The benefits of having many windows in your home are pretty obvious; extra sunlight, beautiful views, and added character to name a few. But they also add a few more tasks to your home maintenance checklist that need to be kept up with.
Even the most careful care of your windows won’t help them last forever. Eventually, they’ll need to be replaced with newer options to keep your home functioning and beautiful. Knowing when to replace windows is the key to making sure they live as long of a life as possible but don’t cause problems if you wait too long.
Here are some key signs to look for as you decide how often you should replace your windows.
1. Obvious Holes and Cracks
The clearest sign you need a window replacement is when there is obvious damage to the glass itself. This can be in the form of large and small holes or cracks. You don’t want to leave a window up that’s vulnerable to completely falling apart.
Once you notice these types of issues, it’s a good idea to cover them with something sturdy like cardboard or plastic. Then tape all around to keep the glass and covering secure and in place. This will be enough to keep the window intact until you can get a replacement scheduled and taken care of.
2. Difficult to Open and Close
One of the best parts about having windows is being able to open them up for some fresh air and a nice, cool breeze or to hear a rainstorm through the night. There’s nothing cozier than windows open in the right weather.
Over time, windows can become difficult to use and have a hard time functioning how they were designed. This can make having those nice open window times much more difficult. When you notice that it’s getting harder and harder to operate your windows take a look to see if something can be repaired to fix the problem.
If those attempts aren’t successful, it’s probably time to call in the professionals for a window replacement.
3. Free Air Flow
A breeze coming through an open window is heavenly. One coming through a closed one is the opposite and a very bad sign for the health of your window. Any extra air coming in can have a huge impact on how hard your HVAC system has to work both in the summer and winter months.
These things can be tricky to notice if you’re not in the right place at exactly the right time.
It’s a good idea to regularly inspect your windows for airflow to catch the issues quickly. This can be as easy as running your hands around the edges during a breezy or windy day to feel for any extra flow.
4. Poor Energy Efficiency
That type of excess air flow that you don’t want is a clear sign that your windows are not as energy efficient as they can be. And that’s an indication that you need to replace them to save yourself money on power bills each month.
Windows have become increasingly more energy efficient through the last few decades. New technology gives them a strong seal that keeps air from leaking out or coming in where it’s not wanted. These improvements have come in the type of glass and how thick it is, as well as the frame.
Changing out your current windows for more energy-efficient ones will help save you money over their lifetime.
5. Sun Damage to Interior
Depending on which way your window is facing, the interior of your home could be vulnerable to some sun damage. Especially if there is upholstery or wood furniture right up against the window. The longer the exposure to the sunlight without any kind of filter, the more faded the colors will be and the more brittle the materials will become.
Rather than replace all of these items over and over again, you can simply replace your windows with ones that offer more light filtering power. These tints can make all the difference in protecting the inside of your home.
6. Out of Style
While the function of the window is obviously the most important element to think about, the style can also make a big difference in how satisfied you are with them. You don’t want your windows to stick out like sore thumbs because they are too old and outdated to match the rest of your home.
Windows can make a dramatic difference in representing the style of your home and bringing the whole design together. Don’t be afraid to try out a few options with samples until you find just the right fit.
7. Lack of Noise Barrier
There’s nothing more annoying than a loud neighbor who is constantly interrupting your quiet time at home. The right windows can help to dampen the sound and make it more manageable.
You’ll know your windows are outdated when you can hear every noise that happens on either side of the glass. A lack of a noise barrier at all should clue you in that things have either worn out or never had the right technology to begin with. Once replaced with newer options, you’ll see how much better the sound can be in your home.
When to Replace Windows in Your Home
There is a fine line you want to walk when considering when to replace windows in your home. You don’t want to do it too early and waste money not having your current windows live out their full life. But you don’t want to wait too long and have different kinds of damage to your home because of it.
Once you decide it’s time to replace your windows, working with a professional company that uses high-quality materials is the best way to go. Then you’ll feel confident you’ll get to enjoy these new windows for years and years to come!
If you’re in need of any window services from repairs to replacements in West Michigan, contact us today to schedule an appointment!
