As the seasons change in Lubbock and the West Texas area, preparing your home for winter is a crucial step in protecting your investment and staying comfortable. While you might think of insulation and HVAC maintenance, one of the most significant and often overlooked areas of home weatherization is your windows and doors. They are the primary barriers between your cozy interior and the harsh winter winds.
At Reid It Right Construction, we’ve been helping the Lubbock community with expert window and door services since 2008. We know that a small gap or a worn-out seal can lead to big problems—and even bigger energy bills. Here’s our guide on how to spot the signs of trouble and why a professional inspection is the best first step.
The Tell-Tale Signs of a Drafty Home
You don’t need a storm to know your windows and doors are failing. A quick inspection can reveal major issues that are costing you money and comfort.
- Feel the Draft: On a windy day, stand near your windows and doors. Can you feel a distinct draft coming through? This is a clear indicator that the seals or weather stripping are compromised.
- Visible Gaps: Look for light peeking through around the frames of your doors and windows. This is a sure sign of a gap that needs to be sealed. You can also inspect the caulk around the frames—if it’s cracked, crumbling, or missing, it’s not doing its job.
- Condensation: In the winter, condensation on the inside of your windows can be a sign of a bad seal, especially if it’s trapped between panes of double-pane glass.
- Sticky Windows or Doors: If your windows are difficult to open or close, or if a door sticks, it could be a sign that the frame has warped or shifted, which can create air leaks.
Why a Professional Inspection is the “Right” Choice
While a DIY inspection is a great start, a professional eye can catch issues you might miss. An expert can use specialized tools to identify subtle leaks and assess the long-term health of your windows and doors.
Here’s what our team at Reid It Right can do for you:
- Pinpoint Hidden Leaks: We’ll perform a thorough inspection, identifying air leaks and areas of heat loss that you might not be able to see or feel. We look at everything from the weatherstripping to the window glazing and framing.
- Assess Structural Integrity: Over time, frames can warp, and seals can fail. We can determine if a simple repair is sufficient or if a replacement is necessary to protect your home from the elements and to improve energy efficiency.
- Provide an Expert Action Plan: After our inspection, you’ll receive a detailed, written estimate within 72 hours, outlining the problems we found and our recommendations for the best, most cost-effective solutions. We’ll give you a clear plan to prepare your home for the winter and save on heating costs.
- Ensure Quality Workmanship: As your local window and door specialists, we pride ourselves on delivering prompt, reliable service and quality workmanship. We do the job right the first time, giving you peace of mind all winter long.
Don’t let your home’s energy savings go out the window—or under the door. Contact Reid It Right Construction today for a professional inspection and get your home ready for a warm, cozy winter.