When to Replace Your Windows
If you've been hearing more outside noises or are experiencing drafts and other nuisances while inside your home, it may be time to replace your windows. Older homes in particular will likely have more issues that renovated or newer homes, but any window can be the culprit. As they say, the weakest link in the chain is usually at fault, and just one bad window can wreak havoc on your comfort level and even your sanity if you have drafty windows or live in a noisy part of town.
The good news is that you don't have to continue to suffer. New windows are affordable, beautiful and practical, and they can remedy all sorts of issues from noise to heat, and the best part is that they'll also add value to your home, so you'll likely regain your spend when it's time to sell. Think of it as an investment in your well-being -- as well as your home.
Window Warning Signs
When you live in an older home, you might be used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies. Things like that hard to close door or a squeaking doorknob that lets you know with an audible chirp every time you use it. But when it comes to your windows, a superficial annoyance could be responsible for your high energy costs, especially in the summer months when temperatures soar and the air conditioning kicks on for weeks and months on end.
If the outside noise you hear is driving you crazy and making it difficult to work, relax or sleep, you may need to replace your windows. While some noise is inevitable, a constant barrage of noisy interruptions can take a toll on your sanity and have you reaching for headphones or earplugs. Worse yet, your home's older windows may be poorly made from a single pane of glass that isn't sealed correctly. Newer windows are double- and triple-paned and insulated with inert gases such as Argon or Krypton that help keep the noises -- whatever they are -- at bay, which is great for busier areas or to reduce the hum of car traffic.
If you catch yourself noticing drafts and other strange things even while your windows are closed, you may need to replace your windows. When everything's closed, the only rushing air you should feel is from your climate control, and any number of issues can be responsible for a draft that makes it difficult to stay comfortable indoors, including faulty seals and poor insulation. And since it's a drain on your heating and cooling costs, a draft can actually be costing you way more in lost climate control efficiency.
If your window frames are damaged, chipped or soft to the touch, you may need to replace your windows. Unfortunately, window frame damage usually means they're beyond repair, and rot and other issues with the frames can indicate water infiltration and other more serious issues that can only be remedied with full replacement. But all is not lost, because new windows are an excellent and cost effective way to help deal with older windows that are falling apart at the seams -- literally.
If you've found it hard to open, close, lock or adjust your windows, you may need to replace your windows. Typically, this points to an installation issue or a deficit in design, whereby your windows will develop balance issues, making them more difficult to operate. Rust and rot is also a common issue here, which can prevent you from being able to securely shut your windows. Over time, this could develop into a security issue, which could end up putting your family's safety at risk.
If you frequently see condensation build-up in between the layers of your glass or even cracked window panes themselves, you may need to replace your windows. Whether it's the appearance of frost or visible droplets of water, this is an indication that the seals between your window panes have failed, which has allowed moisture to get in between the layers of glass that make up your windows. Once they fail, any insulating gas contained within have long since escaped, and cracks and other damage to your window panes means yet more places where air can leak in and out of your home.
Why replace your windows?
Replacing your windows, whether the seals have gone or your frames have seen better days, is a great way to revitalize the aesthetic and energy efficiency of your home. From a beautiful new casement or awning window to a single slide, hung or double-hung window, there are countless ways to properly insulate your home from the outdoors while retaining the stunning views of the surrounding area. Whether it's a gigantic picture window so you can take it all in, an XOX slider window that's great at rejecting noise and heat, or an amazing bay or garden window that adds a fun and cozy feel, the options are virtually limitless when it comes to window replacement.
If you have any questions about your window options, contact the window experts at Brothers Home Improvement. We serve areas such as Los Angeles, Sacramento, The Bay Area, San Diego and Reno.
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