Replacing the windows in your home can improve your level of comfort, reduce energy bills, and add more value to the property. It can also improve the overall quality of your family’s life through access to more natural light and improved ventilation.
But how can you tell when the windows in your home need replacement? We will discuss some of the biggest pointers that should not be ignored when you discover them.
Signs You Need Window Replacement
The following are strong indicators that your home needs a replacement window:
1. There is No Double Glazing
Do you sometimes wonder why the room is too cold during winter and extremely hot during summer? Take a look at the window. It is possible that what you have is a single pane, not a double pane. You may want to visit https://www.windowresource.com/single-vs-double-pane-windows/ to learn about single vs double panes.
This type is commonly seen in old buildings. It can make your building uncomfortable because it is not as efficient or as effective as the modern double-paned window. Hence, you need a replacement.
2. High Energy Bills
An inefficient or old window can significantly impact the insulation of your home. This can increase your energy bills. When more heat escapes your home, your heating unit will work extra hard to maintain the room temperature.
You can detect this by staying close to the window. Check if the air there appears cooler compared to the other parts of the room. Also, if the pane is cold when you touch it, you are probably wasting energy. Look out for gaps around the frame too.
3. Leakage in the Window
The window is supposed to allow light to penetrate your home. But the aim may be defeated if moisture seeps into the double-glazed panes. Condensation can also start accumulating on the glass.
While you can quickly wipe away condensation, it may become annoying. It also attracts the growth of molds on the frame. When moisture or mist gets into your glass, it cannot be resolved. It will stay there and obstruct your view, as well as block natural light from penetrating.
This problem is common in windows with worn seals or if the installation is faulty. A worse case is when there is an actual leakage from the window and water pools in your home. The reasonable thing to do in this case is to replace the window.
If you repair the seals, they are likely to fail again, and you will begin the entire cycle again. You should therefore find experts to get the job done for you. Thankfully, you can find them anywhere around the country. If for example, you live in Dayton, OH replacement windows and experts to install them can just be a call away.
4. The Windows Cannot Open or Close Freely
In case there is an emergency, and you cannot use the door, your window may be an essential escape route. But if it becomes difficult to open or close, then there is a problem. Different things could result in this problem.
A common factor is that the painters may have painted it shut during decoration. Other factors are warped frames like uPVC windows that expand and then warp when the weather is hot. They normally contract when the weather becomes cool again. However, if this happens repeatedly, it will affect the frame.
Additionally, the building’s foundation may have shifted. This might be the reason why the frame no longer fits properly in the aperture. In all instances mentioned, the solution is getting new windows.
5. Your Home is Not Soundproof
Modern glasses help to reduce the transfer of sound into your home. This can greatly improve your life especially if you reside close to a busy and noisy road. Therefore, you need new windows if you clearly hear sounds from outside even when the windows are shut. If you prefer to have some quiet and peace, ensure you replace your windows.
6. The Panes and Frames Are Worn
When you start seeing warps or rots on the window frames or the double panes are no longer efficient, then you must replace them. It might be tricky to maintain your frames if they are made of wood.
As soon as rot sets in, it may be difficult to stop the wood from decaying. The more the frames decay, the harder it becomes to open and close the windows. You may want to check this website to learn how to handle wood rot.
Conclusion
Even the highest quality window will not last forever. Double glazed ones can stay for about 15 to 20 years. However, this is subject to various factors like maintenance and the weather. Also, the material the frame is made of contributes to its durability. But as soon as you notice the signs we discussed above, ensure you replace the window.