May 6, 2022 by WindowRama
Is It Worth the Investment to Replace My Windows and Doors?
Here in the tri-state area (New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut), we get our share of harsh weather. Whether we live upstate or along the coast, we see some of the harshest winter weather in the country, followed by the occasional blistering summer. One of the best ways to literally insulate yourself from wild fluctuations in energy prices is to use less of it. Probably the best way to do that and improve the look of your home at the same time is to replace your windows and doors with high-quality materials.
Windows and Doors Are Not Permanent
We may not really use our windows that much, especially if we depend on a forced-air system like a heat pump or a furnace for year round comfort. Here in the tri-state area, lack of use can be as detrimental to your windows as over use. Seals can dry rot when they are stuck in the same position for ages, so homeowners are often surprised to learn the windows they rarely open are leaking. Windows are only as good as their ability to seal, so the takeaway is that windows have a lifespan.
You can sometimes determine the condition of your windows and doors yourself. Leaking doors and windows can have broken or misaligned seals that allow air to enter the home, causing drafts. If you notice window dressings moving and the HVAC system isn’t running, you’ve likely discovered a leak.
You can also take a look around the home, especially behind shrubbery and look for signs of rot. Northward facing windows can struggle to completely dry out, especially in winter. If caulk or other sealant fails, water will often infiltrate the rough opening and cause a dark spot. Look for signs of loose caulk and gaps in the paint on the trim that appear a different color.
Technology Makes Windows and Doors Better Than Ever
If we could go back just a few decades and compare the window technology available then to now, most would be unrecognizable. Today, we can have a custom made window that uses durable vinyl or aluminum on the exterior, and a beautiful natural wood window sill in the interior.
Known as a clad window, these windows are especially useful in upscale homes that need a natural look on the inside, without the maintenance of wood on the outside. The Andersen 400 Series clad window, for example, offers a great warranty, low-e glass, and is available in seven different configurations, including bays, casements, and gliders.
Speaking of technology, United Windows uses a modern combination of vinyl and extruded polyvinyl chloride (PVC) to create windows that are very durable and require very little maintenance. MI Windows and Doors offer great value in vinyl windows including insulated frames and triple pane glass.
Return On Investment (ROI)
Real estate values are usually researched thoroughly by qualified buyers, so they know the value of most renovation projects. Some projects have a good return on investment, like adding a bathroom or bedroom, or remodeling a kitchen. Others, like turning a small closet into a walk-in or using designer paint, may not return as much value when the time comes to sell your home.
New Yorkers, for example, will spend about $2,000.00 per year annually on energy. The savings achieved will vary, of course, depending on the severity of the problem, but simply replacing single-pane windows can make a big difference. Energy Star windows like these can save the average New Yorker up to 5% per year. How many other home improvement and renovation projects routinely pay for themselves so quickly?
Even if the home has no other energy saving features added, installing new energy efficient windows can provide a savings of about 5% per year over standard double pane windows. The savings is even higher when replacing single-pane windows. Energy Star certification means your new windows are designed to reduce thermal transfer from the exterior to the interior.
The return on investment (ROI) of a window and door replacement project, as of March, 2022, is believed to be up to 85%. Savvy homeowners will replace their windows and doors well before the time comes to sell. Because the energy savings are immediate, these homeowners get to enjoy the low energy costs themselves. When the time comes to sell, they can use the pattern of low energy use over time as a selling feature.
New Windows and Doors Sell
Window and door home improvement projects have the advantage of providing benefits for current owners, yet still hold value for future ones. As mentioned, windows and doors eventually need replacement, but the technology and manufacturing processes provide for very long warranties. For example, you can enjoy the benefits of the look, functionality and energy cost savings for a while. Many people change homes every thirteen years on average, so there will be plenty of money to be saved by future owners.
The importance of curb appeal when selling your home cannot be overstated. When many prospective buyers are shopping, they look at the roof and windows very quickly. Most understand that new windows add value when they look great and work well. These two renovation projects can be a significant investment, so many buyers adjust their offers accordingly, based on the likelihood they will fail.
According to the National Association of Realtors, replacing old windows with vinyl windows and old doors with fiberglass doors are among the top five home renovation projects. Always look for high quality products and the best installation, because one without the other reduces the effectiveness of both.
Despite the benefits the new window and door technologies offer, if they are installed poorly, often the benefits are greatly reduced. Windows are mechanical, so they must be installed as they were designed, or unnecessary wear and tear will often occur. Always have your new window and door project installed by professional technicians, like those at WindowRama.
Let Your Project Be Our Passion
For a free, no obligation window consultation, contact us at 1-800-897-7262, or request a quote from one of our highly trained estimators.