Windows play many roles in your enjoyment of your home. When they’re performing as they should, you’ll enjoy great views, refreshing natural light, proper insulation, and added security. But when they’re not, they can be drafty, loose, difficult to open, hard to clean, and potentially unsafe. So, it’s important to be happy with your windows — and replace them when the time is right.
But how do you know when it’s time for replacement windows? And how do you choose the best replacement windows and the right contractor for your beautiful Chicago area home? These tips will make it easy to assess the current condition of your windows and determine how replacement windows can benefit your home. Siding and Windows Group is here to guide and assist through these decisions.
Why Windows Matter So Much
If your home’s windows are old, outdated, or inferior in how they perform, you’ll notice many issues that make your home lifestyle less comfortable:
- Drafty windows that make your home less energy efficient
- Higher electricity and heating bills
- Difficulty opening, closing, and cleaning windows
- Scratches, discoloration, spot marks, cracks, and breakages on the window glass
- Dull, lackluster appearance that leaves you dissatisfied
For these reasons and more, many homeowners opt to invest in attractive, value-adding replacement windows for their homes.
Beautiful Replacement Windows Offer Many Advantages
When you make sure that your home’s windows are performing well, you’ll see many benefits you will appreciate from replacement windows:
1. Lower Utility Bills
Whether you currently have drafty windows, broken windows, or simply older, single-paned windows that don’t offer great insulation, you’re likely paying higher utility costs as a result. Today’s windows offer superb insulation qualities with multiple panes as well as glass designed to keep the outdoor weather from affecting your indoor temperatures.
2. Brighter Home Environment
Older windows can make it hard for natural light to illuminate your home. They may be stained, spotted, discolored, or even just smaller in size than is ideal to bring in an abundance of sunlight. Replacement windows (like the beautiful options from Marvin® windows) come in many sizes and styles designed to maximize your use of natural light.
3. Attractive Appearance
Old windows can look dated. They may retain stains, scratches, and other marks that you can’t get rid of. Their frames and sills may look ragged. Simply updating your windows can transform how your home appears to you and your guests, inside and out.
4. Great Return on Investment
When it comes to home improvements that add a lot of value, new windows are worth a look. Replacing your windows can yield as much as 85% return on your investment when it comes time to sell your home.
5. Improved Home Security
Windows are a common point of entry used by thieves to enter a home. Old windows with inferior locking mechanisms can prove all too tempting for criminals. Today’s windows come with a variety of strong locks to fit your needs.
Assessing Your Home’s Current Windows
Before leaping into a window replacement project, take some time to assess the current condition of your windows. Walk around the inside and outside of your home, examining every area where you have windows. Here’s what to ask yourself:
Are your utility bills higher than average?
While many reasons can lead to high electricity and heating costs, one frequent cause is underperforming, under-insulated windows.
Is outdoor noise intruding into your peaceful home?
Old, single-paned windows don’t keep exterior sounds from penetrating your home as well as multi-paned, newer windows can.
Do you feel a draft?
Feel around the window pane, or hold a piece of paper or candle near it to look for evidence of draftiness. If your windows are working as they should, you won’t have a draft.
How easy is it to open and close windows?
Test out each window in your home. If one isn’t working, perhaps a repair is in order. But if several don’t work, you have a more significant problem. It can even be a safety issue, as working windows provide an escape route in case of emergency.
Are you seeing condensation and moisture buildup?
This is the result of cold air on one side of the glass meeting warm air on the other side. If it’s happening frequently, it’s a sign the windows aren’t working to insulate your home properly.
Are the frames and sills decaying?
Ideally, your frames and sills should resist moisture damage. If you’re seeing signs of mold, mildew, or rot, then your windows aren’t resisting moisture adequately, which can eventually do damage to your home.
Does the glass look damaged?
Beyond obvious breaks or cracks in the glass, also look for signs of warping, staining, discoloration or other visual clues. Maybe they simply don’t look as nice as you’d like. That matters too.
A Variety of Windows to Satisfy Your Needs
Once you’ve decided it’s time for new windows to grace your home, you can take the next step — deciding the type of windows you want to install.
- Wood Windows — Historic homeowners and those who love a traditional, classic look often prefer the natural feel and appearance of wood.
- Vinyl Windows — This option is affordable and easy to care for, making it popular for those who own a starter home or rental property.
- Fiberglass Windows — Extremely durable, long-lasting, and attractive, fiberglass windows are an excellent, high-end option that homeowners enjoy.
No matter what material, size or style you are drawn to, Marvin windows are a great brand to invest in. Homeowners appreciate Marvin windows for their superb value, craftsmanship, energy-efficient technology and extensive selection of shapes, styles, sizes, and options.
Love Your Window Replacements
Your Chicago area home is your castle — and you deserve to fully enjoy every inch of it. So if your windows are lacking in style or leaving you dissatisfied, call on Siding & Windows Group. We’ll assess your windows and create a plan that gives you beautiful replacement windows. You’ll love your home. It’s that easy. Contact us today for a free quote to get started.