With the arrival of winter and the appearance of winds, many users begin to complain about whistling coming from the window. This problem does not always appear immediately after installation, but after several years of use. Let’s try to find out what causes this noise? Is it possible to fix this fault on your own, or will the help of a specialist be necessary? Or maybe the window needs to be replaced?
Causes of a whistling window
The effect of a whistling window does not occur continuously. In the vast majority of cases, extraneous sounds in the area of the window opening begin to occur when a strong wind appears. There can be many reasons for this phenomenon.
Installation error
It usually occurs in newly installed windows, although sometimes it becomes apparent after quite a long period of use. The cause of unwanted sounds may be uneven installation or improper window construction (especially when dealing with large, non-standard windows). Of course, the cause of the defect lies entirely with the company that installed the windows. These are often the result of hiring unverified companies to install window joinery.
Gap between the window sash and frame
Sometimes the source of extraneous sounds is loose contact between the opening sash and the frame. This defect is usually not encountered in newly installed windows, and is the result of long-term use and changing the settings of individual regulating elements.
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Unsecured drainage and ventilation holes
Usually in new windows, drainage and ventilation holes are either properly protected with covers or stiffened enough to prevent them from vibrating. However, over time, these elements may become loose or even fall off in the case of covers.
Deformation of seals and sealing compounds
Seals, silicone and other sealing compounds that are initially very flexible and perform their role perfectly may lose their elasticity, deform or shift over time. This is not a design flaw, but simple material fatigue.
Ways to eliminate defects
Before we start eliminating the causes of a whistling window, we first need to locate its source. To do this, simply press lightly with your hand the place from which the sound comes out in a strong wind (particular attention should be paid to places where a lot of dust has accumulated), and then observe whether this is the only place or whether the whistling is coming from other places. If a mistake was made during installation, it will be quite difficult to remove it. To determine whether the installation was done incorrectly, check the window on a cold day. In the event of a defect, steam or ice will constantly form on the glass.
If the sound comes from under the damaged sealing mass of the frame, in this case you can replace the old sealant (silicone-based) with a synthetic or acrylic one. This procedure is not too difficult, but remember that the problem itself has been eliminated, not the cause. This means that the consequences of poor installation will remain. The only effective method is to get rid of the cause, i.e., remove the window treatment, window sill and drain and re-cover the perimeter of the window with assembly foam, eliminating cracks and holes.
The resulting gaps in the window sashes can be eliminated by making appropriate adjustments. This is not a very complicated procedure, but you should equip yourself with the right tools. You can also order such a service from a reputable window service.
The same applies to worn seals and covers. You simply need to replace them with new ones and tighten the loose elements.
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