When you try and look out your windows, what do you see? Do your eyes focus on the beautiful landscape in the distance, or can you not see past the filthy, old window in front of you?
If the latter, it might be time to look into getting new home windows.
To ensure that you don’t have to put up with old, ineffective windows longer than you have to, we’ve put together this guide. By the time you finish reading it, you’ll know exactly when you need to make an upgrade.
Read on the learn about seven signs it’s time for a window replacement.
1. You Can Feel a Draft
Some of the clearest signs you need to upgrade your windows aren’t ones that you can see. Instead, you can feel that there’s an issue when you walk into the room.
Drafts are common with all types of older windows. This can be in the form of a pocket of cold air by the window or a gust of air that feels like it’s seeping in from the outside of your home. Either way, it’s a problem that you need to resolve.
If you have extremely old or damaged windows, drafts that enter your home might even blow blinds and nearby objects around.
2. The Glass Fogs up
Do you notice a layer of fog that covers your windows and prevents you from seeing out of them? If you do, know that it’s another sign that it’s time for new window installation.
Windows fog up when there’s a problem with their insulation seal. Oftentimes, this happens with cheaper windows made of vinyl.
Besides making it difficult to see through, a broken insulation seal also means that air from outside is entering your home. Do yourself a favor and don’t settle for anything but the best home windows next time around.
Colorado Classic Exteriors can help you with that.
3. Different Seasons Bring Different Temperatures
Do you notice that different seasons bring about different temperatures in your home? Are winters cold and damp while summers feel hot and muggy?
While no window is perfect, extreme temperature fluctuations are a sign that you need to install new windows in that specific room. The difference that a new set of windows makes might surprise you.
In extreme cases, some people wrap their windows in plastic to keep cold air from seeping in. The moment you consider doing that, know that it’s time for a much-needed upgrade.
4. You Have Damaged Weather Strips
One of the most important parts of any window is the weather strip. This keeps out drafts and cold weather. When the weather strip gets damaged, it can compromise the integrity of the window.
Check and see if your windows have weather strips that are frayed, damaged, or entirely detached. This might be what’s causing the problem.
If you notice that the problem is coming from the weather strip, you might not have to replace the entire window. A contractor can come and replace that specific strip, saving you money but resolving the issue.
5. Energy Bills Are Increasing
Energy bills are never fun, but what does it mean when they start to climb higher and higher? If you can’t put your finger on why that might be happening, there’s a good chance that your windows are behind it.
Leaky windows cause the air from your HVAC system to leak out. At the same time, they allow the air from outside to seep in, causing the system to work harder to maintain a steady temperature.
Keep track of your energy bills from month to month. If you notice that they start to climb and don’t go back down, you might need to consider a window replacement.
6. You See Excess Amounts of Light
Everyone wants their home to look bright and airy, but that doesn’t mean that you want direct beams of sunshine shining straight through the walls. If you start to see excessive amounts of light around your window, there could be a problem.
Approach your windows and inspect the corners and edges. Look for holes, cracks, and any other type of opening that might be letting excess amounts of light into your home.
This sort of problem can originate from damaged weather strips or a window that doesn’t fit properly in its frame. Both are serious and require you to work with a professional for assistance.
7. You’ve Had Your Windows for a While
When’s the last time you’ve upgraded your windows? If it’s been years or even decades, they may have aged to a point where they’re no longer as effective as they once were.
Materials like vinyl are especially susceptible to age. Wood and fiberglass windows will last longer, but you still want to be aware of how long you’ve had them.
Remember that modern windows take advantage of the latest construction techniques. It’s worth replacing older windows with newer ones to take advantage of these new features.
Understand When It’s Time for New Home Windows
Our windows might seem like a permanent element of our home, but the reality is that they, like everything else, age. At a certain point, you’ll need to replace them.
Use this guide as a resource to understand exactly when it’s time for new home windows. The initial investment might seem like a lot, but you’ll thank yourself later for doing it!
Do you have a better understanding of when it’s time for window replacement? If you do, make sure to check out the other content on our site. You’ll find many other great guides, tips, and explanations.
