Why fall prep matters at the Shore
1) Do a quick draft test
Close each window/door and hold a tissue near the frame; if it flutters, you’ve got air infiltration.
Check around locks, bottom rails, and where the sash meets the frame.
Fix: Adjust strikes/locks; add high-quality weatherstripping; re-square loose hinges.
2) Inspect caulk & exterior trim
- Look for cracked, brittle, or missing caulk where frame meets siding or masonry.
- Probe exterior trim for soft spots (early rot).
- Fix: Remove failed bead and re-caulk with exterior-grade silicone or polyurethane. Replace compromised trim before moisture gets behind the frame.
3) Examine glazing & seals
- Fogging between panes = failed seal.
- Loose glazing putty on older wood windows invites water.
- Fix: Seal failures typically call for sash or window replacement; glazing putty can be repaired.
4) Test operation & safety
- Sashes should raise/lower smoothly and tilt in for cleaning.
- Egress windows and primary exits must open freely in an emergency.
- Fix: Lubricate tracks/balances; correct alignment; replace worn hardware.
5) Weatherstrip and sweep doors
- Inspect door bottoms and sweeps for visible light or daylight at corners.
- Check the threshold—if it’s not sealing, drafts and sand enter easily.
- Fix: Replace worn sweeps; adjust threshold height; add foam gasket at jambs.
6) Storm prep for nor’easters
- Confirm coastal-rated fasteners are rust-free.
- Consider impact-rated doors or laminated glass for windborne debris zones.
- Add sill pan flashing at doors susceptible to wind-driven rain.
7) Energy upgrades that pay back
- Low-E, argon-filled vinyl or fiberglass windows cut heat loss and block UV.
- Proper installation (flashing tape, pan flashing, foam insulation) often matters more than the glass package alone.
- New entry or patio doors with multi-point locking improve security and seal.
8) When repair isn’t enough
- Replace if you see:
- Persistent condensation between panes
- Rot in sills/jambs
- Warped frames that won’t square up
- Drafts you can feel from a few feet away
Book a free fall checkup
We’ll inspect a representative set of windows/doors, photograph issues, and give you clear options before winter hits.
Keep your home protected this season with help from Frank Vincent Windows, Roofing, Siding & Doors, serving Atlantic and Cape May Counties for over 65 years. Whether you need window installation or replacement in Somers Point, NJ, window services in Northfield, NJ , or window replacement and installation in Egg Harbor Township, NJ , our team delivers reliable, energy-efficient upgrades built for South Jersey’s coastal weather. Explore all our window services, roofing , siding , and door services today to prepare your home for the colder months ahead.