In a perfect world, the windows that your home already has would last forever. Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case at all. Here are 5 signs that you’ll need to replace windows in your home.
Your windows play a large role in the value, appearance, and efficiency of your home. While they’re an afterthought for most homeowners, keeping your windows in tip-top shape will protect your home’s value in many ways.
The real problem is knowing when it’s time to replace windows in your home. Unfortunately, you can’t judge by looks alone. Here are some ways to tell if your damaged or old windows have reached the end of their life.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Windows in Your Home
Replacing your windows can save you money in the short term and in the long term as well. Here’s how to know if it’s time:
1. Your Wooden Window Frames Are Rotting or Molded
Wooden windows can give your home a beautiful and rustic look. If you don’t care for them properly, though, they can develop rot and become a serious problem. The rot could even spread to your walls and lead to an expensive wall repair if you don’t replace the windows in time.
Wooden window frames can develop either dry rot or wet rot. Look for symptoms like long, deep cracks along the grain, mushroom, growth, buckling under pressure, or a spongy feeling. One easy test is to apply light pressure to a knife on the wood. If it penetrates more than a minimal amount, you may have rot.
If you have signs of rot, contact some wood replacement window manufacturers to replace your windows promptly.
2. Your Energy Costs are Too High
High energy costs are one of the biggest reasons to replace your windows. If your windows aren’t sealed well, your heating and air conditioning will be fighting a losing battle and an expensive one.
If your energy usage has increased, replacing your windows may be able to boost your energy efficiency and lower your bills for years to come.
3. You Can Feel Air Around the Windows
As much as you may love a great camping trip, you want to be protected from the elements while you’re at home.
If you suspect that your windows are no longer energy-efficient, place your hand an inch or two away from the window frame. Make sure you do this while the outside temperature is very different from your inside temperature. If you can feel the temperature change near the window, it may be time to replace it.
4. Your Frames are Warped
A common problem with vinyl windows is that they can bow or warp if they’re exposed to high heat. Even slight warping can affect your window’s seal and take away the energy efficiency.
Depending on how severe the damage is, you may need to repair or replace your windows.
5. You Can See Condensation on Your Window
Condensation is a surefire way to know that your windows aren’t doing their job. Condensation happens when your window isn’t airtight and there is a temperature difference between one side and the other. If you see condensation on your window, it’s time for a repair or a replacement.
Replacing Your Windows
When you replace windows that are old, inefficient or damaged, you do more than make your life more comfortable. You also raise your home’s value, often beyond the amount you paid for the windows. Any of the signs above can indicate that it’s time to make this investment.
For more tips about keeping your home in tip-top shape, check out our lifestyle blog.
