Before replacing your windows, make sure that it’s completely necessary. After all, if you can get a few more years out of your existing windows without running into problems, it’s in your best interests to do so. Over the years, however, your windows will break down, causing inconvenience, discomfort, and higher utility bills.
Look for these issues to determine if you’ll need replacement windows in the near future:
1. Your Home Is Drafty
Although new windows allow for slight airflow, you should never feel a draft. As windows wear down, they start letting more air into the home. When your windows get to the point where you can feel significant airflow going through them, it’s likely time for a complete window replacement.
Drafts occur when the windows become warped from exposure to moisture in the air. In these situations, gaps might appear in the window frames, allowing air to infiltrate them. You might also hear a whistling sound when it’s windy outside or have inconsistent room temperatures when dealing with warped windows.
2. Your Windows Are Difficult To Open or Close
Older windows often experience balancing problems, preventing them from opening or closing properly. When you get to the point where your windows won’t stay open, you’ll definitely need replacements.
Wood or metal windows also experience problems because they can rot or rust if they aren’t regularly treated. Once rotting or rusting occurs, replacement is a necessity, as there’s no way to reverse this process.
3. Need Frequent Window Maintenance
As a window ages, components will start to break down. When you find yourself constantly on the phone with a repair person or always shopping for replacement parts, it’s often more cost-efficient to replace your windows entirely. You might also find that it’s impossible to locate replacement parts for older windows.
4. Using Too Much Energy
An increase in your energy bills can indicate that you need replacement windows. As your windows start to leak, they’ll let more heat into your house during summer and more cold air in during winter. This leads to your energy bills steadily increasing. Older windows are also less energy-efficient than contemporary ones.
Today’s windows allow for less heat transfer, so you won’t lose heat in winter or let heat into the house during summer. By replacing old single-pane windows with modern double- or triple-pane windows, you create an added barrier of insulation between your home and the elements.
5. Visible Condensation Inside of Window
A window that isn’t sealed properly could develop condensation inside the glass. When this occurs, you can sometimes get away with just replacing the glass, but a more likely scenario is that the entire window will have to be replaced.
Even if you don’t see any condensation, you could have a broken seal. Often, moist air will leave calcium deposits on the glass. If you see a white film inside the glass, the seal is probably not doing its job.
The Window Replacement Process
Once you decide it’s time to replace your windows, you’ll have to choose a window replacement company. You’re best off choosing a company that doesn’t send a salesperson to your home since this is a hassle, and won’t charge you until you’re 100% satisfied with your windows. That way, you can be certain you’re getting the best possible deal for your money.
Contact Zen Windows St. Louis today for a free quote on the replacement windows you need for your home, in just five minutes.
