Living by a lake provides you with a plethora of benefits. From the ease of a “blue mind” (aka, the ease humans tend to enjoy around water) to stunning views each day to being able to partake in water sports or bask in the sun on the beach all you like, life by a lake is a dream.
However, it’s important to be aware of the types of windows that you have for your lakefront home. Living by a lake can impact the lifespan of your windows and cause them to need increased maintenance. Due to the environmental factors that lakefront homes are exposed to, you want to ensure that you take special care of your home’s exterior, windows included.
Here’s what you need to know about how living by a lake can impact the lifespan of your windows. With mindfulness to the types of windows that you have to being careful to maintain them, you can ensure that your lakefront home both looks and feels its best for longer.
#1. Lake Effect Snow, Winds, And More
When you live by a lake, you’re well aware of how this is an environment all of its own. You may wake up to a sudden snowstorm or try to go outside only to be battered by strong winds.
Lake effect snow happens when cold air moves across warmer lakes, causing the moisture and warmth to transfer into the air. This causes clouds to form and snow to fall. Similarly, lake breezes happen when the land is warmer than the water, which can result in cooler temperatures and even initiate thunderstorms.
Additionally, lakefront homes aren’t as sheltered as homes that are further inland. This puts them at increased risk of weathering and erosion in general, but even moreso when you factor in the environmental factors of living by a lack. If your windows aren’t strong enough to withstand the winds, these can break.
In order to ensure that your windows last as long as possible, you want to ensure that they can withstand the elements that living by a lake entails. This doesn’t just mean your frames, but also the glass panes. Lakefront homes need to be able to hold up against increased exposure to water, winds, and more.
#2. Sun And Sand
When you live by a lake, the lifespan of your windows can be decreased due to the very sun and sand that you love. Winds can blow sand against your windows. This can result in chipping, scratching, and rusting window frames and latches.
As previously mentioned, lakefront homes aren’t as protected as homes further inland are. This means that you need windows that can hold up against UV rays. Sunlight can cause the interior and exterior elements of your home to fade more quickly. If your windows aren’t made to be able to block the sun and don’t have the right coatings, you’ll notice the damage over time.
#3. Increased Risk Of Burglary
If you have a lakefront home, burglars will likely assume that this means that you have money, and lots of it. Ergo, you must have lots of valuables in your home. Plus, lakefront homes tend to more spread out than homes in other areas. With a decreased number of eyes that could see a potential thief, burglars feel more confident about trying to break into your home.
Of course, if your windows get broken into, you’ll need to have them replaced right away. Even if you had beautiful windows, if they weren’t secure, they won’t be able to deter a potential burglar as well as a storm window would.
#4. The Materials Of Your Windows
All types of windows can be beautiful, but different types of windows are better suited for different environments and uses. For instance, if you live by a lake, you wouldn’t want wooden windows. Wood windows would rot fairly quickly in a lakeside environment, dramatically decreasing the lifespan of your windows.
Rather, you would want to opt for a durable, strong type of window, such as fiberglass. This would be better able to withstand lakeside life.
You also want to pay attention to the type of glass you use. Energy efficiency is key. Many people who live by lakes opt for double or triple-pane windows. Double-hung windows are a popular style in lakefront homes, due to the fact that they are easier to open and close in this type of environment.
Do You Need Quality Windows?
Peak Windows is here to help! We manufacture stunning windows for a variety of price points. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and let us help you ensure that your windows in your lakefront home are suited to the environment so that they can last longer.