Window Warping: Why It Happens and What to Do About It

As a homeowner, you want your windows and doors to last many years without needing any repairs. However, aging windows may start to warp over time due to the expansion and contraction of materials caused by changes in humidity or temperature. Window warping is something that homeowners should be aware of. In this blog post, we’ll go over what window warping is, what causes it, and the easy steps you can take to prevent it from happening at all.

What Is Window Warping?

Window warping is when the window frame or glass starts to bend, bow out of shape, or protrude from its original position. Windows may warp in different ways. For instance, they can expand outwardly like an oval-shaped bubble. One side may be warped while the other is not. In addition, there may be substantial spaces surrounding some of your window panes. These signs all point towards warped windows that need to be taken care of as soon as possible if you want them to look good and function properly.

What Causes Window Warping?

Window warping is most common when windows are exposed to extreme temperatures. This can be due to direct sunlight, cold weather, or repeated heating and cooling cycles during the four seasons. Humidity levels in your home could also be a factor. An environment with high humidity (like bathrooms) may cause condensation, which leads to damp wood and window warping.

How to Prevent Window Warping

The good news is that there are several relatively simple steps you can take to prevent your windows in the Lancaster, PA, area from warping in the first place. Be sure to clean your windows regularly, which will help protect them from the elements and reduce any potential expansion or contraction due to temperature changes. 

Also, try not to open or close your windows more than necessary. When temperatures and humidity are extreme, it’s best to keep them shut instead. If exposed to direct sunlight for long periods, use shades, curtains, and blinds so that they don’t warp. For a more lasting solution, however, choose double-hung or sliding windows equipped with Fibrex® frames. Made of wood fibers and polymer, this composite material has excellent durability, which means it is less likely to warp or suffer any type of damage even when exposed to severe weather conditions.

Get Premier Window Replacement Today

Warping can make windows less energy-efficient, change the look of your home drastically, and even make it hard to open and close since they are stuck in one place. Selecting the right window with the warp-resistant framing material can help minimize the chances of it ever occurring in the first place. For top-notch replacement windows in the Lancaster, PA, area, get in touch with Renewal by Andersen® of Central Pennsylvania. Call (717) 591-4900, or fill out our online form to schedule a consultation.