When it comes to window problems, it’s sometimes better to leave a mess alone. Wiping away mysterious markings and “dirt” on window glass, sills, and frames might erase early warning signs of underlying issues like water damage or insect infestations. To help catch hidden window problems, we spoke with a variety of home experts to break down five visual cues that shouldn’t be scrubbed away.
Condensation on the inside of windows often points to high humidity in the home, notes Constantine Anest, owner of Ethos Roofing and Restoration in Denver, Colorado. This can lead to moisture damaging the finish and causing mold if not addressed.
To address condensation, Anest recommends measuring the humidity in the home with a hygrometer. Checking if kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans are working properly is also important. If the humidity is normal but one window is still constantly wet, its weatherstripping may be damaged or the window may have been installed improperly.
Small piles of what appear to be sawdust near a window frame or sill can indicate carpenter ants, wood-boring beetles, or carpenter bees damaging the wood. Anest suggests checking where the particles are coming from and looking for holes in the wood or signs of insects.
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Corbett Proctor, owner of Window World Panama City in Panama City, Florida, notes that fog that won’t wipe off either side of the glass is a red flag. This often means that the seal has failed, and the window may need to be replaced. Checking the window for fog at different times of the day can help determine if the issue is persistent.
Mold, mildew, or dark staining around window frames or sills should not be ignored. Finding the source of the water by checking both the inside and outside of the windows is essential. If condensation is running down the glass onto those areas, water may be getting in where the window meets the wall.
Insect wings, droppings, egg sacs, or webs can also indicate an issue. Nicole Carpenter, pest control professional and president of Black Pest Prevention in Charlotte, North Carolina, recommends keeping an eye out for these signs. Piles of shed wings or small mud tubes can indicate a termite infestation, while tiny black specks could be insect droppings.
