Becoming a homeowner is an exciting milestone, but it comes with a plethora of new responsibilities for you to take care of. Repair and maintenance of the fixtures of your household, like doors and windows, is one of those responsibilities. If you’re a new homeowner, it can be difficult to identify some of the telltale signs that your windows might need to be replaced, but delaying too long can put you at risk for property damage and lead to the most costly repairs in the future. If you’re not sure whether or not your windows are in acceptable condition, read on to learn more about four signs that you need a total window replacement.
1. Increased Utility Bills
As your old windows start to age, you’ll notice the signs of deterioration. Tiny cracks and leaks can form between the frames, and the air-tight seal may become damaged. This will make your house warmer or cooler than you intend for it to be, depending on the weather outside. Not only that, but the increased energy consumption required to regulate the temperature in your home can result in a major increase to your monthly utility bills. Effective and frequent maintenance and timely window replacement by a professional installer in the event of damage is a great way to boost your energy savings.
2. Presence of Cold Drafts
It can be hard to have company over when your birthday entertainment is spoiled by freezing cold air in the house. Most parents go out of their way to plan fun activities, blow up balloons, and bake cake and cupcakes for their child’s special day, but discomfort and the potential for weather damage will ruin even the best birthday party. Even if you’re not hoping to entertain or host a birthday party, the presence of cold drafts can spoil any special occasion. The consistent presence of hot and cold drafts is a clear sign that there is some kind of wear and tear causing the issue. If you can feel air seeping in anytime you’re near your window, it’s a sign that there are either cracks or crevices you can’t see, or the seal is damaged. Keep the cold air and the moisture out to save the day and get the most out of any party package.
3. Water Damage or Decay
Depending on the climate where you live, your window needs can vary based on the local weather. For example, if you’re looking for replacement windows in Florida, you’ll want to be sure they can stand up to the storms when hurricane season comes around. Living in a climate that’s vulnerable to intense storms can also put your windows at greater risk for sustaining many types of water damage. Impact windows can be a good idea if you’re concerned about hurricanes. Living in areas like South Florida can pose major risks to your home, and new construction is far more expensive than installing high-quality, durable storm windows or hurricane windows.
4. Poor Window Operation
One of the clearest signs of damage to your windows is difficulty in opening and closing them normally. Windows that jam and stick are likely in need of repair, if not replaced with new windows entirely. This can be caused by a number of things, including the presence of rust or mold. These kinds of decay can be a sign that window replacement is necessary and that your windows may be nearing the end of their lifespan.
Maintaining your home can be difficult, as can keeping track of all the home maintenance that you need to do to keep everything running smoothly. However, it’s essential that you take care of your windows if you want to make sure your home is both comfortable to live in and safe for you and your family. A good way to make sure you don’t put off repairs for too long is to ensure your doors and windows are inspected at least once per year, and you should never put them off if you need replacement windows. If you notice any of these signs, or if it’s been a while since you’ve had your windows inspected, it might be a good idea to call a contractor and have your windows looked over as soon as you can.
