How Often Do You Need To Replace Your Windows?

Windows are an essential feature of the house, but why are they often overlooked when homeowners plan for an annual home improvement project?

Without regular care and maintenance, window degradation will persist due to these two factors: time and external elements such as extreme weather conditions. So, if you fail to include windows on your home improvement checklist, then you might encounter some common window problems sooner than expected.

If you have leaky windows or damaged window frames, then it would be good if you know what to do to resolve these issues. Listed below are the things that will help you determine when the best time to replace your windows is and how often you should do it.

What Are The Common Window Problems?

Are you deciding whether to have your windows repaired or replaced? Identifying what window problem you have can help you arrive at a sound decision.

If you end up ticking off more than one item on the list below, then it would be best to contact a trusted window replacement company close to your neighborhood—it’s important to consider your location when hiring a professional. For instance, Northern Virginia window installation and replacement services offer solutions that are different from those provided by Las Vegas contractors because the climates in these two areas vary significantly, requiring specific types of services.

Problems With Your Frames

If you see water leaking from your window, it’s likely that the water leaked from the surrounding frame rather than the glass itself. Check your window seals and see if they can still be repaired. If not, the problem must be in your window casing. Here are some common window frame problems that you should look out for:

Cracked Window Frames

The cracking or breaking of window casings are often linked to the window’s location and whether it receives unregulated levels of humidity. The material of windows installed in houses that experience dry winter months and very humid summer season may swell and contract over time, creating visually unattractive gaps that lower your windows’ efficiency.

Filling out these cracks with foam will not entirely solve your problem, because seasons will continue to change and the fillers that you use as a remedy might only get pushed out. This will make your window incessantly weaken due to the pressure.

Rusty Window Frames

This is a telltale sign that your metal window has started to get corroded. If this happens, rusty window frames will tend to expand over time, causing warps or distortion on your casing. Remember, warped window frames can also lead to broken glass windows, so it would be good to replace them early on to avoid any accidents in the future.

Locking and unlocking issues are also common safety risks that are caused by rusting or rotting parts of your windows.

Soft Window Frames

The moisture penetrating and pooling into your window frame can soften it over the years. If your windows start to have flaking paint, sticking, and decaying, then it’s probably rotting already. With soft and rotten window frames, your windows will most definitely break in the near future.

Fogged Window Glasses and Drafty Rooms

It’s common for condensation to enter between the panes of defective double or triple-paned windows. When this happens, it only means that your windows are no longer insulating your home well enough.

Looking out for the things that your windows are telling you, such as having foggy windows or drafty rooms, can help you avoid higher energy bills and prevent molds from growing.

Lack Of UV Protection Technology

For older windows, the lack of advanced UV protection technology is common. If you own one, it would be a good idea to replace it and upgrade its efficiency to protect you and the surrounding areas of your window from fading due to the penetration of intense UV rays.

Noise Reduction Issues

When your window becomes loose due to any damage to its materials or the fittings of your panels and frames, you may notice more audible external noises inside your home even when they’re completely closed. Seek window replacement immediately and don’t let your noisy neighborhood disturb your tranquility.

How Much Is The Cost For Replacing Windows?

Replacing windows can cost homeowners about USD$650 per window and can go higher depending on the type and material of a replacement window you’re planning to get. Although pricey, keep in mind that these costs will help you save more in the long-run. Newer and energy-efficient types of replacement windows can save you up to 15% of your usual energy bills.