Windows play an important role in making your home as appealing and relaxing as it can possibly be. You may not think about your windows often, especially when they’re functioning as they should. But when they’re in need of some loving care, you’ll notice plenty of signs that they need attention. Your windows impact your home’s security, insulation, peacefulness, and more. So it’s worth investing in window replacement at the right time.
But how do you recognize when it’s time to replace your windows? That’s a question we get a lot at Siding & Windows Group. As a top window replacement contractor in Chicago, we know the right windows can add strong curb appeal, value, and protection against the elements for local homeowners. If you’re wondering whether it’s time to replace your windows, take a look around your home and see how many of these 14 signs you’re finding. The more you have, the more likely it is that it’s time to invest in window replacement.
1. Condensation
Are you seeing moisture build up on the glass that faces inside your home, or between the glass panes? This means you’re not getting proper insulation and may even be at risk of moisture damage. If it is happening, it is time to consider replacing the old windows in your home.
2. Diminished Natural Light
Your home’s windows should allow in plenty of bright, cheerful sunlight. If the windows in your home are weather beaten, yellowed, or worn out, they’re probably not letting in natural lighting as well as you’d like. It’s a good idea to replace them.
3. Faulty Frames
Saggy, weak window frames aren’t such a great look when you’re having guests over to visit. Window damage tends to worsen if frames are broken or rotted out. They can even lead to broken glass during strong stormy weather, making them unsafe. Window repair or replacement is a good idea to address faulty frames.
4. High Utility Bills
One of the strongest indicators of the need to replace windows is when your utility bills are higher than they used to be, for no apparent reason. It’s very likely your windows are not sealed properly anymore, allowing in drafts and driving up energy costs.
5. You Can Feel a Draft
If you have begun to feel a draft when next to your home’s windows, then it is likely that your windows need to be replaced. While having windows that no longer seal properly may not seem like a serious problem, this can cause the temperature to vary greatly within your home. Furthermore, this can cause your HVAC system to have to work twice as hard to heat/cool your home, which can cause an increase in your energy bills.
6. Inefficient Glass
Touch your windows during winter or summertime. If the glass feels super cold or hot to the touch, a window replacement is definitely in order. Windows need to act as a form of insulation, and if your windows feel too cold or hot to the touch, it means the glass isn’t as energy efficient as it could be.
7. Moisture Build-Up
Window damage can cause the normally airtight seals in your windows to break, allowing moisture to build up. Windows with broken seals need to be replaced before mold and other moisture damage become worse than they already are.
8. Your Windows Look Outdated
If your windows look outdated and are no longer visually appealing, then this may be reason to consider having them replaced. This could mean that your windows are older than you think, which could indicate that they are not very energy-efficient. Replacing your home’s windows could then improve your home’s overall look and curb appeal, which can make your home more attractive and inviting to visitors. Furthermore, improved curb appeal can help to make your home more marketable should you eventually sell it.
9. Outdoor Noise
Are you hearing the sounds of neighbors, dogs, and cars penetrating through your closed windows? This is a clear sign your windows are outdated. Today’s window replacement options are highly effective at keeping out unwanted outdoor noise, ensuring your home is quiet and peaceful.
10. Reduced Quality of Weather Stripping
Some windows can end up with great wear and tear on their weather stripping. Worn weather stripping isn’t just a sign of window damage—it’s a major cause of drafts that make your windows inefficient. Window repair may do the trick, but if weather stripping isn’t the only issue you’re dealing with, window replacement may be a better choice.
11. Your Windows are Only Single Pane
How many windows in your home are single-paned? Windows manufactured in the last ten or twenty years have double, even triple panes because they’re better at insulating your home. Outdated, single pane windows drive up energy costs, so it’s smart to consider replacing them.
12. Safety Concerns
If your windows have broken or damaged locking mechanisms, they may provide easy access for thieves to enter in. Protecting your family and your valuables is important, and the right windows can help. Window replacement using today’s strong, specialty locks is one way to secure your home’s safety and your peace of mind.
13. You Have Difficulty Opening or Closing Your Windows
One of the easiest signs homeowners can look out for that can indicate that their windows need to be replaced is if they find they have difficulty opening and/or closing their windows. This can be a sign that the window’s mechanisms are breaking down and failing, which is making it increasingly difficult to open and close them. This problem indicates that you should have your windows replaced because not only does this make them harder to use, but also, this makes them dangerous as well. In an emergency, a window may be your best route of escape; in this scenario, you will want to ensure that your windows are easy to open.
14. Wood Rot
If the wood around your windows seems to be rotting, the time for window repair is now. Ignoring the issue will only make it worse, and cost more money down the road. Another option, instead of repair, is to replace the wood frames with fiberglass or vinyl windows, which resist moisture damage.
Enjoy Beautiful Windows for Years to Come
Your home is meant to be an oasis of calm, a place where you can relax and feel confident in a house that is both secure and beautiful. It’s well worth the investment to get replacement windows for your home. Imagine how comfortable and attractive new windows will be for your home, and check out our window replacement services to learn how we can give you the home of your dreams.