Windows are a significant investment, so how do you know when it’s time to replace them? We talked to two seasoned Wallside Windows sales representatives to find out what questions to ask when considering new windows.
Feeling a draft? That’s one sign it might be time for new windows.
1. Is there a draft?
Feeling chilly? It might be time for new windows. “If the windows are older and drafty, your house is uncomfortable, and your home is not energy efficient,” said Scott Lambert, who’s been a sales representative at Wallside Windows for 14 years. “I think that’s the most important thing because windows help pay for themselves in energy efficiency. So if you feel draft around the windows, you feel cold coming in, that means when you’re supplying heat to your home the heat is escaping through the opening - that’s when it’s time to change the windows.”
2. Are your windows foggy?
A common problem among homeowners with old or low-quality windows is seal failure. “Seal failure is where you get moisture or dust accumulation between the two pieces of glass. And it’s evident,” said Dan Seaman, a 30-year veteran of the Wallside sales team. “If you had a seal failure, you would notice a buildup of film or moisture between the two pieces of glass that you couldn’t clean by wiping inside or outside.”
Seal failure is often caused by a defect or damage to the frame. Oftentimes, homeowners try to address seal failure by simply replacing the glass, but if the problem is the frame, the seal failure will just come back again. “The root cause is usually the frame of the window,” said Lambert. “If you put new glass in an old frame, guess what? It comes back again. So that’s time to call Wallside.”
You don't have to own an older home to need new windows.
3. Is your home more than 25 years old?
The age of your home may be a good indicator of your need for replacement windows. Many older homes have single-pane windows. According to Lambert, double-pane windows have an insulating layer of gas between the two panes, making them more energy-efficient. “Definitely older homes that are 25 years old or older are candidates because the technology wasn’t there to be efficient like it is today,” he said. However, Lambert warned that having a newer home is no guarantee that your windows are in good shape. “Even in new homes built as late as 2005, (some) builders used lower-grade, non-efficient windows to save cost.”
4. Are your window frames made of wood?
Window replacement increases the comfort, security and energy efficiency in your home.
Many older homes have wood-framed windows, but even homes built into the 2000s may have them. Homeowners find wood windows inconvenient because they require regular maintenance and are prone to rotting. “Wood doesn’t hold up (well) in Michigan because of the climate changes, so a lot of maintenance is required for wood windows,” said Lambert. “The weather actually starts to rot out the wood on the exterior, and once it starts rotting, you can put a Band-Aid on it, but you can’t fix it. So, you need to replace it.”
Wallside’s high-quality vinyl replacement windows are a great alternative to wood windows, said Seaman. “Vinyl windows are maintenance-free. Once we put them in they never need to be painted or stained.” Plus, all Wallside windows come with a 35-year guarantee.
5. Are your energy bills high?
“In my professional opinion, the energy efficiency is the top reason you should replace your windows. It could be a 2008 home or a 1938 home,” said Lambert. Homeowners know that it isn’t cheap to keep a house at a comfortable temperature as the seasons change. A simple way to check your home’s energy efficiency is to take a look at your energy bills. Compare your energy usage for the same month over a period of years. If you notice an increase, it may be an indicator that your windows are not as efficient as they could be.
Windows are important for keeping your home comfortable, safe and beautiful. If you answered “yes” to any of these questions, call Wallside Windows to schedule a free estimate today!
Energy bills rising? It could be time to replace your windows. Wallside offers free estimates.
Want to learn more about Wallside Windows’ high-quality vinyl replacement windows? Visit wallsidewindows.com or call us at 1-800-521-7800 to schedule a free estimate!
