Do you make it a priority to monitor your home for any potential problems? Are you trying to your house or apartment in the best shape possible?
If so, then it is important for you to keep an eye on your windows, as there are several situations that may lead to a replacement. This is especially true if your current windows have been around for years.
You’ll need to consider how easy it is to put these windows to work, as well as how the rest of your home is affecting their ability to function. With our knowledge of home improvement, you’ll be able to tell if, and when, you need to substitute your current windows for new, stronger versions.
For you to know when to replace windows, here are five signs to look for.
1. Issues with Operation
If you’re wondering “Should I replace my windows?” then you should consider first how well they are working compared to when you first installed them. The main factor to consider here is how easy of a time you have opening or closing the windows when it gets too hot or too cold inside.
The frame of your windows may be worn out if it takes effort to open them or they become jammed when you try to shut them. It is best to go to every window throughout your house and test them to make sure that they open and close easily, and it requires no force to do either, then your windows are still in good shape.
It may also help to keep an eye on anything in the structure of the windows and their location that may get in the way of their ability to open and close, as this can save you a trip to the store.
2. Leaks for When to Replace Windows
Among the most common signs you need new windows is if there are any leaks in the window frames, as well as if they are occurring past a certain level. While some leaks are bad enough to extend to the rest of the wall that window is attached to, some that are small should still be addressed quickly before they become worse.
Check the frames of each of your windows to see if there is any moisture building up, especially during a rainy day, as letting even a small leak stay around can lead to mold, which can damage the structure of the frame. If you don’t have experience replacing windows yourself, then you can call a professional.
Addressing leaks quickly will help you avoid the wall that your windows are on, as well as other parts of your home, experiencing mold and similar issues.
3. Condensation
Another answer to the question “When do windows need to replaced?” is the level of condensation inside your home, which shows how the rest of your home can affect the shape of your windows. When the warm air inside your home contacts the glass’s cold pane, the moisture in the air condenses.
While this factor isn’t as damaging as others that we are covering, it can be a major problem if condensation builds up between the two panes of the glass, which can prevent the seals of the windows from working normally. Look for signs of condensation so that you can replace your windows right away, and make sure that your replacements are able to handle high levels of condensation.
We recommend comparing different options for new windows so that you don’t experience the same problems with your replacements.
4. Soundproofing
One of the main functions of windows is to make sure that owners hear the right amount of noise from inside and from outside of their homes. If you have an easy time hearing traffic from a far distance when you’re inside, or if you easily hear your kids playing and yelling in the living room while you’re doing yard work outside, then it may be time to find new windows.
When looking for new windows, consider how their size and design stack up to your current windows and give them the ability to handle the noise that comes from inside and outside your home. With windows that can absorb levels of noise from anything happening outside or inside, you will be able to get work around the house done, relax on your downtime, and get the right amount of sleep.
Consider how energy efficient your potential replacements are so that you have a better chance of blocking out intruding noise.
5. High Energy Bills
You don’t always have to look at the appearance of your windows first in order to figure out if you need replacements. One factor you need to consider is if you look at your energy bills when you get your mail and notice that they are higher than usual, as this may be connected to your windows is letting warm inside escape your home.
As a result, your heating system will be putting more effort into creating the right temperature inside, which means more money that will come out of your pocket. Hold an incense stick or lit match close to the frame and check for signs of movement in the flame or smoke, as this may be a sign of a draft and a need to replace your windows.
Doing so will allow you to not only get new windows at a good deal but also keep your bills low and your bank account full.
Our Take
In order to understand when to replace windows, you need to pay attention to the appearance of your windows, as well as how the rest of your home is affecting their condition. This will help you determine its ability to handle condensation, mold, draughts, and other problems.
Factors that you’ll need to consider include how easy it is to open and close your windows, how easy it is to hear anything going on outside or inside your home, and how much mold is building up around the frames. With these tips, you will be able to figure out when it is the right time to get new windows.
Check out more of our home improvement expertise to figure out how to keep your home in shape.
The post When To Replace Windows: 5 Signs To Look For appeared first on TC Backer Construction.
