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Hello, everyone! I hope you’re enjoying your summer — driving around with the windows down, or maybe hanging around the house with the windows up. Wondrous things, windows. They allow the pleasantries of the outdoors, inside. Natural-light and warm sun rays are just a couple of the benefits windows provide, not to mention views. So, in essence, these assets are pretty significant to the homeowner experience. But how do you know when it’s time for a window replacement? Today, we’ll answer that question.
Window Replacement: Damages
It kind of goes without saying that if your windows are damaged, they need to be replaced. But what are some of the signs that tell you if your windows are damaged?
Warping
This is solely caused when wood absorbs water and expands, causing the windows to bend. The result is a obvious warped look that is anything but pleasing to the eye. Also, this gives your window more reason to crack and eventually break completely. Imagine a monstrous rainstorm heading your way just as your hear an ear-splitting crack coming from your bedroom window. Bad news, for sure. No one wants those problems.
Deterioration
Over long periods of times and excessive leaks from bad caulk jobs, the wood around your windows will begin to crack and crumble. The most important thing to note when it comes to windows is that water is your enemy. Any cracks that allow water to infiltrate your house need to be resolved immediately. And yes, you can try to repair, but when it hits this extent, the most effective solution is to replace.
Air Leaks
Run your hands along the sides of the windows. If you feel even the slightest wisp of air seeping through, it’s time for a window replacement. Windows draw in sunlight and let in fresh air, but their main function is to prevent the otherwise harmful weather from entering your house. Air seeping through obviously defeats this purpose, and what’s more, you’re losing money. Cash is literally flying out of the window because this seepage is combatting your efforts in regulating your AC. If you see a gradual spike in your energy bill, this is the reason why.
Painted or Nailed Shut
This is more commonly found in older houses. The windows are painted over or nailed shut, making it darn near impossible to open. I don’t have to go into extraneous detail for you to know why this is a problem, but this means that the windows haven’t been used in so long or they’re so old-fashioned that they’re probably useless.
Difficult to Open and Close
How your windows open and close should be as fluid as a cool, Summer breeze. If you have to yank, push, or pull with force then it’s safe to say it’s time for a window replacement. No one wants to dread opening a window during a nice day because your window sounds like a two-year-old teething every time it’s opened.
Window Replacement: You Want to Reduce Energy Costs
I mentioned this a bit earlier. Fact of the matter is, some windows are more energy-efficient than others. The windows we carry, Silverline by Andersen, all have the best Energy-Star ratings one can hope for.
This simply means that these windows, specifically the materials they’re made from, keep the heat and cool inside of the home. For example, wood offers the best insulated value, but the general upkeep and wear-and-tear can be tiresome, whereas vinyl is a practical choice, and is still energy-efficient through tight seal construction and insulated glass.
It’s no rumor that energy costs have skyrocketed in recent years, hence, the push for such products to be more efficient to stop the crisis. In essence, getting a window replacement now will ultimately result in lower energy costs, meaning more money in your wallet. So, if this is something you’re interested in, I’d HIGHLY recommend a window replacement.
Window Replacement: If You Want to Increase Home Value
You can’t really appreciate the look of a new window until you’ve replaced your old ones. It can completely change the look of your home, both inside and out. According to Modernize, a home renovation website, “overall, replacement windows are worth the money you’ll spend on them—you’ll recoup about 70 to 80 percent of your costs on your home’s market value. So if you spend $400 on a new window, you can expect that to increase your home’s value by $280 to $320.
Now, of course, this has a number of variables attached to it — location, the kind and type of window, single – or – double-hung — but as you can see, your windows are a tremendous asset to the overall value of your home.
So, if your windows show any of these signs or you’d like to cut your energy bill down, or refinance your home — it’s time to take a good hard look at your windows. For a little more information about windows and energy-efficiency, I encourage you to download out our FREE “Windows Buying Guide” E-book! Full of hearty information that will provide you with a little more clarity on how you can cut costs and save money.
