Southern California Window Replacement

We hardly ever think about them, but windows fulfill a hugely important role in each and every home. Not only do they let the light in and give your home a better balance with the world outside, but they can be responsible for driving up your energy costs if you are living with old, single-pane windows or windows or frames that are cracked, chipping or deteriorating away as time passes. Furthermore, newer windows, with their double- and triple-paned glass, are much better at rejecting noise and other annoyances, which just might help you get a better night's sleep or give you more concentration in your home office.

Just like with other components of your home that have run their course and need to be replaced, like roof shingles, aging appliances and broken fixtures, your home's windows aren't something you can safely ignore. Indeed, broken or deteriorating windows and frames can be a safety issue if you can't properly close and secure each window in your home. But unless you have clear damage or visible defects with your home's windows and frames, it's not necessarily obvious when you should replace your windows, if they need replacing at all.

When Should You Consider Window Replacement?

In Southern California, window replacement is common for homeowners that want to inject some life into an aging home. With all sorts of modern, classic and trendy styles that fit the most eclectic and traditional tastes, new windows are one of the most economical ways to transform your home without taking on an extensive renovation project. And when you go to sell your home, odds are you'll recoup all the expense of installing new windows and then some as the cost of the new windows often ends up increasing the value of your home.

Generally, if it's been more than 15 years since you had your windows checked, you might need to replace your windows. If you have any trouble operating them, such as difficulty opening, closing or locking any window in your home, you might benefit from window replacement; if they're difficult to clean or you always find condensation or moisture on the inside of your windows, you might need to replace them; and if the inside of your home feels drafty when all doors and windows are shut, you might need to replace your windows.

Reasons for Southern California Window Replacement

Better energy efficiency is one of the top reasons for home window replacement in Southern California. Due to heat in the summer or anytime the Santa Ana decides to roll in, climate control is an important piece of staying cool and comfortable during the hot summer months, especially if you don't have the benefit of living on the water. Because most homes are older constructions that use single-paned glass, every time you turn on the air conditioner you're sending a good portion of your energy costs right out the window, which can be up to a quarter or more of your entire home's energy bill. On the other hand, newer windows are made from double- and triple-paned glass with heat-reflecting low-e coatings and inert gas inside, so they're much more efficient at keeping cold air in and the hot air out than your home's existing windows.

Another reason why Southern California homes need window replacement is noise. Unfortunately, the modern world is full of noise, especially if you live in an urban home. But even if you live in the suburbs or a rural area, noisy neighbors, road noise and other annoyances can keep you up at night or make it hard to concentrate when you're trying to work from home. Double-paned or laminated glass windows can make short work of any nearby noise, giving you peace and quiet when you need it, and the world will always be there if you want to open up your windows for a bit.

If you have bespoke furniture, expensive rugs or other treasured furnishings in your Southern California home, window replacement can help keep your cherished belongings safe. Forget about that gradual fade that always happens in homes with single-pane glass -- modern windows means that your furnishings will be as vibrant and colorful as the day you bought them due to UV coatings that block the sun's harmful rays from damaging the items in your home. Especially if you have organic fabrics and other susceptible goods, new windows can help you protect your furniture for a lifetime.

For windows that are prone to leaks or condensation buildup, replacement windows in your Southern California home is one of the best ways to keep the weather out and your home dry and comfortable. Whether it's due to poor design or fit, or if time has just taken its toll on your home's cracked, chipped or deteriorating windows and frames, replacing your windows can help keep all the outside stuff out, and the comfortable air in. Cracked and other damaged frames and windows are also a leading cause of mold inside walls, so be sure to get your walls checked if you notice troublesome condensation buildup.

When windows are finicky and won't open, close or lock properly, it can actually become a serious security issue. Windows that are hard to operate are often left open or unlocked, which can be dangerous if the window is accessible from the ground floor or via a tree or gutter. Worse yet, during fire season a malfunctioning window could actually put your life in jeopardy as you struggle to open a rusted or broken lock. 

For more about Southern California window replacement, contact the experts at Brothers Home Improvement.