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Dec 23, 2020
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How Wood Rot Can Ruin Your Windows

Wood rot around windows is one of the most prevalent home structural issues.  While not exclusive to windows, the appearance of dry rot depends on the type of fungus that is present.  Colors can include brown, white and yellow.  Evidence wood rot has occurred include shrinking, warping, and discoloration.  If your windows are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to get a contractor’s opinion on whether you need new replacement windows.

Causes Of Wood Rot Around Windows

Rotting Window Frames Can Be Caused By Poor Installation

The fungi that creates wood around your window to rot requires moisture to grow.  This means that a window that’s damaged by dry rot is being impacted by a structural deficiency that is permitting moisture into your house and trapping it in an unnatural place.  Many times, wood rot around windows is a result of an inexperienced contractor making installation mistakes.  For example, insufficient caulking around windows will allow water infiltration, which leads to rot.  If window flashing is skipped or incorrectly installed, rain and moisture can enter your home, creating rot around windows.

Rotting Window Frames Are Problematic

Failure to maintain windows with exteriors comprised from wood, also invites moisture to infiltrate your home.  With moisture present, pests such as carpenter ants and termites, are attracted and feed off the wood, creating further deterioration.

bad house windows

How To Identify Wood Rot Around Window Frames:

Frustratingly enough, wood rot around windows can be tricky to spot in its early stages.  Warning signs of rotten wooden window frames include discoloration and the frame being soft to the touch.  When window rot has been present for an extended period of time, the homeowner will be able to spot the water entering the home.

Rotten Window Frames Pose Serious Health Risks:

In addition to the financial difficulties wood rot can cause, there are several health risks it poses.  Wood rot causes mold growth.  This is particularly problematic for those with primary immunodeficiency and asthma.  Even for overall healthy individuals, prolonged exposure to mold can lead to sore throats, respiratory infections, congestion, frequent sneezing, and strained breathing.  The health risks alone warrant replacement of all rotted windows.

window installation

How To Prevent Wood Rot Around Windows:

A home window replacement project shouldn’t be entrusted to just any contractor.  Take care to get multiple quotes, verify references, and read online reviews.  You’ll likely have more success with a contractor that prefers full frame window replacement over insert window replacement. This allows for the inspection of the rough opening and avoids a situation where you’re installing a new window into a rotted frame, as can happen with insert windows.  Wood window trim should be routinely painted and sealed in order to prevent rot from manifesting itself.  Inspect the caulking around your windows frequently and scrape away any that has hardened and replace with new caulk.

Why The Contractor You Pick For Your Rotted Windows Replacement Matters:

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Home Window Replacement Reviews:

"Great job installing new windows!"

Dick S.
Shoreview, MN
June 2, 2022

"Thank you for a job well done.  We are very impressed with our new windows."

Bill & Gini R.
Maple Grove, MN
May 27, 2022

"Very professional and great work! I am having quite a few more windows put in next year."

Amy M.
Woodbury, MN
May 20, 2022

"I need to tell you how totally pleased we were with Lindus. The whole experience was top shelf!! Several neighbors have already asked about you guys and we’re happy to see endorse your company."

Judy L.
Minnetonka, MN
May 12, 2022

"I'm very happy with it and the crew was amazing!"

Isaiah B.
St. Paul, MN
March 22, 2022

"I've used Lindus Construction many times: roof, windows and recently an egress window. I would never hire anyone else. I know I can trust their work. The best."

Kathie R.
Eden Prairie, MN
February 14, 2022
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