Besides serving a functional purpose, windows are also an aesthetic highlight for most homes. They are also among the most prominent features of your home. That’s why if your windows look worn out, the entire house looks old and dingy.
However, windows don’t have to look worn out and old for them to be in bad condition. Windows with aluminum frames could last you well over twenty years without looking the slightest bit old. So it’s a bit difficult to tell when to replace windows.
There’s no fixed period after which you should replace your windows. That’s because of the variety of window frame materials and types of glass for different homes. The conditions of the region and how well you take care of your windows also determine their longevity.
So how do you tell whether your windows are due for replacement? Keep reading as we highlight a few telltale signs that tell you it’s time to get some new windows for your house.
1. Worn Out Frames and Leaking Windows
The most obvious sign it’s time to get new windows is when your frames look tired and worn out. Most homeowners can’t stand old-looking frames and will replace them ASAP. This is the best move because ignoring it doesn’t make it look newer but only worsens the situation.
Wooden frames are the most prone to wear and tear. You knew what you were getting into when you signed up for wooden frames. Wood quickly decays when exposed to moisture, and everything goes downhill from there.
If you don’t replace your wooden frames early enough, they might become a safety hazard. They may be too weak to hold up the panes, and the panes might come crashing down. Hopefully, they don’t crash down on you and the family.
What comes next after deteriorated frames is leaking windows. When your frame starts to decay, your windows start to leak. Don’t be surprised if you come home to a huge puddle under your window if it rains.
If puddles start to form beneath your window every time it rains, you don’t even need an article to tell you it’s time for window replacement.
2. Windows Are Harder to Open and Close
Walk around the house and try opening and closing each window. Do they open and close smoothly, or does it feel like you’re prying them open and banging them shut? If it’s the latter, then maybe it’s time to look for new windows.
Opening and closing windows should require minimum effort. If it takes a bit of energy to open or close them, then they’ve outlived their lifespan. If they have been that way since the beginning, then you had the wrong people install your windows.
3. The Windows Have Visible Signs of Damage
If your windows are warped, cloudy, or broken, then it’s high time to get some new ones. However, you don’t need to replace a window for minor damages. Some damages don’t merit window replacement; a simple repair will do for simple exercises like weatherstripping.
For most people, if the windows still work, then there’s no need to replace or even repair them. However, even if the windows work, the problem will only get worse if you don’t act fast. If your windows show visible signs of damage, then its best you replace them as soon as you can.
You can explore the various types of replacement windows, then find one that suits your fancy. The damaged windows are probably an eyesore anyway.
4. Your Energy Bills Are Skyrocketing
There could be several reasons why your energy bills keep getting higher and higher. One of the most common reasons for high energy bills is faulty windows. Before you call your HVAC guy, first confirm whether the problem is with the windows.
There’s a simple way to know whether your windows are the root of the problem. When it’s cold, stand next to your windows. If the window feels noticeably colder than the rest of the house, then it might need replacing.
Next, touch the windowpane, and if it’s very cold, then the window is the problem. It means that heat from your AC cools as soon as it comes near your windows.
You can also use an incense stick to know whether the windows have a problem. Move the incense stick close to the window, starting with the corners before getting to the middle of the pane.
If you notice any flickering of the flame or smoke, then that’s probably smoke billowing through the windows. If the situation is too bad, you’ll see a stream of light passing through the window. In either case, that’s an obvious sign that you need to replace the windows.
5. You’re Doing a Home Makeover
A home makeover with the wrong windows can make the entire exercise look off. As mentioned earlier, windows are one of the most prominent features of your home. Doing an entire home makeover without getting the windows is like doing zero work.
A home makeover gives you the perfect opportunity to explore new window styles. For instance, you can switch from single pane to double pane windows. Alternatively, you can liaise with your interior designer to find out which windows work best for you.
Do You Know When to Replace Windows?
If you’re like most people, you’re somewhat reluctant about replacing your windows. Now that you know when to replace windows, you should take action before the situation completely worsens. It’s okay to replace only one window, or you can have every window in your house replaced.
Make sure you get the right people for your window replacement or you’ll regret it. For professional, world-class window replacement, contact us today, and we’ll see to it.