Window Problems That Lower a Home's Resale Value

Windows add so much to a home. In addition to letting in daylight, they frame each room, serving as visual portals to the outside world. But various window problems can lower a home's resale value. New window installations will help bring the home's value back up to where it should be. According to the 2017 Cost vs. Value Report from Remodeling Magazine, window replacement has a return on investment of 93.1 percent for homeowners on the West Coast, making it a great investment for homeowners.

Cracked Windows 

Not only are cracked windows unsightly, they are also hazardous. If the cracks spread, the glass can break and fall, possibly injuring anyone who is nearby. For the safety of the home's inhabitants and guests, as well as to restore property value, cracked windows should be replaced as soon as possible.

Fogged Up

When windows get foggy, the view to the outside world becomes dull. Double-pane windows, in particular, are prone to this problem as they age. Foggy windows occur when the seal between glass sheets is broken and moisture becomes trapped inside. While this isn't a dangerous situation from a safety standpoint, it does detract from the beauty and clarity of a window.

Cold Drafts

If it's starting to feel cold and drafty around a window, it probably means the window's integrity has been compromised in some way. The solution could be something as simple as replacing worn weather stripping. However, if this doesn't fix the problem, then the draft could be coming in from a window that no longer fits properly in the wall. Whether due to rain, soil conditions, earthquakes, or other reasons, buildings move and settle over time. This movement can create structural gaps between residential windows and the walls they inhabit, resulting in leaks and drafts.

Stuck or Crooked

In some cases, a stuck window that will no longer open or close can be repaired. Windows that have become crooked over time due to settling may also not work properly. If they can't be fixed, they should be replaced. Not being able to open a window is a hazard, especially if a fire breaks out in the home.

High Energy Bills

Even when windows appear normal, a telltale sign that there may be a problem with some or all of them is a spike in energy costs. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 25-30 percent of residential heating and cooling energy is lost through windows. If utility bills suddenly increase for no particular reason, windows should be inspected to determine whether they're the culprits.

Window Replacement

Even if windows aren't showing signs of problems, old, dated windows can still bring down a home's value. Before selling, consider upgrading at least some windows for a more contemporary, stylish look. The specialists at Victorville Glass Company Inc. can help with recommendations for residents across the High Desert and surrounding areas. Call us today at 760-245-3456 for a free estimate on window repair and replacement.

How to Clean Your Glass Shower Door Tracks

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as having a perfectly spotless bathroom, including shining mirrors and shower enclosures, only to discover that dirt, grime, and stains have found a way to creep into the smallest places. One of the most common places for this buildup is the tracks of a shower door, which are often forgotten or neglected over time, leading to years of filth. Even the dirtiest shower door tracks are not beyond hope, as long as the proper techniques are used to clean them.

There are two basic ways to clean a shower door track: by using a steamer or by using vinegar. Both can be completed easily and with household items.

Vinegar Method 

Vinegar can easily be used to clean out the tracks of a shower door. Longtime stains can be removed using only half a cup of distilled white vinegar, cotton balls, a grout brush, and distilled water.

For this method, simply dampen the tracks of the shower door using vinegar soaked cotton balls, letting them sit for three to five minutes. After that time has passed, use a toothbrush or grout brush to scrub the area. Spray distilled water to remove the vinegar and residue, and wipe clean with a microfiber cloth. This method is not advised for showers with stone or tile, as they may be damaged by vinegar. Depending on the surface, this method could also be used for certain window tracks.

Steamer Method

For this method, the only necessary materials are a steamer with a wand attachment, microfiber cloths, and a scraping utensil such as a plastic spatula or even a plastic putty knife.

To clean the shower door tracks, simply follow the directions on the steamer and then use the wand to free up any residue or grime in the tracks. Once that’s complete, wrap the microfiber cloth around a spatula or putty knife in order to scrape away any buildup that has accumulated over time, and then wipe any remaining residue with the microfiber cloth.

Having a clean shower door track is a great detail to finish off an otherwise spotless shower. If you’re looking to replace your glass with the latest and most updated shower enclosure designs, then call Victorville Glass today at 760-245-3456. We have been serving the Victorville area for more than 55 years!