Dry rot occurs when several species of fungi encounter moist wood.  It often occurs in the case of leaky windows. The uninvited fungi can destroy the wood surrounding the window frame, creating the need to repair or replace the affected area. If you discover dry rot during your window replacement project, it’s best to hire a licensed contractor or a professional window installer to remedy the problem.

A do-it-yourself homeowner can sometimes repair small areas of wood damaged by dry rot, but it’s often best to seek professional assistance. Experts in dry rot repair will aim to fully replace affected areas to eliminate the fungus and prevent its spread.

In cases where the window frame or rough opening has been compromised, contractors and window installers will remove the damaged areas and replace the wood. Replacing  window frames requires careful precautions to avoid problems in the future with moisture and leakage, which is why it is an excellent idea to consult the professionals at Charles Windows and Doors.

When working with a window replacement contractor beware if they tell you that dry rot repair is included in their bid. Unless significant demolition has already been done there is no way for a contractor to know if the dry rot repair will cost him $500 or $1500. Some contractors will overlook dry rot repair that they’ve agreed to pay for – and this leads to larger problems down the road.

For more window installation tips, including 10 Questions You MUST Ask Your Window Contractor, download our CHARLES Windows free eBook today located on our website at www.charleswindows.com.

Let’s face it. Not all window installations are created equal.

Picture this.

Your brand new replacement window installation is complete and sun is shining on a happily fine spring day. Even the birds outside are joyfully singing the praises and marveling at your new windows. However, instead of opening up to fresh air and avian songs, several of your windows that seemed to work fine in the beginning, now practically require a pry bar to open. The very next week, when Mother Nature decides that it’s time to turn on the giant sprinkler in the sky, you discover that rain is now trickling into your humble abode. Does that scenario seem a bit farfetched? Well, it definitely is not a stretch for the thousands of homeowners who have suffered through the frustration of poorly installed beautiful windows that hide fabulous flaws.

If installing new windows or taking on a complete retrofit is on your radar, you can avoid the dreaded nightmare above with the following three window installation tips:

#1. Incorporate Window Zen

Windows should be level. However, the alignment and fit should not just be an eye pleasing balance viewed from the sill (bottom) of your window. All areas of the window should be level including the top and sides. You should not assume that because your old windows were level that the new windows will simply fit and level perfectly without any adjustment. Windows that are completely level create smooth opening and closing and help to prevent leaks and loss of the manufacturer’s warranty.

#2. Eat Pancakes, Don’t Install Them

Pancakes should be for breakfast, not for windows. When windows are “pancaked” on top of the trim outside of your home, water tends to seep behind them and enter the home’s interior. Caulk — the typical barrier to water leakage — will only prevent leaking for a short time. Properly installed windows will often fit inside of the trim and not on top, whereby allowing water to flow to the outside of the window instead of leaking down onto the sill and drenching your brand new carpet.

#3. Screw Your Windows

As we mentioned, it is important for your windows to be level on all sides. Even more important is that they stay level. The best way to ensure your windows operate correctly and actually adhere to your home is by using screws to secure them. In most cases, screws should be fastened on all four sides, nicely hidden with a color-coordinated cap. Caulking is powerful stuff, but used as the only means of fixing your windows in place would be like installing them with duct-tape.

New windows should provide a practical elegance for your home. However, an extraordinary look is only truly valuable when windows are installed right the first time. For more window installation tips, including 10 Questions You MUST Ask Your Window Contractor, download our CHARLES Windows free eBook today located on our website at http://www.charleswindows.com/.