When to Replace Your Windows
We all want to live in a house with lots of windows and natural light. But those windows won’t last forever and wear and tear will have an effect on them. You’ll notice a weird draft here and there, and you can expect unpleasant surprises on your energy bills.
But how do you know if you can just do some repairs or if you need to replace the windows altogether?
A lot of homeowners don’t replace their windows on time, and it’s not hard to see why that is. It’s not the cheapest project, and if it’s not absolutely necessary, nobody wants to spend money on it. But old, damaged windows can cause a lot of trouble, plus they look terrible.
If you’re on the fence about replacing your windows, keep reading and you’ll see if it’s the right time or if you can wait for a while longer.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows
You can’t live comfortably if your windows aren’t doing their job. Even if you have the best, most expensive windows, you have to be aware that, sooner or later, you’ll need to contact your local window replacement company and replace them with new ones.
Here’s what signs to look out for.
1. Drafts and Poor Insulation
A draft is one of the most obvious signs that your windows aren’t insulating your home the way they should be. Drafts happen when gaps start to form between the window frame and the wall.
Sometimes, this is the result of the windows not being installed correctly, sometimes it’s due to warping, but usually, it’s just normal wear and tear.
Once the air starts coming in, you’ll have a harder time keeping the temperature inside consistent, and your HVAC system will need to work overtime. And you already know the result of this – higher bills.
2. Condensation Between Glass Panes
If you notice there’s fog or condensation between double or triple-glazed window panes, the seal of your window has failed, and you’ll need to replace the windows. The seal breaking down will compromise the insulating gas inside the panes, and the window will no longer be energy-efficient.
If you ignore this problem, moisture will start to build up inside the frame and when that happens, you can expect mold, mildew, and rot.
3. Problems in Operation
Good windows have no problem opening, closing, and locking. If yours are sticking, jamming, or don’t lock properly, you need to check why that is. It could be because of warped frames, broken hardware, or maybe some components have rusted.
The windows not working properly isn’t just annoying, it also means that you can’t secure your house or use windows as escape routes. Of course, you don’t think that situation will ever happen to you, but everybody thinks that and tragedies still occur.
4. Visible Damage
This is a no-brainer, really. If you see damage like cracked glass or broken frames, you can’t ignore it. It’s not just a cosmetic issue, these problems will let in drafts and water into your house.
Wooden window frames can be particularly problematic because they will rot more easily if they’re exposed to moisture or pests.
5. Too Much Noise from the Outside
Your home should be relatively quiet even if you live on a busy street. If it’s not, you may want to check your windows. If windows let in too much noise, it’s probably because they’re old.
Older windows don’t have the kind of soundproofing technology modern ones do. In this situation, it would be best to upgrade to insulated, double-glazed windows.
Benefits of Replacing the Windows
If we put aesthetics to the side, there are many other, more important benefits new windows have. Modern windows have advanced technology like double and triple glazing and Low-E coatings, which improve insulation. For you, that means being warm in the winter and cool in the summer, and best of all – lower bills.
Then there are the soundproof features that make your home more quiet and peaceful. Also, new windows will increase the value of your house, which may not be a huge bonus if you’re not selling it right away, but you never know what could happen.
And you’ll notice another great benefit – maintenance is a whole lot easier for new windows than it is for old ones because vinyl and fiberglass need a lot less upkeep and they’re more weather-resistant.
Conclusion
There are many, many things you’d rather buy than old windows, but do any of those things have such important benefits? Probably not.
Old windows aren’t necessarily bad, but if you’ve had them for a long time, chances are they’re not doing so well. You can keep fixing them for a while, but there will come a time when you’ll have to bite the bullet and just replace them.
Our advice? Save yourself the trouble and frustration of constant repairs and make the replacements right away.
Jenny Kakoudakis likes to blog about interiors. She launched award-winning Seasons in Colour in 2014 and the luxury interior design blog All The Pretty Homes in 2024. When she is not chasing criminals out of the financial system (her day job), she gets creative by redecorating her own home.
