Your windows are the most important aspect of your home. If you notice they’re worse for wear, it might be time to replace them. Maybe you feel you can wait, but it’s never good to put off what you need to get done. So what are some signs it’s time to replace your windows? We’ll dive into nine signs that it’s time to get an upgrade here.
They’re Visibly Damaged
When we say “visibly damaged,” we aren’t just talking about someone throwing something through your window or an accident occurring. Instead, we’re discussing all kinds of damage, from hairline fractures—which will invariably become bigger—to scratches. If your window has any of these issues, don’t hesitate to get a replacement. Of course, the glass pane itself isn’t the only thing that could take damage. Your windows could have broken closures, which make it easy for intruders to enter. Regardless of the issue, your windows are a serious defense against cold, sleet, rain, and people. Make sure you get a replacement if necessary.
They’re Difficult To Operate
If you can’t adequately open or close your windows, it’s time to get new ones. Your windows keep your home from being stuffy. You can’t utilize them to their fullest extent if you can’t open or close them or find that they’re difficult to open and close. Who doesn’t want to use what they paid for? You’re doing yourself a serious disservice by leaving your windows non-operational. Rather than just maintaining this issue, you should consider getting new windows.
They’re Drafty
If your windows are drafty, heat can escape your home in the winter and seep in the summer. This might be because tiny cracks and leaks have formed between the frames. Also, it’s another indication that the seals on the windows are damaged. Drafty windows can make a huge dent in your wallet because they affect your heating and cooling bills. They ultimately make the home less energy efficient and more likely to make your HVAC system work overtime to combat the cold and heat.
There’s Water Buildup
Water between your windows appears as a result of one thing: a seal that’s no longer airtight. Fog or condensation between panes typically indicates seal failure, and this causes moisture to enter your space.
Condensation happens when water vapor accumulates in the air and builds up on surfaces at low temperatures. When moist air and your windows come in contact, condensation occurs. This is most common in winter since the air outside is cool and dry, while the indoor air tends to be humid and warm. Don’t assume your humidifier is the issue if you have one. Cooking, bathing, and even breathing all contribute to humidity in the home.
Getting new windows ensures a tighter seal and reduces the air filtration in your home that causes this problem. This seal is, in turn, great for your energy costs and deters humidity.
They Have Fading Interiors
Fade damage is the result of your windows’ poor energy efficiency. If your furniture and wood floors are fading in key areas around your house—particularly where the sun comes in—this is a tell-tale sign that your windows aren’t energy efficient. New windows have thermal protection through Low-e (low-emissivity) glass coatings. This feature helps block harmful UV rays to prevent fading damage.
Suppose you suspect the windows are the culprit. In that case, you can test how much sunlight coming through your windows affects objects in your home. Professionals measure this through damage-weighted transmittance (DWT). DWT shows how effectively glass can mitigate fading. The results can be very enlightening! By measuring each wavelength that passes through your window, you’ll see how damaging sunlight could be to your interior. It’s sure to light a fire under you.
You Can Hear Outdoor Noise
Whether it’s barking dogs, airplanes, or traffic, you could have a serious windowpane issue if the noise outside your house is bleeding inside your home. Outdoor noise can keep you up all night long. You shouldn’t have to compromise on having a quiet home. While it’s true that soundproofing windows don’t exist, don’t let that deter you. Instead of sleeping with earplugs, call your local residential window replacement company and have them install new ones. This will greatly improve sound performance. If you don’t take care of it, this issue will only worsen with time as the window accumulates cracks and smaller fractures, making the noise problem even worse.
They Have an Outdated Style
We aren’t necessarily talking about historic windows here. Outdated windows don’t bring problems just because they’re antiquated in style—they’re also more likely to have issues that have accumulated over the years. They may have small cracks, scuffs, and scratches. There’s nothing that’s more of an eyesore than windows that are old and in bad condition. Your windows are one of the few parts of your home that allow people to see inside, so it’s natural that curious eyes will be drawn to them first.
Additionally, outdated and poorly maintained windows lower your property value, so it’s only natural that you’d want to get them replaced. Windows are a wonderful way to establish a fresh design vision and can help accentuate the style of the exterior and interior of the home. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to get new ones. An outdated style can indicate that it’s time to replace your windows.
You Have High Utility Bills
High utility bills can have several sources, but poor window sealing is the biggest culprit. When cold or warm air leaks into your home, your HVAC system goes into overdrive trying to keep the temperature level. Because of this, your energy bills skyrocket. To keep this from happening, replace your windows. You want to select windows that have a high energy efficiency rating so that you can give your utility bills a break.
They’ve Faced Severe Storms
Some places have to deal with severe storms year-round, and we don’t have to tell you how this can affect your windowpanes. High winds can cause small cracks and scratches on your windows. And over time, the vinyl surrounding them becomes damaged. This can only worsen as time passes, so don’t hesitate to get a replacement.
As it turns out, windows are essential for a comfortable and energy-efficient home. If you want to replace your windows, contact us at Pro-Home Services. We’ll make sure you get your windows properly installed in no time!
