Urgency's Flashcards
1
Q
Wood Rot
A
- What is the problem: Mr. and Mrs. Jones, see how my pen is able to push down on this softened wood? What this means is that this wood is starting to rot (or already rotted).
- Why is it happening: This happens when water pools up on the sill and has nowhere to drain, so it ultimately absorbs into the sill, causing it to decay. This could be from interior condensation or from the elements making its way inside.
- If it persists: Water will continue to get into your wall cavity every time it rains, sleets, hails, or snows, which will eventually ruin dry wall, rot studs, or even cause an electric fire If it sits long enough, it will cause fungal growth.
- Damage $: If water gets into wall cavity it could cost thousands to replace framing.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: Whether you choose us or someone else, please make sure you get this window taken care of before (enter timeframe).
2
Q
CHIPPED PAINT
A
- What is the problem: Notice this chipped paint here?
- Why is it happening: This happens because moisture gets beneath the paint.
- If it persists: Water will get into your sills and into the wall cavity, which could ruin dry wall, rot studs, cause an electric fire. If it sits long enough, it will cause fungal growth.
- Damage $: If water gets into wall cavity it could cost thousands to replace framing.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: Bare minimum scrape the paint off, prime, let dry, paint, let dry, second coat of paint. Water is your home’s worst enemy, and it is a tricky thing because you never know it is a problem until it is too late! All you can do is look at these kinds of tell-tale signs. Whether you choose us or someone else, please make sure you get this taken care of.”
3
Q
MILDEW
A
- What is the problem: Mr. and Mrs. Jones, I am not an expert on fungal growth by any means but do you notice all of these black spots near the edges of the sash frame? This looks to me like some kind of mildew.
- Why is it happening: Because of built-up condensation on your glass dripping into the edges of your windows. Typically the moisture gets trapped in the corners and it is a perfect environment for mildew to grow. The problem isn’t just that it is unsightly, it’s extremely unhealthy.
- If it persists: Water will continue to get into your wall cavity which will eventually ruin dry wall, rot studs, or even cause an electric fire. If it sits long enough, it will cause fungal growth. Also someone could potentially get sick from breathing this in.
- Damage $: This is something that can easily turn a window project into something much bigger. If this mildew/growth were to expand into the wall cavity, you’re now talking a few thousand dollars on top of the cost of getting new windows.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: You can take some bleach and wipe this down but
unfortunately that isn’t going to permanently solve the issue. Whether you choose us or someone else, please
make sure you get this window taken care of before this issue gets any worse.
4
Q
SINGLE PANE GLASS
A
- What is the problem: There is only one pane of glass. Glass is a very poor insulator (glass cup analogy). Energy will escape through the glass. Half the energy in your home is lost through your windows. This is what is causing your energy bills to be so high. Most people only think of draftiness but most the energy is lost through the glass.
- Why is it happening: Because that’s how windows were made up until about 1975 because energy was inexpensive. Think about what energy bills were for this home in 1950 compared to now.
- If it persists: You will continue to pay high energy bills. Energy cost is also going up. You’re paying for windows whether you get them or not.
- Damage $: Could cost an additional $1,000-$2,000 in energy cost per year. Over time that $ could pay for new windows and your kids college tuition.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: Most people don’t realize how much energy is lost just through the glass and don’t realize how much money they can save from getting new windows. Whether you choose us or someone else, I recommend getting energy efficient windows so you’re saving money instead of paying the energy companies for your old single pane wood windows.
5
Q
PLASTIC WRAP
A
- What is the problem: Mr and Mrs Jones how long have you been feeling a draft through this window ? Do you leave the plastic up year round or only in the winter? I want to commend you for your efforts for trying to keep the cold out of your home, however this actually causes more harm then it does good.
- Why is it happening: What ends up happening is very similar to when you step out of the shower. Do you notice that steam immediately billows out of the bathroom the minute you open the door ? Well that’s because HOT is attracted to COLD. The Heat from your home will be drawn to the coldest place of the house, which in this case is your windows. When heat hits a cold surface, it creates moisture and condensation.
- If it persists: That moisture will begin to get trapped between the plastic and the window, leading to fungal growth. Similar to when you leave bread in a plastic bag for too long, it gets moldy. Well wood is no different. Wood is an organic material and will absorb all of that fungal growth into the frame as well into the surrounding framing and wall cavity.
- Damage $: This will end up causing damage to your drywall and even allow moisture into the walls, which could become a very costly repair. Replacing drywall and framing adds thousands of dollars to the cost of a simple window project.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: My recommendation is that after I leave is to take down the plastic and replace it with some type of Thermal curtain. This would be a much safer investment in keeping out the cold. Ultimately this isn’t a permanent solution by any means, as you’ll end up paying for these windows whether you get them or not due to all the energy loss they are causing. My real recommendation is to replace these windows by latest ______________ (Spring, Before Winter Sets in etc.) Now by no means do you have to go with us, however this is the only thing that will solve this problem.
6
Q
DRAFTS
A
- What is the problem: Mr. and Mrs. Jones, as you can see here I am able to move your sash back and forth in the frame. Can you see all of this space that I am talking about? (point as you shift the sash) So now you can see, Mrs. Jones, why you are so cold inside your home during the winter. Also this is the main reason you are spending so much money to heat your house.
- Why is it happening: This has occurred, through no fault of your own, because the home has aged and the wood has settled. That, along with the prolonged operation of the window, has made it come out of square.
- If it persists: You will continue to pay high energy bills and be uncomfortable inside your home. Also energy cost is on the rise so the more energy goes up, the more money you are spending to heat and cool your home with these drafty windows.
- Damage $: Could cost an additional $1,000-$2,000 in energy cost per year. Over time that $ could pay for new windows and your kids college tuition.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: Most people don’t realize how much energy is lost just through drafty windows and how much money they can save from getting new windows. Whether you choose us or someone else, I recommend getting energy efficient windows so you’re saving money instead of paying the energy companies for your old drafty wood windows.
7
Q
HARD TO OPEN / CLOSE
A
- What is the problem: Mr and Mrs Jones how long has the window been operating like this ? (If window doesn’t STAY open ask this follow-up question): What do you use to keep the window open? (usually some sort of stick).
- Why is it happening: Well what’s happening is that the mechanism used to keep the window operating smoothly is completely shot (usually spring or pulley). This happens over time with older windows from wear and tear.
- If it persists: What will continue to happen if you continue to try to operate the window is that it will further damage the unit and will eventually cease to open or close. If the window gets stuck in a partially closed position, it won’t form a tight seal and elements from the outside can make its way into the wall cavity causing substantial damage.
- Damage $: The last thing you want is a window that you know isn’t forming a proper seal and allowing elements into the home. This is how a simple window project can turn into thousands of additional dollars in potential reframing costs etc. If water is getting into the walls. Plus if it isn’t forming a proper seal, you can be sure your losing energy through the window and its costing you money every month that you don’t need to be spending.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: We’re not at the point yet where this is a major issue or an emergency or anything but you always want to be proactive when it comes to protecting the home from the elements getting inside. Plus its nice to be able to open and close your windows and save money on energy!
8
Q
SEAL FAILURE
A
- What is the problem: Mr and Mrs Jones what you have happening here is called Seal Failure. This is when condensation gets trapped BETWEEN the panes of glass.
- Why is it happening: The reason this is happening is due to the changes in temperature from Hot to Cold the glass is constantly flexing. And you see this here (point to metal spacer). This is called your Seal or also known as Spacer. Because this material is very rigid, it doesn’t flex or move with the glass, causing the glass to pull away from the seal. All you need is a tiny pin prick hole to form in the adhesive between the glass and the seal, and air and water will make its way in.
- If it persists: Now what will continue to happen is that the moisture can do one of two things. It can slowly just drip down and fog up the window if the seal breaks from the top, however what is much worse is when the seal eventually breaks from the bottom, the water will make its way inside the wall cavity.
- Damage $: Now the cost associated with fixing THAT problem involves a lot more work. That involves reframing the opening, and repainting your drywall on top of the cost of a new window installed, that’s thousands of dollars of unnecessary work.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: Unfortunately there is nothing that can be done to fix this issue other than to replace the unit itself. I would also stay away from using or operating the window until you get it replaced.
9
Q
CAULK BREAKDOWN
A
- What is the problem: Gaps in the caulk where water can enter.
- Why is it happening: This happens due to expansion and contraction due to temperature changes,
causing the the caulk to lose its elasticity, harden and crack. - If it persists: If this continues anytime it rains, water will enter the wall cavity where the sill is located. When wood gets wet over time it will rot. You also have insulation and more wood in the wall cavity, and when you have wet wood or insulation in a damp dark place, what can grow there?
- Damage $: Wood rot and growth can cost thousands to fix on top of the cost of a window.
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: Whoever you use make sure you take care of this as soon a possible. Don’t worry though, none of this is your fault. It’s a very common problem with with windows in a brick/stone opening. You can run to Home Depot and grab some caulk to try and seal this up, but it will only be a very temporary fix until you replace the window and correct the way it was installed.
10
Q
CONDENSATION
A
- What is the problem: Your windows have condensation.
- Why is it happening: This happens because aluminum is a conductor, which means it transfers temperature very easily. When it is cold outside, the aluminum frame get cold but on the inside of the house its warm, so now there’s an area where opposite temperatures are meeting at the aluminum frame which creates condensation. Just as if you took a cold soda can out of the fridge and set it on the table, it begins to sweat.
- If it persists: Having the window frame sweating is a major problem because the water will soak into the drywall, causing water damage. It will also soak into the window sill and buck frame, which will lead to wood rot. The last problem it causes is stagnant water sitting in the corners of the window can lead to mold and mildew growth.
- Damage $: Replacing drywall, replacing rotted wood or potential fungal growth will cost you significantly more money for this project
- Consultative call to action / alternate solution: None of this your fault. This is a common problem with aluminum windows, but now that you are seeing these issues it your responsibility to get them fixed before the problems get worse.
