Home About Us Contact Us Blog 5 Signs You Need To Replace Your Windows Whether wood or aluminum frames when was the last time you checked the condition of your windows? You may not even know the state therein or the problems that they cause. Twenty-year-old homes with their original windows are more than likely due for an upgrade, and there are some easy ways to check. But when will you know? Windows have significant roles. Improving your homes curb appeal is just one of the many. Well installed right quality windows improve energy efficiency. They also increase the amount of natural lighting. Run down and damaged windows can be a security issue and a financial challenge, and the comfort of your home becomes a problem. Identifying whether or not your windows need replacing is critically essential, and learning the signs as to how and when to replace your windows clearly will tell you when its time to start the renovation process. Here are the top 5 signs and steps you will need to know: 1. High Energy Bills Here is a test to see if you are losing heat in your home. On a cold day, stand next to your windows. Touch your window. Does it feel cold to the touch? That is because the warm air from the furnace has cooled down as soon as it reaches within a few feet of your windows. Not only is this cause of concern, but it is also a waste! Take a candle or burning an incense stick. Hold it close to your window frames and slowly and carefully move it around each corner of the window. You know there is a draft coming through your window when you see the flame flicker or the smoke move. Air is then traveling through your windows. With terrible run-down frames, you will be able to see visible light throughout the structure in various spots when you try this in the dark with a flashlight. Just imagine how much more comfortable and warmer your home will be if all those little holes were sealed up and the heat wasn’t lost. As seasons change and temperatures fluctuate during winter and summer your electricity bill will too. If you have older windows, heat produced from your furnace and cooling from your air conditioner will be wasted. Did you know that older windows are more vulnerable to leaks because they are single-paned? While newer windows are more highly efficient and designed to help prevent the air from transferring in and out of your house. While shopping for replacement windows, you should consider windows that contain argon gas and low- emissivity (LoE) glass. When saving on heating bills, LoE glass can keep the heat in during the winter and the hot air out during the summer. By purchasing this type of window, you save on heating bills, significantly reducing your heating and cooling costs and provide a more comfortable living space year-round while giving a little extra change in your pocket. 2. Operating your window You know you need to replace your windows when you walk around your house and open and close everyone. While doing so, take into account how easy or hard they operate. For example, do you break a sweat trying to open it? Or when you do open it does it slide back down only to have the glass shatter. That is a clear indication that your windows need an upgrade. Wood windows are known for this type of operation. It should not be a chore to open your window to get some fresh air or to close it when it rains. It should be smooth and hassle-free. 3. Decaying Frames and Leaky Windows The most significant sign that you need to replace your decaying and leaky windows is when they are exposed to moisture. At that point, they begin a downward spiral. Exposure to moisture can damage and cause severe decay down the road. If you notice a decline in your window frames that is a direct sign of your need for an upgrade. As you are checking your windows for the operation test, you might notice that they are leaking aka leaky windows. Sometimes leaky windows will leak so bad that it leaves a puddle of water on the floor. Yikes! You may be thinking that there isn’t enough water damage to replace your windows in the spring or summer time. Remember that when you are deciding to replace your windows take into consideration that moisture lingering for a while builds mold despite the amount of moisture the window has been exposed to. Postponing the replacement of your windows increases the chance that the leaking will generate a significant problem. Leaking windows, poor installation, or failed sealed unit are two of the most common reasons why windows need replacement not repair. Repair the windows? You would only be masking the problem, not fixing it. Think about it this way; your leaking window isn’t the problem your poor installed window is, or the cracked moisture exposed window is. The only right way to fix the problem and eliminate the root is to replace the windows. Recent Posts Which is Better Aluminum or Steel? 5 Advantages of Vinyl Siding Vinyl Windows vs Wood Windows 7 Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Front Door 4. Soundproofing Stand by your window and quietly wait for a car to drive by. Can you hear it coming from down the street? Or can you hear a vehicle pulling into your driveway from the other side of the house? Single-pane or even double-pane windows will transfer sound vibrations from the road into your home. Before you know it, what was a peaceful household is now a house full of earplugs. You know you have the right quality energy efficient windows; when all of these sound waves are absorbed before they enter your home. 5. Condensation Seeing fog or condensation building up on your windows? Here some good news. Condensation is not all harmful. What you need to do to is determine if its bad or not is to analyze which kind it is. Depending on the location of the condensation in your window may not be a cause for concern. However, if you see condensation in between the two panes of glass, this is a clear indication that your windows seals have failed and its time to replace your windows before they leak. Learning more about the types of condensation can help in the long run when in need of replacing the windows. Although separate from each other, your windows, doors, heating or cooling system, insulation, ventilation, and siding make your house operate as a system. All factors need to be functioning together to achieve energy efficiency and a more comfortable environment, along with getting the best return on your investment. Whether it’s boosting your home’s curb appeal, increasing the amount of natural lighting, soundproofing, and increase your energy efficiency, and boost the value of your home significantly. Windows are a functional upgrade they save money on your energy bill, they improve the appearance of your home and is a great project that is sure to pay dividends. Copyright © 2021 Green Home Construction SF. All Rights Reserved.