5 Signs You Need New Windows

New windows and renovations will always be needed eventually. When was the last time you checked your health?

If your home has aluminum or wood-framed windows, you may not even notice the problems they are causing. Homes that are over 20 years old with original windows are usually in need of an upgrade, but there are some easy ways to check. How will you know when it’s time to replace your windows?

Well-designed windows play a variety of important roles in improving your home’s curb appeal, increasing the amount of natural light in your home, and improving energy efficiency. If your windows are worn and damaged, not only will it be a safety issue, but the overall comfort of your home will also become an issue. Determining whether your windows need replacing is key, and there are many signs around your home that will clearly tell you it’s time to start a window renovation plan.

Here are 5 signs you need new windows.

High electricity and heating bills

On a cold day, stand by the window. Is it colder than the rest of your home? Touch your windows. If the glass is cool to the touch, the warm air from your furnace cools as soon as it gets within a few feet of your windows. Not only is this unpleasant, it’s a waste!

Take a candle or burning incense stick. Hold it against your window frames and slowly move it around each corner of the window. If the candle is flickering or the smoke is moving, the draft is traveling through your windows. Really bad windows will have visible light coming through the frame in places when you try it in the dark with a flashlight. Just imagine how much warmer and cozier your home would be if all those little holes were sealed.

As the temperature drops during the winter and rises during the summer, your heating and cooling bills are sure to do the same. If your windows are on the older side, it’s likely that much of the heat produced by your furnace and the cooling from your air conditioner will be wasted. While older windows are generally single-paned and susceptible to leaks, newer windows are highly efficient and designed to prevent air from moving in and out of your home.

You should consider replacing those leaky windows with windows that contain argon gas and Low Emission (LoE) glass to save on your heating bills. LoE glass can keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, significantly reducing your heating and cooling costs and providing a more comfortable living space all year round.

If you want quality windows with high thermal insulation and energy efficiency, see our offer HERE.

The functionality of your windows

Walk around your home to open and close each window and make sure it’s working smoothly. If it takes a bit of force and pressure to open or if they are stained or swollen shut, it’s time to replace them. Wooden windows can be particularly bad for this. Opening windows should not be a chore or a source of exercise, they should open and close effortlessly.

Decaying frames and leaky windows

One of the clearest signs that you need to replace your windows is the deterioration of the window frames. As wooden window frames are exposed to moisture, they can begin to sag. Damage from accumulated moisture can also cause more serious deterioration down the road, causing serious safety issues. If you notice that your window frames are showing signs of decay, this is a sign that your windows need a serious upgrade.

You may also notice that you have leaky windows, otherwise known as leaky windows. In some cases, your windows can leak so much that they leave a puddle of water on your floor.

You may think that there is not enough water leakage to warrant a renovation, or that the leakage will stop over the summer. When making the decision to replace your windows, keep in mind that moisture encourages mold growth, despite how little water there may be. The longer you put off window replacement, the more likely a leaky window will become a major problem.

The two most common reasons why your windows leak are due to poor installation or a faulty sealed unit. You might be asking, “Well, can’t I just fix it?”

You could fix your windows, but you wouldn’t solve the problem. Think of it this way, your leaky window is a problem, but it’s not the problem. Moisture accumulating on your windows is a symptom of something more serious. The only way to truly fix leaky windows and ensure they won’t fail again is to replace them.

Sound insulation

Take a moment to stand quietly by the window and wait for the car to pass. Do you hear it coming from the street? Single-paned windows or even double-paned windows will transfer sound vibrations from the street into your house. Before you know it, all the noise will add up and you can wave goodbye to peace and quiet. The best energy-efficient windows will absorb these sound waves before they enter your home.

See our offer of windows HERE.

Condensation

Do you regularly see fog or condensation building up on your windows? You will need to analyze what type of condensation you are dealing with as not all condensation is bad. Depending on where it appears on the window, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if you see condensation between the two panes, it’s a sure sign that your window seals have failed and it’s time to replace them before the windows become too leaky. Learn more about the types of condensation and different solutions to combat the problem.

Although separate from each other, your windows, doors, heating or cooling system, insulation, ventilation and siding make your house work as a system. In order for your home to operate at maximum efficiency, all factors must work together to achieve the best return on your investment.

Windows are an investment that will increase the value of your home and significantly improve your home’s curb appeal. It will also increase the amount of natural light in your home, sound insulation and increase energy efficiency. Windows are a functional upgrade, and whether you’re simply trying to improve the look of your home or save money on your energy bills, window renovation is a great project that’s sure to pay dividends.