6 Signs That it is Time to Replace Your Windows

Windows might be the most under-appreciated feature of a home. We use them every day for natural light and fresh air, but we may miss warning signs that a problem is on the horizon as homeowners. Old, leaking windows not only allow unwanted moisture into your home but can inflate your utility bill as well. In modern construction, replacing windows has never been easier. Today, we will discuss the top six warning signs that it is time to replace your windows.

Reason 1 – High Utility Bills

Technically, air and heat should only exit a home through an intended opening, like a door, window, or exhaust fan. Under-performing windows allow both air and heat to pass through and around the window, leading to wasted energy use. Here in the tri-state region, our average winter temperatures range from the low 30s during the day to the high teens at night. It often reaches 90 degrees during the summer, and it’s common to experience heatwaves accompanied by humidity.

If you want to get serious about window durability and performance, one of the best options is a fiberglass composite window. Fiberglass windows are extruded from extremely durable polymer and resin materials to provide unequaled energy performance and very low maintenance requirements. Considering that the average homeowner in the tri-state area will spend about $2,000.00 per year for energy, the savings achieved with a window replacement project will add up.

To illustrate, let’s consider a 2000 square foot home less than ten years old located in New York. Even if the home has no other energy-saving features added, installing new energy-efficient windows can provide savings of about 5% per year over standard double pane windows. The savings is even higher when replacing single-pane windows.

Reason 2 – Drafts

Windows should never allow drafts into the home unless they are open. The rubber seals on old windows can dry rot and crack, allowing moisture and drafts to pass through the frame and enter the interior. Old windows can also warp over time and no longer provide an effective seal inside the frame, allowing conditioned air to escape the home. 

Replacing older windows with new energy efficient windows will restore the air tight seal between the sash and frame, eliminating these unwanted drafts. Like a recipe, the quality of the ingredients used to construct your windows will determine just how well they perform. Raw materials on the marketplace include fiberglass, aluminum clad, wood, wood clad and vinyl. One thing is certain: You have options! These pros can install a wide range of windows in many shapes, styles, and sizes.

Reason 3 – Difficulty Opening

Windows that drag or scrape when opened likely have a faulty sash or frame. Over time, window sashes (especially wooden versions) can warp and begin to drag inside the window frame. The friction caused by this dragging will eventually wear out the sash, requiring the replacement of the window.

Modern technology has produced clad windows, which are a hybrid of a wood window covered (or clad) by a vinyl or aluminum exterior. Clad windows retain the beauty of natural wood on the interior side and the clean, durable look of vinyl or aluminum on the exterior side. Clad windows are the best of both worlds, and often require very little maintenance.

Reason 4 – Security

In today’s modern construction, windows have evolved to meet the growing need for window security. For the most part, window latches and lock designs have not changed in decades. In 2022, there are several manufacturers that offer break-resistant glazing (the glass part of the window) made from polycarbonate resins and other durable materials.

Changing out single hung, double hung and sliding windows for casement versions virtually eliminates the ability to open the window from the exterior. Casement windows also use latches as well, and depending on the size of the window may have two locks per sash. Double glazing and tempered glass also add to the impact resistance, making these windows some of the most secure.

Perhaps the most convenient technological advance in window technology in recent years has been the inclusion of security sensors. We’ve all dealt with unsightly stick-on contacts, or experienced an alarm that won’t set because a sensor has fallen off. These windows use wireless technology to provide clean, reliable communication with the control panel. By having the sensors built into the sash(es) and frame, there are no wires to break or sticky tape to detach. 

Reason 5 – Condensation

Most windows used in modern construction include two panes of glass (known as glazing) with an inert gas. Known as low-E (for low energy use) windows, they are formed in a vacuum process that removes any moisture from the gas before it is installed between the panes. As such, double-paned, low-E glazing can reduce condensation, allowing 37% air humidity before condensation begins to appear on the window. For comparison, condensation occurred at 12% humidity using a single pane window in testing.

Condensation can also affect sliding glass doors and skylights. It can diffuse the natural light and allow unwanted UV light to pass through, resulting in faded carpets and furniture. Replacing defective skylights with high-performance models will prevent water and UV damage from occurring.

If a window starts to fog up along the edge of the glass, moisture has made its way between the panes and formed condensation. Standard (non-low-e) double-paned windows can also have this problem, as the seal between the panes will eventually fail. Unfortunately, this cannot be effectively reversed without replacing the glass. Although installing the new glass into an old window frame is possible, the latest technology used in modern windows makes replacement a better option.

Reason 6 – Resale

Many homeowners make the investment in new windows to enjoy the benefits while they live there. However, home shoppers also look for energy-efficient homes because they too will reap the benefits over time. By purchasing a home with low energy needs, the prospective buyer can apply the savings to the purchase price. In 2020, the return on investment (ROI) for a window replacement project was about 80% at resale time. 

However, the most impactful benefit at resale time may be the renewed curb appeal. First impressions are incredibly important when selling a home, and few features have more visual impact than new windows. Modern window manufacturers also offer windows in a multitude of colors that can complement any exterior facade. Home shoppers will also value the reduced periodic repainting.

Why Is Professional Window Installation Important?

Windows are particularly vulnerable to faulty installation because they move. Professional installation by a certified, qualified technician is key to long-lasting windows that perform as they should. The pros will ensure that your new windows function properly and keep your home comfortable and secure.

Let Your Project Be Our Passion

Get inspiration by visiting the Windowrama Virtual Showroom, then contact them for a free, no-obligation, virtual or in-person consultation. From the planning stages to the finishing touches, WindowRama’s window and door experts are there every step of the way.

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