Congratulations! You’ve made the decision to replace your windows which is a decision that will bring value to your family and home for years to come. When preparing for the window replacement project, it’s important to understand how the process works. Oftentimes, the project goes off without a hitch. But sometimes, unexpected problems can arise. 

We’re here to help you prep for the unexpected factors that can potentially blindside your window replacement project to keep you informed, proactive, and address any hesitation or concerns you may have.

Most Common Unexpected Problems During Window Replacement

You may go through your initial window examination just to find out that you can go ahead and install your replacement window with no issues. That’s the dream! Sometimes, a little debris may be found and you can enjoy your new windows after a simple cleaning process. But sometimes, you may notice an issue that’s a little more serious: window mold. 

Due to condensation in colder months, window sills can sometimes collect moisture, which can accumulate into black mold. As you might expect, window mold can wreak havoc on your window replacement process and if left untreated, can potentially ruin your drywall and structural framework as well.

Before your replacement starts, be proactive: If your window is closed and you feel a draft coming through, this can mean that you have a leak or moisture forming around your window sill. Eventually, this problem could lead to window wood rot. Stand in the room — can you hear the wind whistling or rattling from the windowpane when it’s windy? Do you see any pink goop or black specks around your window panes or on your window sill? If so, then you may be dealing with black mold.

Here at King County Window and Glass, we know that this is a frustrating sight, and a window replacement is stressful enough without having to deal with window rot. Below, we discuss all the steps you’ll need to take to identify black mold, how to get rid of it and how we can help.

Your Replacement Installer Discovered Mold - Now What?

If you discover mold, sometimes it can be remediated without drastic action. If you catch it early enough and the problem is limited to one localized area, then you might be okay if you can simply tear away and replace the affected components.

If mold is caught before it has time to penetrate, it’s usually treatable with surface-level cleaning or window sill replacement. If the mold did penetrate, but only in the sill and not into the bottom 2x4s, you may have caught it in time to continue your window replacement.

The hard thing about mold is sometimes it leads to window rot, which is a much bigger issue.

Remediating Window Rot

When we replace windows, it’s rarely the mold that causes a lot of problems. Rather, it’s the subsequent rot that often comes with it. When water has no way to drain, and there’s limited air circulation, then water from condensation can sit inside the window frame on the surface of the sheathing, penetrating the window and causing rot. 

Window wood rot is like rust on a car. Water penetrating a window frame leads to structural integrity damage. Once rot is inside your walls, you have to keep tearing off outer structures until you see just how deep it goes. If you picture your home like a skeleton, then any 2x4’s running up and down can act as a channel for water to invade your floors or insulation. The key with rot is to address the full extent of the problem and how far the water penetration goes.

When King County Windows & Glass Can Remediate

We are so appreciative you’ve considered KC Window & Glass for your window replacement. KC Window & Glass is dedicated to the integrity of your home and the integrity of our business, so we will do everything we possibly can to remediate your mold and rot issues. 

If we come in to examine your windows and find that the rot is localized to one area, we can help you handle your rot remediation. We’ll help you replace your sheathing and re-side over the top of it. So long as the rot hasn’t invaded your bottom 2x4s, we can help without requiring the assistance of a specialist. While this will cost a little more than your average window replacement, we offer hourly rates for discovery and always prioritize a fair estimate on what the rot remediation will require.

The full extent of the rot can only truly be discovered by slowly peeling back layer after layer of your drywall, and while we wish we could assist all of our clients professionally, some instances require a dedicated framing or construction specialist. 

King County Window & Glass’ Recommendation for Major Window Rot

If we find that the rot problem has spread past the window area, we always tell our clients to call in specialists: flooring, foundation, drywall, roofing and other professionals (depending on how far the rot has spread). As window specialists, we are deeply dedicated to helping you remediate rot in your localized window framing area. But once it has spread to your roof, floorboards, insulation, drywall or foundation, it is in your best interest to call in the experts related to the specific impacted area.

We empathize deeply because this can be a costly project that you did not plan for in your initial window replacement plans. Unfortunately, it’s even more costly and dangerous to allow it to continue spreading. Some window installers will just replace the windows and leave to make a quick buck, regardless of any discovered rot or structural damage. 

Ethically, we are required to report any rot we find in a building and cannot just cover it up or leave it behind for the next owner. It goes against structural integrity, building codes and breaks just about every rule in our industry. We will not knowingly leave a homeowner with window rot that could put their family and home at risk. 

When it comes to discovery costs and detailing the entire remediation process, it can be overwhelming to hear, and it’s often incredibly hard for us to deliver the news. It’s an uncomfortable and difficult conversation for you, and it’s an uncomfortable conversation for us as well. But window rot is one that you have to find out how far it has spread before you can begin a remediation process. 

Partnering with King County Window & Glass

At KC Window & Glass, we repair and replace glass windows of all kinds, from single to double to triple pane and all frame materials. We work on all types of windows, from wood to aluminum to vinyl. Our window specialists are trained in spotting mold and rot when completing window replacement projects. 

If one of our specialists spots mold, we’ll lead with empathy and sensitivity in order to help you solve your rot problem both ethically and efficiently. With a network of local businesses, we’ll help remediate your problem to the best of our ability and call in any other required local specialists to help solve your rot problem. We’ll complete the discovery process, offer you a quote and guide you toward a remediation plan.

Mold and rot can impact the safety and health of your home. If you believe that you may be suffering from mold or rot near your windows, it is important to seek out skilled glass repair professionals right away for repair or replacement. Any drafts or leaks that aren’t addressed can eventually lead to mold or rot. 

To prevent any problems, let KC Window and Glass upgrade your home with energy-efficient windows. We can provide state-of-the-art glass or entire window units to protect you from moisture penetration and keep your home at a comfortable temperature all year round.

Reach out to us today for your replacement window project. We’ll help you spot any mold or rot problems, help prevent future issues with accurate window replacement and installation and keep you involved and informed throughout the entire process. You’ll be well on your way to enjoying a comfortable and healthy space! We ensure your investment in new windows is sound and secure for your long term.

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