the air is humidified excessively, condensation and other excess humidity related problems can occur.

On the positive side, humidified air can reduce the shrinkage of wall cracks and wooden furniture caused by over-drying as well as reducing static electricity. Whether or not you choose to use a humidifier, you must weigh the advantages of humidity against its disadvantages, including the increased risk of condensation.

Every home is different, but a level between 30 and 40 per cent humidity is typically ideal for keeping your home warm and comfortable in the winter, without leaving condensation on the windows.

Failure to maintain a reasonable humidity level may have the following effects:

• Low humidity=skin dryness. Humidity levels below 20% may cause skin dryness, which results in itchiness and discomfort.
• High humidity=allergies. Humidity levels of over 65% may cause asthma, allergies, and other upper respiratory illnesses.
• Excess humidity=home deterioration. Components such as windows, tiles, wood, and doors that store moisture are affected most.

When windows are not properly sealed, air leakage and condensation can occur when the indoor temperature is different from the outdoor temperature. Moisture can also seep through walls and deteriorate the paint there as well as on window sashes. And if there’s too much moisture in the window frame, it could cause rotting.

The bottom line: maintain a relative humidity level that’s comfortable for you, then reduce the humidity level when condensation occurs. The best way to do this is by turning off your humidifier or reducing the above sources of humidity in your home.

For more information on condensation, check out our other blog post: Condensation Season is Starting, or view our free condensation brochure: 2021 Condensation Brochure – Renewal by Andersen.

If you feel like your old windows need to be replaced, consider a winter window replacement project! We offer quick installation and you can still experience savings from the increased energy efficiency found in new replacement windows. Call us to schedule a free consultation today!

The post How to Manage Indoor Humidity in Winter appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

Think about how a glass of cold water feels on a hot summer day. It’s cool to the touch, but the air around it is warm and humid. When the two meet, your beverage sweats. That’s what’s happening to your windows! So, the water you’re seeing is not a reason to worry.

It may seem counter-intuitive, but it’s actually not bad that condensation shows up on the outside or inside of your window. Condensation will appear from time to time on even the best-performing windows—in fact, it may be more noticeable on high quality windows since they are so energy-efficient. Condensation can actually be a sign that your windows have good, tight seals. The very things that make homes more energy efficient—windows and patio doors that reduce air leakage, weather-stripping, high-quality insulation, vapor barriers—also lock moisture inside your house.

Moisture is a part of everyday life. Every time someone in your household takes a shower or cooks, it contributes to increased indoor humidity. Condensation is just a by-product of this humidity.

In Alaska, where the fall and winters are very cold, it’s important to keep indoor humidity only as high as you need it. When you see condensation on the inside of your window, it’s a sign to try and lower the humidity. Here are a few tips for accomplishing this goal:

1. Open the blinds and drapes to let moisture-laden air escape.
2. Raise the air temperature in your home (turning the heat on will decrease relative humidity).
3. Turn on ceiling fans to improve air circulation.
4. Run exhaust fans in the kitchen while cooking and in the bathroom while showering or bathing. Leave the fan running for 15 minutes after you’ve finished to clear out lingering moisture.
5. Ensure proper ventilation of appliances such as dryers to the outside, as well as attic and crawlspaces.

For more information on relative humidity and condensation in your home, check out this video:

Thinking of replacing some of your older windows with new energy efficient ones? Give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post Condensation Season is Starting appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.

1. They don’t open and close the way they should

Windows that stick when you try to open or close them, or that have to be forced shut, happen when they have poorly installed weather stripping and don’t seal properly when closed. This allows air to escape through the frame and can allow moisture into the house during rainy seasons or winter months.

2. There’s a draft

If you’re feeling a draft of air coming in around the edges of your windows, it usually means that the seals are faulty through bad weather stripping or faulty caulking.

3. High energy bills

The thicker the glass on your window, the more insulated and energy efficient it’s going to be. Unfortunately, many older homes have single-pane windows that don’t provide enough insulation from outside temperatures. If this is the case, upgrading to double-pane windows will help significantly improve energy efficiency.

4. There’s fogging or condensation

We’ve all seen it: fogging inside between the panes of a window, or condensation on the glass inside or outside. It’s usually caused by poor insulation around the window frame, such as faulty weather stripping, or the loss of air between the two panes of glass.

5. There’s water damage

Water damage occurs from condensation and leaks. If the window wasn’t properly installed or the weather stripping is faulty, a window may leak water into the frame or wall, which can lead to mold and mildew growth, peeling paint or wallpaper, and more significant damage.

6. Window panes are cracked, warped, or chipped

If the glass in your window is cracked or chipped, it’s time to replace it. A broken pane of glass can be dangerous if not replaced promptly because it poses a risk for injury. Cracked or broken windows also let in more of the outside environment and make it easier for your home to be broken into.

7. Window frames are rotten

If the wood around your window is soft, spongy, or waterlogged, it’s rotten. This can happen when windows aren’t properly sealed and too much moisture has come into contact with the wood. Check the window frame where it meets the wall or siding; if there’s rot or decay, you’ll need to replace the entire unit.

8. They’re outdated and unappealing

Sometimes windows may function well, but they look old and unattractive. If you want to improve your home’s curb appeal, we recommend replacing your windows with our custom-made windows. We offer a variety of made-to-order style and color options, so you can find the perfect fit for your home.

To discuss your window replacement options, give us a call or fill out our contact form to schedule a consultation. We’re proud to serve Anchorage, the Mat-Su Valley, Fairbanks, the Kenai Peninsula, and Juno.

The post 8 Signs Your Windows Need to be Replaced appeared first on Renewal by Andersen of Alaska.