Window Woes: How to Tell If You Need Replacement

Windows plays several roles in your home, from keeping the elements at bay to ensuring energy efficiency and, of course, enabling your home to be flooded with energy-boosting light that illuminates your indoor spaces. However, they also tend to be an afterthought when compared to other aspects of home ownership, such as buying new furniture and the like. But when you allow your windows to fall into disrepair, you risk losing almost all the benefits they provide. Most folks can be forgiven for neglecting this crucial component of their homes because, aside from the superficial, it can be tricky diagnosing an issue and knowing when you may need to invest in replacements. This post will walk you through numerous common scenarios to help you choose whether a replacement is the best option.

Sudden High Energy Bills May Mean Leaky Window

Energy costs are on the rise for various reasons, and it's not a pleasant situation for anyone. While a slight increase in your monthly bills might seem normal, a sudden spike that lasts more than one month could indicate a problem. Figuring out the cause isn't always straightforward, but a little detective work can often provide an answer. In most cases, it's likely due to two issues:

1. Your ceiling and walls have insufficient insulation

2. Your windows are old and leaky

Regarding the first point, it can be tricky to assess whether or not this might be the cause. Therefore, your first port of call should be going around your home and checking each window for signs of damage that could result in higher energy bills. According to this Seattle home window replacement company, well-fitted, high-quality windows have the ability to keep in the cool air during summer months, meaning your air conditioner isn't working overtime, and keeps it warm during the cooler months so that your heating system can heat the space more efficiently. Moreover, it could only be one or two windows causing the most issues; in this situation, you may only need to replace those. However, even if you do need to replace the entire set throughout your house, the investment will more than pay for itself once your bills lower, and you cost it based on an amortized cost rather than the upfront expense.

Check For Visible Wear And Tear

Perhaps the first and most straightforward step (aside from the penultimate point in this post) is to walk around your home and examine your windows for any visible signs of wear and tear. This can range from cosmetic damage to significant cracks that are not merely unsightly but can also be detrimental overall. If you discover anything untoward that you believe may get worse over time and cause damage to your property, it might be time to call in the experts. Most window replacement companies are happy to come around to your home and offer consultation regarding the steps they would take to remedy the situation. While their end game is obviously to sell you replacements, a reputable operation will only do so if they deem it necessary. In most instances, if the situation is bad enough to warrant a call-out inspection, it probably warrants a brand-new set of high-quality windows to replace your old, creaky ones.

Condensation Between Glass Panes

Condensation is a surefire way to spot if your windows have been compromised and need updating. This issue arises when the seal around double—or triple-glazed windows fails, allowing moisture to enter and fog up the space between the panes. This can have some cosmetic issues, such as reducing visibility, which could be taken as a mild annoyance, to more severe problems, such as signifying your windows are not performing at peak efficiency. You probably have a broken seal if you notice a persistent foggy appearance that doesn't go away even during drier weather. You should also look for any drafts around the window frames. A broken seal not only lets moisture in but also allows air to escape, reducing the effectiveness of your heating and cooling systems. Check for any visible cracks, gaps, or damage to the frame, which can contribute to the issue. If you see any of these signs, it is probably time to bite the bullet and get in contact with a trustworthy glazier to come and replace them.

Test For Difficulty Opening And Closing

There is nothing worse than a window that creaks and groans when you open it, almost as though you are causing it pain! This may not be a serious issue, but it can be bothersome. The first step is to put a drop of WD-40 or similar on the hinges and mechanisms and move it back and forth a few times. If this fixes it, then all is good, and you can move on with your life. On the other hand, if they are still creaky even after a little oil therapy, you may want to consider replacing them. Just like anything in life, these mechanisms can deteriorate over time, and no matter what you do, they simply don't get any better. As such, investing in a brand-new set of windows can fix the problem while helping imbue a sense of freshness throughout your home.

Faded Or Discolored Frames

Now, we are moving away from replacement due to actual problems and toward the more aesthetic reasons to replace your windows. Faded frames can look incredibly ugly and throw out any semblance of style you might be hoping to achieve in your house. Modern frames are typically made using high-tech plastics that are usually immune to fading. However, older models didn't have this advantage and, as such, have a tendency to deteriorate over time due to constant sun exposure. Updating to newer models will add a fresh new look to your home while ensuring this problem doesn't come back anytime soon. 

If You Have Single-Pane Windows

Those living in or having purchased very old homes may find that the current windows are single-pane. This is a problem for numerous reasons, including energy efficiency, as mentioned previously, and security (they are easier to smash and gain entry). Upgrading to a spiffy new set of double-glazed windows will solve all these issues and future-proof your home for years. What you lose in terms of cost, you gain in terms of lower energy bills and peace of mind that your home is safer.

There are plenty of reasons to upgrade your windows to newer models. By spending a few hours of your weekend inspecting your current situation, you could potentially save yourself a huge amount of money and make your home safer to boot.

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