Georgia homeowners are no strangers to hot, sticky, humid summer days. But while you may be equipped with what it takes to handle the humidity — can you say the same about your home's exterior?
Some aspects of your house, like wood windows, are especially prone to damage from humidity. Keep reading below to discover the damage that water vapor may be causing your wood windows — and how you can fix this problem for good.
How Humidity Damages Wood Windows
Humidity is the measure of the amount of water vapor in the air. The higher the temperature — the more water vapor the air can hold. So, warmer climates tend to have higher humidity levels than colder climates, and humidity levels are at their highest during the hot summer months.
Humidity does cause wood windows to warp. Wood windows are most vulnerable to damage from two elements: moisture and heat. When humidity levels are high — both are present. If left untreated, high humidity can also lead to wood rot.
Moisture Penetration
Rain, snow, and yes — even humidity — can cause significant damage to wood windows. When wood is exposed to water, it absorbs and retains moisture, leading to warping, rotting, mold growth, and a greater likelihood of pest infestation.
Unfortunately, during severely humid months, your wood windows are constantly exposed to moisture since there is always water vapor in the air, unlike a one-off rainstorm or snowstorm that will get your windows wet temporarily.
High Temperatures
Wood windows are also negatively impacted by excessive heat — which is common during Georgia summers. Once moisture from the humidity has soaked into your wooden frames, they can swell, warp, bend, and twist, making it difficult to open and close your windows.
This is especially true for casement windows. Because casement windows rely on a crank to seal tightly against the frame, when the wood is swollen or warped, it makes it more difficult for the windows to lay flat in place, unlike other window styles with sliding mechanisms.
Warped windows are unsightly, inefficient, and dangerous. The small gaps between your sashes and frames can allow cool or hot air to leak out of your home and cause your energy bills to skyrocket. The difficulty of closing and opening your windows makes it challenging to keep them securely fastened, putting your safety at risk.
How to Prevent Window Damage in Humid Climates
When your windows become warped from humidity, you have two options: repairing or replacing them. While repairing your windows may be the cheaper option, you will still be left with wood — which will eventually become warped, rotted, and unsightly after more exposure to humidity.
It's a much better long-term investment to replace your wood windows with a durable material that can withstand humidity — fiberglass. North Georgia Replacement Windows installs Infinity from Marvin® fiberglass windows in multiple styles, including casement, because the following features make them ideal for Georgia's humid climate:
Durable Material
Infinity from Marvin windows are made from Ultrex® — a fiberglass material eight times stronger than vinyl and three times stronger than vinyl/wood composite products. It is resistant to warping, cracking, and swelling from the elements — including humidity.
Low Thermal Expansion Rate
Unlike wood, which expands and contracts with fluctuating temperatures, fiberglass windows will not budge during extreme temperature changes. Fiberglass expands and contracts at nearly the same rate as glass, making it resistant to seal failures, air leaks, and energy inefficiencies.
Customizable Appearance
If you adore the look of wood windows inside your home and hate the thought of saying goodbye, then you will be pleased to learn you don't have to.
Infinity from Marvin offers an interior EverWood® finish that looks, feels, stains, and paints just like natural wood. It is made from an inorganic material, so it won't absorb moisture or decay over time, so you can enjoy the timeless appearance of wood and experience reliable performance and lasting beauty.
Replace Your Wood Windows with Beautiful and Sturdy Infinity from Marvin Fiberglass Windows
Fiberglass windows are a no-brainer for homeowners in humid climates like Georgia. They are resistant to moisture, durable, long-lasting, and beautiful. What isn't to love?
If you would like to replace your damaged wood windows with Infinity from Marvin fiberglass windows for long-lasting performance, check out our frequently asked questions guide. Our team at North Georgia Replacement Windows would be happy to help. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of some incredible offers — so don't wait too long to call and request a free, informative, in-home proposal.
