How do you know when it’s time to replace your windows? At times it can be tough to gauge when it is time to replace your windows. There are more reasons than just visible damage and deterioration to consider replacing your windows such efficiency, operation, and aesthetics.
Below we have highlighted 5 signs that it may be time to replace your windows. On a side note these also apply to doors.
1. Excessive Noise
Your windows and doors are great at allowing natural light and fresh air into your home, but this shouldn’t come at the expense of increased street noise. Your windows and doors are built and installed in a way to help block most of the external noise, ensuring you can enjoy your family time or even alone time uninterrupted. However, if you begin to notice that there is more noise that penetrates into your home than it did before, this could be a sign that your window may be damaged or the seals have given way. This additional street noise can be extremely frustrating, especially if you work from home or have young children that are constantly being woken from their naps. Replacement windows and doors will have the ability to once again block this noise, and ensure you are able to enjoy the time in your house without interruption from people and vehicles passing by.
2. Difficulty to Operate
As windows age, they may bend out of shape or become unaligned. This causes kinks in the operation of the window as the sash may rub against the frame, or hinges and cranks may become seized. In some cases, all that is needed is some lubricant. But, in most cases when it is tough to open or close a window, you decide to live with it or you look for replacement options.
3. Uneven Temperatures
When the seals on your windows are no longer working at an optimal level, drafts can pass through. As well if your windows have shifted from the frames or the caulking has peeled back drafts can enter from around the frames. If you notice cool or warm spots in your home, especially by windows and doors it is more than likely caused by a draft. Not only will these drafts reduce your comfort level in your home, your HVAC system will need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home, causing your energy bills to go up.
4. Pest infestation
If your windows and doors are not sealing properly or have rotten sections, this can lead to a pest infestation in your home. Sometimes you may see a spider or other bugs in your home and think nothing of it. But, if you frequently come across these types of insects, you need to think that they are getting in somehow. Wooden windows are susceptible to rotting which may create an opening for bugs and even mice to get into your home. A pest infestation could lead to property damage and can even negatively impact the health of everyone in your home.
5. Damage
No matter the extent of the damage, you need to consider replacing any damaged windows and doors right away. You may think that you can live with a small crack in the glass or the frame for now, but this damage will more than likely spread as the temperatures change with the seasons. Damaged windows pose a large safety risk, if someone accidentally bumps into the window the damage can spread leading to broken glass potentially flying about. It also poses a security risk, as would be intruders and burglars see damaged windows and doors as easy access points to a home.