Nothing makes a home as beautiful as pulling back your window curtains on a sunny day to let natural light infiltrate your home. And nothing is as refreshing as opening the windows to allow for a soft breeze. Windows make a home beautiful and provide a great deal of comfort, but they can also be a source of energy loss and discomfort if they are not properly performing.
At Lifetime Exteriors, we focus on making your exterior something you will love for a lifetime. As a replacement window contractor, we also know that windows play a large role in this, as well as making your house into a home, both from the exterior and the interior.
Living with subpar windows can make your home less homey, so here are some indications that it’s time for a window replacement.
Do I Really Need a Window Replacement?
Window replacements can be expensive, so oftentimes, homeowners will seek to repair old, damaged windows rather than replace them. This may be where you find yourself today. While window repairs help to extend a window’s life, you can never get a damaged window back to new condition. Consider:
- The age of your windows
- The amount of damage
- How drafty and inefficient the window is
- Whether it functions properly
These will be indicators leading to a window replacement rather than a repair job. But trust us; the benefits of new windows far outweigh the cost of installing them.
Here are eight signs it’s time for a full window replacement.
1. Rundown Frames
The first sign of window trouble and the most obvious indication for a window replacement is warped, cracked, or rotting frames. When you can see physical signs of deterioration, it’s time to swap them out.
The frame of a window holds it together and keeps it intact. If your frame experiences problems, the rest of your window will as well. These issues will decrease the beauty, value, comfort, and efficiency of your home.
2. Unwanted Drafts that New Sealing Won’t Fix
Stand by the windows in your home. If the air feels cooler or warmer (depending on the season) in these regions, your windows may be breaking down and seals may be damaged. Drafty windows decrease home comfort and result in increasing energy bills, and can arise from a variety of reasons including:
- Broken seals/caulking
- Improper installation
- Insulation failure (insulating gas in-between panes escaping)
- Old/broken windows
Drafty windows can be an indication that the window seal has broken and needs to be replaced, but it can also indicate a need for new windows. Before completely replacing your windows, inspect the caulk surrounding the frame for damage. If you notice severe damage, try replacing the caulk before contacting a replacement window contractor for a full replacement.
3. Excessive Energy Bills
Many factors in your home can cause your energy bill to be greater than normal. Windows are one such factor. They are a common area where heat and air conditioning escape the home, and they can also allow the opposing air into the home when not properly sealed. These faulty windows could be costing you monetarily.
Many energy-efficient windows options are available on the market. Take some time to research energy standards and terminology to help you make the best energy-efficient selection for your home and budget.
4. Pane Condensation
Condensation can commonly occur on windows. However, that condensation can become a big problem when it is found in between the panes. If you notice beads of condensation collecting between the glass in your window, it means the seal has been broken and the window will need to be replaced.
5. Excessive Interior Noise
Noise can be another indication of subpar windows. When you can clearly hear every exterior noise, it’s another sign that your window’s seal or insulation may be broken. High-efficiency windows with double or triple panes and gas insulation help to reduce noise penetration.
6. Improper Function and Movement
Windows should not be difficult to work. The panes should open and close with ease. If this is not the case, your windows likely need to be replaced. If the sashes don’t move freely, the frame has likely been warped or cracked.
Your windows should also lock with ease. Windows are already an easier access point for intruders. Without properly working locks, your windows become even more susceptible to break-ins.
Walk the perimeter of your home and check the sashes, locks, and frames. If any of these mechanisms don’t function with ease, it’s time to get your windows replaced.
7. Outdated Looking Exterior
Making changes to your windows does not need to be limited to deterioration or inefficiency. Because windows are seen from both the interior and exterior of your home, they play a major role in the style of your home.
If you are looking to update your interior, exterior, or both, windows are a great way to achieve this goal.
8. Renovating a Historic Home
If you are renovating your home, which also happens to be a historic home, you will need new windows. If you are living with the original windows, they will have no insulation or efficiency, and their age will likely allow for moisture problems. They are not as safe as modern windows with new locks. All are reasons to swap them out.
If, however, your historic home has already had replacement windows installed, ensure that they are quality windows that match the architecture of the home. If not, swap them out.
Subpar Windows Are No Fun
If your home faces one or more of the issues above, it’s time to consider a window replacement. You shouldn’t have to live with run-down windows. Your home deserves the best.
Our Lifetime Exteriors team is full of replacement window contractors ready to provide your home with smooth window installation and leave you with a finished product you can be proud of. Contact us to get an estimate today, and begin enjoying all the benefits new windows have to offer.
