On a chilly Calgary morning, when the wind sneaks in through the cracks and your furnace seems to work overtime, the root cause often lies with the very barriers meant to protect your home — its aging windows and doors. As homes in Calgary grow older, many begin to experience the telltale signs that their original installations are no longer performing as they should. While charming in appearance, older windows and doors can bring a host of issues that compromise both comfort and efficiency.
The challenges associated with outdated windows and doors Calgary go beyond aesthetics. Calgary’s unique climate — with its harsh winters, fluctuating temperatures, and occasional summer heat waves — can be unforgiving on materials not built or maintained for long-term endurance. Over time, wooden frames swell and shrink with moisture, seals become brittle and cracked, and single-pane glass proves inadequate against modern insulation standards.
One of the most common problems with old windows and doors is drafts. When seals deteriorate or frames shift due to structural settling or weather-induced expansion and contraction, gaps form. These gaps allow cold air to enter during the winter and let precious cooled air escape during the summer. Homeowners often notice a drop in indoor comfort levels or even feel cold spots near windows and doors, especially during Calgary’s colder months.
Condensation buildup is another issue frequently observed in older window units. When moisture appears between the panes of double-glazed windows, it usually signals a broken seal. Not only does this impair visibility and detract from the appearance of the window, but it also means the window is no longer providing effective insulation. With Calgary’s extreme cold, this failure can lead to increased energy usage and higher heating bills.
In older homes, it’s not unusual for windows and doors to become physically difficult to operate. Swollen frames, warped components, or worn-out hardware may cause sticking, jamming, or even complete inoperability. These problems are more than mere inconveniences—they pose safety concerns, especially in cases where windows are meant to serve as emergency exits.
Another concern is declining energy efficiency. Many older homes still have single-pane windows or outdated door systems with little insulation. Compared to today’s multi-pane, Low-E coated glass and thermally broken frames, these older versions perform poorly in regulating indoor temperatures. This inefficiency places unnecessary strain on HVAC systems and contributes to escalating utility costs.
In some cases, aging windows and doors can also invite more serious consequences, such as water infiltration. Leaks around frames — often caused by worn caulking or damaged flashing — can allow moisture to enter the home. Left unchecked, this can lead to mold growth, rot in wooden structures, and even foundation damage over time. Given Calgary’s frequent freeze-thaw cycles, water damage can worsen quickly if not addressed.
Ultimately, the issues caused by old windows and doors in Calgary homes reflect the wear and tear of years spent resisting an ever-changing climate. While these fixtures may still appear intact from the outside, their performance tells a different story. For homeowners aiming to preserve comfort, safety, and energy efficiency, understanding and addressing these common issues is the first step toward a more secure and efficient home environment.
