Sings that its time to replace your windows
As much as you may wan’t your home to talk to you and tell when it’s not feeling well, its just a world we don’t yet live in. Home automation and AI technology may get us there with an Iron Man-like Jarvis system, but for now we need to do our human rounds and assess the living situation every year.
Nevertheless, your home can give you signs when something’s not right. A home’s windows are particularly communicative. Windows certainly don’t last forever, BUT high-quality and well-maintained windows could last for 20 years or even more. Several factors come into play though including your climate. Coastal homes see damage much faster than midwest homes or southwest homes, due to moisture.
Here’s a few things to look out for…
Warped, broken or damaged
It can be possible to repair a window instead of replacing but only if your window’s problem is minor, such as needing new weatherstripping or some hardware replacements. If your window(s) are damaged, warped or broken or the frame has visible issues then replacing them is the best solution long-term, both financially and form a usability standpoints. These are a few of the things that you may encounter:
Drafts and Cold Spots: Resealing or replacing drafty windows with a higher efficiency, double pane window can help alleviate cold spots in your home.
Warping: Time, extreme temperatures and climate/moisture can alter the shape of the window, which affects its operation and ability to seal.
Damaged Glass: If your windows are dirty or covered with debris, you may not notice cracks. When windows “sweat,” mold can grow at bottom of window and compromise the wood the health of your family.
Wood Rot: Moisture, both inside and out, can lead to deterioration around the windows. You many be able to see or smell rotten wood, mildew or notice other things crumbling caulk or paint.
Use-ability: Do your windows open and close smoothly? Has the hardware rusted or broken? Have the windows been painted shut? In order for your home to be properly ventilated the functionality of your hardware should be in tip-top shape.
Reduce your energy bill
Windows provide some heat in the winter by letting in the sunlight. However, drafty windows can cause your energy bill to be up to 25% higher. Though replacing the windows in your home can be expensive, making the choice to upgrade to energy-efficient ones can reduce your heating and cooling bills - resulting in long-term energy savings.
Survived a major storm
It’s possible you live in a hurricane impact zone or another area prone to weather events. If you live here, in the midwest, you’ve likely undergone damaging hail, thunderstorms, tornadoes and high wind. If you live near the coast, your home and windows are taking a beating just being where you are due the constant sandblasting of moisture and debris.
In any of these scenarios, you may want to consider windows made with Ultrex-style fiberglass. They tend to resist corrosion and remain stable in extreme temperatures because their material is designed to flex and expand.
Renovation or home makeover
It’s possible that your home is finally in line to have remodel, or maybe you’ve bought a historic home that is need of some love. Windows are one of the most prominent features of a home, and if they look worn, your house will too. Some instant signs that your windows need to be addressed are things such as color-fade, warping, beat up screens or other things that detract from the curb-appeal of your home.
Design considerations, however, are a close second to quality when selecting new windows. A good contractor will know that design or working with your designer to have quality windows that flow with the theme of your home is extremely important.
On a different note, in the case of a historic home, it may suffer from vinyl replacement windows that detract from the home’s historic charm. The wrong window can dramatically change the overall look of a historic home and can even interfere with its integrity. You may want to speak with your contract and interior designer about installing historically accurate replacement windows.
Improper window installation
It doesn’t matter what type of window or how expensive the window was – if it’s installed incorrectly, you will have problems. There are plenty of instances out there where windows here installed incorrectly, only to have issues with mildew and corrosion before the first year was up. When this happens, the manufacturer’s warranty does not apply and you’ll be faced with purchase this investment all over again. Warranties are only valid when installed correctly.
Woodland Remodeling installs windows to manufacturer standards every time.