New windows will always be necessary eventually. When was the last time you checked the condition of yours?

If your home has old aluminum or wood-framed windows, they’re likely to start causing problems soon if they haven’t already. Homes that are over 20 years old with the original windows are typically due for an upgrade, but there are some easy ways to check. How do you know when it’s time to replace your windows?

Well-designed windows play a variety of important roles and improve your home’s curb appeal, increase the amount of natural light in your home and improve energy efficiency. If your windows are old, drafty, and damaged, they will not only be a security issue, but the overall comfort of your home becomes a problem. It’s crucial to identify whether your windows need to be replaced and there are signs around your home that will tell you it’s time to start putting your window renovation plan together.

The Window Experts are here to break down the top 5 signs that you need new windows!

High Energy Bills

On a cold day, stand next to your windows. Does it feel cooler than the rest of your home? Touch your windows. If the glass feels cold, the warm air from your heating system is being cooled down as soon as it gets within a few feet of your windows. As the temperature falls and rises with the seasons, your heating and cooling bills are sure to do the same. Not only is this uncomfortable, it’s such a waste of money!

Grab a candle or burning incense stick. Hold it by your window frames and slowly move it around each corner of the window. If the candle flickers or the smoke moves, drafts are coming through your windows. Really bad windows will even have visible light coming through the frame in spots when you try this in the dark with a flashlight. Just imagine how much warmer and more comfortable your home would be if all those little holes were sealed up.

While older windows are generally single-paned and vulnerable to leaks, newer windows are highly efficient and designed to help prevent air from transferring in and out of your home. You should consider replacing those leaky windows with ones that contain argon gas and low-emissivity (LoE) glass to save on heating bills. LoE glass can keep heat in during the winter and out during the summer, greatly reducing your heating and cooling costs and providing a more comfortable living space year-round.

Window Operation

Walk around your home, opening and closing each window to check for smooth operation as you go. If they require any force or pressure to open, or if they’re painted or swollen shut, it’s time to replace them. Wood windows are notorious for this issue. Opening your windows should not be a chore or a source of exercise, they should open and close effortlessly.

You should also check the locks. Do they work as they’re supposed to? If you can’t open and securely lock your windows, you’re dealing with an unnecessary security risk and also a hindrance to egress in the event of a fire. If anything is wrong in the home you should be able to get out quickly and safely. If your windows are nearly impossible to open, you’re limiting escape routes. There’s a reason egress windows are mandated by building codes.

Decaying Frames and Leaky Windows

One of the clearest signs that you need to replace your windows is decaying window frames. As wooden window frames are exposed to moisture, they will begin to degrade. Built-up moisture damage can also cause more serious decay down the road, causing severe safety issues. You may also notice that you have leaky windows. In some cases, we’ve seen homes where the windows are leaking so badly that they are leaving pools of water on the floor. Yikes!

You may be thinking that there isn’t enough water leakage to justify the renovation, or that the leaking will stop in the summer. When you’re deciding whether to replace windows, remember that moisture fuels the growth of mold regardless of how much there is. The longer you postpone your upgrades, the higher the chance the leaking window will generate a major problem.

Two of the most common reasons why your windows are leaking are poor installation and a failed sealed unit. You might be asking, “Can’t they just be repaired?” You could repair your windows, but you wouldn’t be fixing the problem. Think about it this way: your leaking window is a problem, but it’s not THE problem. Moisture buildup on windows is a symptom of something more significant. The only way to truly fix leaking windows and ensure that they won’t fail again is to replace them.

Soundproofing

Take a moment to stand quietly by the window and wait for a vehicle to drive by. Can you hear it coming from down the street? Single-pane windows or even double-pane windows will transfer sound vibrations from the street into your house. Before you know it, all the noise will add up and you can wave goodbye to the peace and quiet. The best energy-efficient windows will prevent these sound waves from entering your home.

Condensation

Do you regularly see fog or condensation building up on your windows? You will need to analyze the kind of condensation you are dealing with, as not all condensation is bad. Depending on where it’s appearing, it may not be a cause for concern. However, if you see condensation between panes of glass, this is a sure sign that your windows’ seals have failed and it’s time to replace them before they get too leaky.

Your windows, doors, heating and cooling systems, insulation, ventilation, and siding make your house operate as a system. To keep your home operating at peak efficiency and to achieve the best return on your renovation investment, all factors need to be functioning together and correctly.

Find Out Why Centra Windows is the Right Choice

Windows are a major investment in your home. They will boost its value and curb appeal, as well as efficiency, soundproofing, security, and comfort. It’s important to choose the right company for the job. Watch the video below to find out why Centra is the right choice for your project.

Give Centra a call and we would be happy to have an estimator perform a free, in-home consultation to help you choose the right window solution for your home.

Thinking about a window and door upgrade? Give Centra a call today at 1-888-534-3333. We will be happy to have one of experts perform a free, in-home consultation to help you choose the right solution for your home.

We Are Your Certified Window Geeks!

We love to talk windows! We’re here to help, so if you have a question about your window project all you have to do is reach out. Contact us early in the process so that our experts can make sure everything is correct from the get-go.

For more information on this topic (and many more!) contact our local Employee Owners at 1-888-534-3333 or drop us an email at [email protected]. Join the club and become a Window Geek yourself by signing up for our biweekly newsletter, which provides news, advice, and tips about the window industry and upcoming events, and test your window knowledge by following us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

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