Whether you realize it or not, windows get a lot of wear and tear. Even though most people don’t spend all day opening and closing their windows over and over again just for the fun of it, windows do get opened and shut on a regular basis (at least during certain times of the year) and are exposed to the elements every single day. If properly cared for and maintained, windows can serve you well for decades. Although vinyl replacement windows are a very worthwhile home investment, many homeowners want to be absolutely certain their existing windows have reached the end of their lifespan before spending the money on new ones. So, how do you know when it’s a good time to replace a window?
When you stand next to a window, do you have an easy time telling how cold or how warm it is outside? Whether you feel a draft or you can feel the cold by simply touching the window’s pane, this is a major sign it’s time to replace that window. Double and triple pane windows do a great job of keeping heat transfer to a minimum, so if you touch a window pane and it feels quite cold, you probably have single pane windows. Upgrading to double pane windows will help make a room much more comfortable and help to keep your energy bills down.
In some cases, you might start seeing condensation or frost on the inside of the window, which is definitely a sign your windows aren’t working as well as they ought to. If you have double or triple pane windows, you might see frost or condensation between the panes, which is impossible to get rid of by rubbing the window with a cloth. This happens when the seal on one of the glass panes fails. Although it might be possible to simply replace the pane and fix the seal, it could also be a sign of a larger problem like the window frame becoming warped.
Are you having a hard time opening or closing your window? A window that’s hard to open can be annoying, but a window that doesn’t shut correctly will let cold air in and drive up your heating bills. Windows can become difficult to open and shut for a multitude of reasons, ranging from being painted shut to the home’s foundation shifting or the frame deteriorating. Depending on what’s causing the problem, you might be able to have it fixed without replacing the whole window. But in many cases, this is a signal it’s time for that window to be replaced.
Is there a crack in the window? Even a small crack can make a room feel awfully drafty, so you’ll want to replace a cracked window as soon as possible.
If you’re planning to put your home on the market soon, you might want to consider replacing some of your windows. Not only can new windows improve your home’s energy efficiency, they can also improve your home’s appearance, helping to boost your home’s value.
