Tag Archive for: Weather Tight Corp

What You Need to Know About Patio Door Replacement

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With summer fast approaching, chances are you’re excited to spend more time out on your patio. You’re probably ready to open up your sliding patio doors and let in that fresh air…

But like many homeowners in Wisconsin, you may discover your patio door isn’t working quite as smoothly as you’d like. You wrestle to slide it open; it goes off track. You worry about the locking mechanism, so you jam a broom handle in the bottom. You notice air seeps in, even in the winter and the seal doesn’t keep out the cold.

Bad patio doors become the bane of a homeowner’s existence. It’s a constant struggle. If this sounds like you, it’s time to consider patio door replacement. Weather Tight is ready to help!

Image shows an interior dining area with a 3 pane patio door

5 Signs It’s Time for Patio Door Replacement

The most obvious sign of a patio door problem is one that “jumps the track” every time you slide it open. Generally, the difficulty extends to the screen, too. Screen doors are often the nemesis of a patio door owner. The door may seem to work somewhat properly, but the screen gets stuck, feels flimsy, and is tough to open.

When your patio door is difficult or hard to use, it’s less convenient to enjoy your home. If you need to walk all the way around your house to get to your patio, that’s a major (and annoying) problem. Of course, there are a few other common issues with patio doors, too. Here are 5 signs it’s time to consider a patio door replacement.

1. Your Patio Door Has Fogged Glass

People approach us often, saying, “I think my door is fine, but the glass is all fogged up.” Unfortunately, this is often a sign the seal around the door is shot. Fogging is different from normal window condensation; it typically appears (and stays) trapped between panes of glass. Not only is fogged glass unsightly, but it’s a sign moisture is leaking between glass panes. You’re getting heat loss and other issues.

When a Weather Tight expert comes out, they’ll take a look at your door. We’ve seen circumstances where the door is fine, and there’s simply a problem with the glass (in which case we’ll refer you to a glass replacement specialist who will fix the glass easily). Most of the time, however, fogged glass is an indicator of bigger issues with the patio door.

2. You See Mildew and Discoloration Around the Patio Door Seal and Floor

Another common concern with patio doors, especially in the spring when warmth and moisture come in, is mildew along the sealing around the glass. Another tale-tale sign is discoloration on the floor near the door. Here in Wisconsin, moisture seepage is a big issue, thanks to those icy winters.

Most older patio doors were built with an aluminum track. Unfortunately, this type of track isn’t ideal for cold weather, especially if there’s a patio or deck leading up to the patio door. Snow and ice build right up around the door itself. Aluminum conducts the ice, and you’ll see it melt, refreeze, and rot around the door.

How do you know when it’s time to replace your patio door? Learn more about patio door replacement with this Tod & Todd’s home improvement tips video!

 

 

3. Ants are Marching in Your Home

Another (annoying) sign that patio door replacement is needed? Ants marching in your home. Often when the seal around the patio door doesn’t close tightly due to rot (or because you’ve had to force the door open and closed, misshaping it), small spaces form. These spaces are perfect for letting in ants and other pests. Even worse, we’ve seen many situations where we take out a door to discover ants have eaten away the substructure, knee wall, and wall below it. You often can’t see the damage until it’s quite far along.

If ants can get in and out of your home, cold air is getting inside in the winter as well. You’re likely experiencing heat loss around your poorly sealed patio door. While the screen is great for letting in the breeze during the summer months, you may also be overworking your air conditioner when you close the door because the door is no longer airtight.

4. You Need a Broom Handle to “Lock” Your Patio Door

One of the biggest dangers that homeowners face with old patio doors is security. Unfortunately, older doors don’t close or lock properly. Often, when you’ve had to shake and wiggle the door to get it on track, you’ve also made the door looser and easier to jimmy open. If someone wants to get in, they’ll wiggle the door hard enough to free it of the single, short lock.

Many homeowners mitigate this problem by getting out their trusty broom handle. We’ve heard more than one instance of the broom handle falling down in the track accidentally and locking the homeowner out! Intruders, on the other hand, won’t hesitate to use a screwdriver to easily pop up the broom handle/wooden bar and get right in.

Our replacement patio doors feature an ultra-secure three-point locking system. The door locks in three locations along the frame. Instead of using short screws to secure the door, we use longer screws that go all the way into the door frame. This ensures you can put away your broom handle and feel safe because there’s no way to break the door open by wiggling it.

5. Your Door Is Difficult to Open or Has to Be Forced

Again, probably the most common complaint of all is difficulty opening patio doors. What happens when a homeowner can’t open their patio door (especially in the summer months, when it’s being used all the time)? They wiggle it around. They wrestle with the door. They force it open and closed. This means your door gets bent and the frame no longer fits into the track.

There’s no reason to feel bad about forcing your patio door open too many times. The truth is, older patio doors were poorly made. The wheels lock up, and they jump off track. The flimsy screens get easily bent and become unusable. It’s a serious pain in the neck.

Replacement patio doors from Weather Tight feature screens hung like barn doors—from the top using a rail. Instead of bearing weight, the screens are suspended from a monorail on the top. They slide easily and more consistently. They don’t get bound up in the track or become misshapen from being wiggled around. Many homeowners can’t believe how much easier it is to slide the new patio doors open and closed and then securely lock them when needed.

If you’re ready to enjoy summer with a beautiful, easy-to-use, secure patio door, give us a call! Our Weather Tight experts are happy to schedule a consultation to assess your current door and patio door replacement needs. New doors will help you step outside with ease and enjoy the sunshine on your patio. Don’t let another summer go by while you wrestle with your patio door—call today!

 

Weather Tight Is Now an Employee-Owned Company!

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Updated: 9/12/19

Weather Tight Corporation is an integral part of our community. From becoming the Official Home Remodeler of the Milwaukee Bucks to our work throughout Wisconsin for over 35 years, we’re your neighbors, family, and friends.

When our business undergoes changes, we feel it’s important to share the news with our customers. That’s why we’re excited and proud to announce that Weather Tight is now an Employee-Owned Company. We’ve officially set up an ESOP (Employee Stock Ownership Plan).

Now you’re probably thinking that’s great news for Weather Tight employees, but how does this affect the community? Even more so, how does Weather Tight being an employee-owned company affect customers and homeowners?

Image shows the Weather Tight Corporation Logo

What is an ESOP?

In short, providing an ESOP allows employees to earn company stock during their employment. Holding stock means employees actually become owners of Weather Tight as their stock in the company grows during their years of employment. This provides Weather Tight with a succession plan to ensure the company continues to grow and thrive well into the future.

Our current owners, Todd and Tod, aren’t handing off the reigns completely and sailing away into retirement tomorrow (or any time soon), however. One of the great benefits of Weather Tight being an employee-owned company is it still allows Todd and Tod to lead and oversee the company for years to come. It simply ensures that when the time comes for them to slowly pass the torch and enjoy those retirement years, the great company culture of Weather Tight will stay safely in place, providing excellent customer service for years to come.

Weather Tight is an employee-owned company and offering an ESOP will provide employees with a growing retirement vehicle. It offers a great incentive for our current employees to stay with the company for the long term and an excellent benefit to attract new employees as well. It means the company’s success pays off for each team member.

The Benefits to YOU of Weather Tight Being an Employee-Owned Company

The big question is, how will this affect our customers, and what is the benefit to you? After all, without the support of the Wisconsin community, Weather Tight wouldn’t exist, company-owned or otherwise.

Weather Tight being an employee-owned company, is very positive for our community and our customers. In fact, it will benefit our customers in several surprising and exciting ways.

There are many excellent companies and household names that are employee-owned. You may be familiar with Gore-Tex, Morgan Stanley, Southwest Airlines, P&G, and SAIC–all well-known employee-owned companies. In fact, there are over 7000 ESOPs since the concept was established in 1974, putting Weather Tight in great company with…well, many great companies!

Offering an ESOP pays off for everyone involved (including the customer). Studies show employee ownership has a positive effect on the bottom line; it’s true, and for good reasons:

  • ESOP companies vs. non-ESOP companies show a 4% higher productivity rate.
  • In all studies, offering ESOPs increase a company’s performance.

You see, when employees become owners, they’re directly invested in a company’s success; their benefits increase when the company does well. Because of the draw of an ESOP, the company is able to attract top talent and continue to retain the best employees. Those employees are driven to perform because they know when the company does well, they also do well. And all that success and financial well-being is passed to the surrounding community.

Being an employee-owned company adds up to safer and more pleasant work environments. Employees become more conscious of waste and have a personal stake in getting a job completed on budget, on time, and efficiently.

Employees gain a voice and a say in the operations of the company. They can share in what’s working at a company and what isn’t and can pass on customer concerns to management. When employees are co-owners, their input is vital.

The ultimate outcome of Weather Tight being an employee-owned company is even better customer service for YOU!

Now, at Weather Tight, we already pride ourselves on providing superior service and added value to our customers. We go above and beyond to complete each job in a timely manner that leaves our customers delighted. We like to think the benefits of Weather Tight being an employee-owned company are just the icing on what’s already an excellent cake.

We’re proud to share this exciting company news with our customers!

If you would like to learn more about any of our services, please drop us a line. We also invite you to visit our West Allis showroom. Our customer representatives look forward to continued service to our friends, neighbors, and family here in Wisconsin. If you are interested in joining our Weather Tight team, we also have our job postings available on our website. We would love to add to our Employee Owned organization.

How To Prevent Window Condensation

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Here at Weather Tight, we get a lot of questions about condensation buildup on windows. First of all, it’s important to know: window condensation doesn’t always indicate there’s a problem with the window!

The window can be perfectly installed and sealed tight, and window condensation may still occur. It’s a natural phenomenon for windows brought on by cold air from the outside and warm air on the inside of your house (something we all face regularly here in Wisconsin).

But window condensation still becomes a nuisance and can be an eyesore to homeowners. Here’s why window condensation occurs and what you can do to combat the buildup of condensation on your windows.

 

 

Is Window Condensation Normal?

Condensation, or tiny droplets of water, build up on your windows. It’s certainly a bit unnerving when you suddenly notice your window is wet or the windowsill is damp. Many people worry the windows are leaking or not working properly.

First, the good news is when you see the buildup of condensation on your windows, it’s totally normal. This occurs when a cold surface temperature meets warm air. The glass between the outside and the inside becomes covered in tiny droplets of moisture. The moist air is actually coming from inside the home, not a leak from outside.

Weather forecasters describe the condensation phenomenon as the “dewpoint.” It’s when a cool air mass meets a warm air mass. With the right dewpoint or humidity in the surrounding air, water (or, in the case of weather, rain) is going to occur. Window condensation doesn’t necessarily mean your window is broken or defective! In fact, it’s simply a natural occurrence, similar to the mirror in your bathroom fogging up during a shower or the “sweating” you see on glassware filled with an icy beverage.

Even with condensation, the window can still perform as it’s supposed to—bouncing heat off the glass in the winter time and keeping the heat inside your home. Your home can be stable and warm, and your heating bills are low, yet you may still see condensation on your windows. In the summer, your windows keep the warm air outside and the cool air inside, but with a lot of humidity in the home, you may still see window condensation.

Condensation is moisture, however, and moisture can cause problems for your home, including (but not limited to):

  • Rot and mildew of the windowsill.
  • Mildew and damage to the window trim and caulk.
  • Moisture damage to the paint and surrounding furniture.

 

Check out our video on window condensation for more information. While window condensation is a natural occurrence, it’s still not ideal. There are factors in your home that may contribute to the condensation. By understanding the cause, you can start to troubleshoot a solution.
 

 

What Causes Condensation Build-Up on Windows?

There are many aspects of your home and lifestyle that contribute to window condensation. Often, people notice condensation in the winter months because the house is more closed off, trapping moisture. Over the humid summer, moisture builds up in the house, and at the beginning of the heating season, you see more condensation. Homes with recent construction and newer building materials may also contain extra moisture adding to the window condensation, but the moisture will usually dissipate after the first few months of heating.

Homeowners can control or prevent some of the causes of window condensation. Others may require you to work around.

Here are the leading causes of window condensation in your home.

1. Human Beings

Yes, YOU could be a major part of the window condensation issue. Humans are made up of 60% water and exhale approximately a cup of water into the air each day. While a cup seems like a minor amount, a family of four exhales a gallon of water every four days. It’s easy to see how this adds up quickly. However, short of holding our breath, there’s not much we can do about the amount of water we give off.

2. Number of Showers

When you shower, water naturally goes into the air. This is especially true of a hot shower which gives off steam. Lowering the temperature of your shower and running the bathroom fan will make a big difference in dispensing moisture. Still, if the mirror in the bathroom is fogged after you shower, chances are your windows will show condensation as well.

3. Laundry

Laundry is another source of moisture in the air of your home. If you wash clothes in hot temperatures, steam and hot water will escape into the air. If your washer drains openly into a sink or drains in the floor, even more water is getting into the surrounding atmosphere. This is why laundry rooms and basements often feel damp. Washing your clothing at a lower temperature will eliminate a little of the moisture. Avoid air-drying your clothes indoors, which adds to the moisture too.

4. Kitchen Activity

Cooking, running the dishwasher, and the sink all contribute to window condensation. A boiling pot of water on the stove, a slow cooker, or a rice cooker gives off steam, causing moisture buildup on your windows. Running your kitchen fan whenever you’re using the stove or a water-related appliance helps to keep the air dry. Check all plumbing leaks and take care of them right away.

5. Pets

Just like humans, our furry companions also give off moisture in the air. Additionally, water dishes and fountains are another source of water in your house. Do you own a fish tank? Evaporation from the tank contributes to condensation in the surrounding air as well. This is why fish owners often see condensation on the top of their aquariums.

6. Plants

Plants give off water in a process known as transpiration—essentially, evaporation through the plant leaves. An oak tree gives off an unbelievable 40,000 gallons of water in a year! Now, chances are, you don’t have an oak tree in your living room, but if you own several houseplants, you may see increased window condensation even from smaller greenery.

7. Humidifiers

Often people with health concerns and allergies are told to run a humidifier in their home. Humidifiers are especially effective for those with asthma and respiratory issues. Often, humidifiers are even recommended by doctors. In Wisconsin, our average outdoor humidity is around 72% and stays fairly consistent throughout the year. Inside your home, the relative humidity varies based on temperature and all the factors listed here, including, of course, the use of a humidifier. Comfortable home humidity levels are usually around 30-40%.

8. Register Placement

The heat registers in your home also affect the levels of window condensation. Many registers are located right beneath windows in your home. When the furnace kicks on, it’s blowing warm air and moisture right onto the surface of the window above. This creates the window condensation you see on the glass.

9. Age of Your Home

Newer homes built in the last 35 years feature standard six-inch walls filled with insulation. In newer attics, you’ll see 20-30 inches of insulation. These newer homes were designed to hold in heat and keep temperatures consistent inside. One of the effects of the extra insulation is keeping humidity and moisture inside the home…resulting in window condensation. Older homes may not have the same issues, but older musty basements and other issues also contribute to window condensation.

10. Location and Water Table

Depending on where you live and the water table you live on, you may also experience water coming up from the ground and pressing on your foundation. If your basement has a sump pump, for example, or simply feels “damp,” it may add to the moisture in the air of your home. If you’re close to a body of water, you may see more water in the air as well.

How to Prevent Window Condensation

Now, the above factors all play a role in your home’s window condensation, but for most of us, it’s impractical to rearrange the heat registers, throw out our plants, or give up showering and cooking. Window condensation is a result of living comfortably in our homes.

Fortunately, there are a few ways to combat window condensation easily.

Turn on ceiling fans to circulate the air

If you own a ceiling fan, turning it on will keep the air circulating and reduce condensation buildup on your windows. In the winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fan to run clockwise on a lower speed. This will draw cool air up and push warm down.

Turn on kitchen and bath fans

When you’re cooking up a storm or taking a hot shower after a long day, run your ventilation fans. Check the crawl space in your attic to ensure your fan is ventilating properly. If the moist air is blowing into your attic, you will run into other problems. On warmer days, you may also want to keep a window cracked in those rooms while you’re showering or cooking.

Opening your blinds, drapes, and curtains

Blinds, drapes, and curtains trap moist air close to your window and increase the buildup of window condensation. By keeping your window coverings open as much as possible, you’ll increase the air circulating around your windows.

Lowering the humidity control on your thermostat

Check the thermostat in your home and turn down the humidity control level. Many newer digital thermostats, like the Aprilaire offer a humidity control feature. Many homeowners overlook this easy ability to control the humidity in their homes. If you haven’t checked your humidity levels recently but notice window condensation, turning them down is an easy way to counteract moisture.

Install a dehumidifier

Lastly, if humidity and window condensation continue to be issues in your home, you may want to purchase a dehumidifier. These units aren’t too expensive and really help decrease the moisture in your air before it becomes a further problem.

Window condensation isn’t indicative of a window problem, but it can become a nuisance. Use these tips to reduce the extra moisture in your home and keep your windows dry all season long!

Post image licensed for use via Pixabay.

When is the Right Time to Replace Old Windows?

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Is it time to replace old windows in your home? Not only do new windows add beauty and value to your home, they also increase safety, security, and energy efficiency. There are few better investments than beautiful new windows for your house. If you’re wondering when to replace old windows, here are some questions to consider:

  • Are your windows stylish, up-to-date, and in excellent condition?
  • Do your windows ventilate air properly (but remain airtight when closed)?
  • Do your windows open and close smoothly, without extra effort?
  • Are your windows accessible and easy to clean?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then chances are you’re not completely satisfied with the current windows in your house. If it’s time to replace old windows, we’re here to help.

With over 35 years of experience in the window business, the window experts at Weather Tight know how to help you through every step of window replacement. Our high-quality products, smooth installation, and phenomenal customer service are guaranteed to make you extremely happy with your decision to upgrade and replace old windows within your home.

 

Time to Replace Old Windows in a West Allis Bungalow

Weather Tight recently worked on a 75-year-old bungalow-style house in West Allis. This was a perfect example of a home desperately in need of brand new windows. Typical of the age and style, the home featured a large picture window with two surrounding double-hung windows. While the look of the windows fit the home, the old windows had presented several issues for the homeowners.

Image shows a large bay window

One of the main issues was air infiltration in the winter from the leaky windows. We all know Wisconsin winters mean drafty windows and cold air leaks. As is often the case, the homeowners saw condensation in between the panes of glass in the windows. This condensation was a sure sign that air and moisture were making their way inside the bungalow.

Like many Wisconsin homeowners, these folks relied on plastic shrink wrap covering their windows as an attempt to solve their leaky window problem. This temporary winter window fix is common but leaves residents with more disruption than satisfaction. The unsightly plastic wrap on windows is hard to apply and rarely creates a tight seal. The plastic blocks outside views, sun exposure, and warmth.

Perhaps the most frustrating part of this annoying eyesore is that the plastic wrap on the windows must be replaced every season (so windows can be cleaned and opened in the summer months). This means more wrestling with a blow dryer and double-sided tape for a winter window solution that’s both ugly and ineffective. Not to mention the damage double-stick tape can do to beautiful woodwork. When we arrived at the bungalow, we could see it was definitely time to replace old windows and improve everyday life for this family.

Weather Tight experts quickly identified ventilation as the biggest issue in this case. As indicated by the moisture in between the panes, as well as the drafts, the air was getting in despite the homeowner’s best efforts. The smartest option was to replace the old windows with three beautiful new double-hung windows. The new windows blended perfectly with the historic style of the home, increasing curb appeal and adding value to the property.

Best of all, the new windows allowed the homeowners to better control the temperature of their space all year long. No more drafty Wisconsin winters, plus great cooling airflow during the dog days of summer! Installing windows with double ventilation capabilities from both the top and bottom was the best fit for this home and would serve the client for years to come.

With so many window options out there, window selection may seem overwhelming. Trust experts familiar with the unique needs of Wisconsin homeowners so you can find the perfect replacement windows for your house. You want the highest quality windows to beautify and protect your home but to also fit the look and style of your property.

Protecting Woodwork During Window Installation

With this West Allis home, the right window installation process was particularly important, especially due to the special woodwork surrounding their windows. As is the case with many of the beautiful bungalows, flats, and cottages here in Milwaukee, the craftsmanship is second to none. Preserving woodwork and brickwork is an important part of the window replacement process.

Due to Weather Tight’s experience with the historic and beautiful architecture of Milwaukee homes, we know how to protect craftsman features. We ensure our new windows enhance the look and function of the home rather than detract. The result is seamless, efficient, and a strong improvement that compliments the craftsmanship.

For our West Allis bungalow windows, we decided on a pocket install for the new window installation. Pocket installation is a simple process in which the existing window frame is left intact. New windows are measured to fit within the given space perfectly. This procedure leaves the wood trim and features untouched and preserves the finish.

New Windows Vent in the Summer and Stop Drafts in the Winter

Another big concern for our West Allis family was the fact that their old windows didn’t open easily to let in the fresh air.

Older windows become sticky and stubborn. As the seal and pane erode over time, the window shifts and no longer opens with ease. Often the glass either becomes loose in the pane or the window requires brute force to open. The result is a window that’s tough, loud, and frustrating. Wrestling to open the window is more trouble than it’s worth, and of course, windows that won’t open (or feature loose glass) are a major safety concern.

The double hung replacement windows selected for the bungalow open with ease. These new windows feature screens, which provide ventilation from both sides. In the summertime, a natural breeze will easily flow into the house, giving it an open, airy feel. Of course, the screens efficiently block any outside bugs and serve as a protective shield for the room without sacrificing any airflow.

While cool breeze in the summer is important, it’s also important to protect against drafts and heat loss in the winter. After a careful installation and a lot of precision, the new windows are insulated around the edges to ensure all surfaces are airtight. Using the latest in window sealing and insulation technology, Weather Tight windows ensure there’s no cold airflow in the wintertime. Our windows are equipped with a maintenance-free exterior and fuel-efficient glass.

Fuel-efficient glass is important for many different reasons. According to the Department of Energy, it’s imperative to replace old windows with energy-efficient glass because of the significant impact on both heat gain and heat loss throughout your home. Windows are accountable for 25% to 30% of the temperature energy. Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient windows with fuel-efficient glass will result in a lower heating and energy bill.

Beautiful Replacement Windows & Happy Customers

The last part of the window replacement process is installing brand-new trim on the outside area surrounding the new windows. We take a great deal of pride in the appearance of our windows, always adding top-quality aluminum trim to the finish.

Image shows a bay window from the outside

With the West Allis bungalow project, our team was also installing new siding for the homeowners to complete their full home makeover. The window trim was added as part of the final siding process, giving the home a polished update with plenty of curb appeal!

Maintaining their new, beautiful windows won’t be a problem for this West Allis family. The cleaning process is simple with Weather Tight installations. Keeping your windows sparkling is never a concern for our customers!

Our windows are engineered to tilt inside. This ingenious feature allows homeowners to clean both the inside and out easily (without climbing a ladder)! Simply open the window to the inside and shine them from the comfort of your own home. Cleaning our windows is simple. We keep our customers happy!

Our expertise has made us Wisconsin’s most recommended window installer and remodeler. We’re constantly striving to please our customers and give them the home improvements of their dreams. Windows are a sound investment and an important way to update your home. Now is the perfect time to replace old windows with new and improved windows from Weather Tight.

Window updates are surprisingly affordable. Visit our Weather Tight contact page and fill out the online form to receive a free, no-obligation quote. Schedule a free appointment with a windows specialist who will come to your home and assess your needs!

Hear from Tod and Todd

Tod Colbert, President of Weather Tight, and Todd Schulz, Vice President, enjoy giving their customers the best advice on all home improvement aspects, including windows, siding, doors, roofing, and gutters.

To learn more about the window improvements made to the West Allis bungalow house, visit Tod & Todd’s Home Improvement Tips and to learn how Weather Tight was able to successfully replace old windows and transform the problematic double-hung picture window into a beautiful three double-hung set.

Spring Prepping your Home? Here is a Helpful List to Get you Started!

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While Weather Tight specializes in home improvement replacement products- sometimes, items in our homes just need to be prepared for Spring- rather than replaced and our main priority is to always make sure we can give you the best tips on how to successfully get your home prepped, on your own time, safely. However, we always want to make sure we are honest with you & let you know when it is about that time to call in the experts rather than attempt to finish these tasks on your own!
Spring prepping (like Spring cleaning) your home can call for a laundry list of ‘To-Do’s’.

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Customization is the key.

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I can’t think of a singular reason in the world that the products you put in or on your home- should be any LESS customizable to our lives than the clothes we wear. Your roof should complement your home like your hairstyle compliments the shape of your face. Your siding should fit like a good pair of worn in shoes. We seek the things that have duality, things that work in more ways than one while still providing a security within ourselves to feel confident about it.

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