6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

Posted by Manny DeMelo on September 1st, 2016

Window Replacement Niagara HamiltonHave you been feeling the heat of the sun in your home? Do you feel the need to cozy up with two (or even three!) blankets on the couch when things cool down? Does your house seem noisier than normal, the sounds of kids playing on the street outside making their way inside? If the answer to any of these questions is yes, it might be time for you to invest in some new windows.

Most windows are designed to last between fifteen and twenty years. After they’ve passed their peak, they’ll no longer perform at their best – letting outside sounds and drafts in, causing furniture to fade, and resulting in elevated energy bills.

Check out these six signs that it’s time for you to look into getting your windows replaced:

1. Your Windows Allow Condensation to Form Between the Panes

If your home has double- or triple-paned windows, finding trapped moisture in the midst of extreme temperatures can be normal. If you’re seeing it every morning, however, that’s a problem. It likely means that the seals on your windows are broken, which negatively affects their ability to regulate temperatures.

Although they’re designed to be resilient, window seals can fail for a number of reasons including:

  • General Wear and Tear: Windows designed to open and close are often particularly susceptible.
  • Water Damage: This can be especially common if you haven’t taken steps to prevent water from pooling around the edges of your windows.
  • Natural Aging: Window seals are engineered to be flexible, letting the glass panes contract and expand with the changing temperatures. But even the most elastic seals won’t go on forever. With old age, seals will eventually break down and let moisture in.

Foggy windows can mean higher heating bills and hurt your home’s curb appeal. Make sure you work with a reputable home contractor to address the problem early before more significant problems like mold and mildew are able to take root.

2. Your Windows Feel Drafty

Drafty windows can be a year-round problem, letting outside air in and boosting your energy bills.

To test for a draft, you can:

  • Choose a cool, windy day and turn off any appliances that will create disrupting air flows.
  • Shut all doors, fireplaces, and windows.
  • Light a candle or a stick of incense (remembering to do so carefully) and hold it near your windows, especially at the seams.
  • If the flame or smoke begins to waver, is sucked outside, or blown back in, you have a drafty window on your hands.

Re-caulking can be a temporary solution to deal with the draft, but for a more long-term fix you’ll need to work with an experienced home renovation contractor to find quality, energy-efficient windows for your home.

Is your whole home feeling drafty? Check out our earlier blog to learn more about finding and fixing the source of the problem!

Window Replacement Hamilton Burlington Niagara

3. Your Windows Let Outside Sounds Get Inside

High-performance windows not only help to moderate the temperature inside your home; they can also help muffle sounds like traffic, air conditioners, or kids at play. If you suddenly or gradually start noticing these noises more than you have in the past, that could be a sign that your windows are nearing the end of their useful life.

4. Your Furniture and Floors are Fading

Carpets, furniture, artwork, and other surfaces can easily fall prey to the damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays streaming into your home, especially if you have outdated single-pane windows. Many modern windows feature built-in UV protection, blocking up to 85% of the sun’s incoming rays.

5. Your Windows are No Longer Operating Properly

Common problems include:

  • Having difficulty closing or opening your windows.
  • Being unable to keep your windows open.
  • Not being able to lock your windows.

Windows that don’t operate properly can be more than an inconvenience; they can also be health and safety hazard. A window propped open with a board in a house with kids is a recipe for sore fingers. Not having the ability to lock your windows provides a convenient access point for would-be thieves.

Depending on the nature and extent of your problem, a simple fix might be the best way to go. More often than nought, however, faulty or inoperable windows will need to be replaced.

6. Your Windows Show Signs of Existing Damage

Keep your eyes out for trouble spots around your window frames including:

  • Soft, crumbling, or rotting wood.
  • Warping, cracking, peeling, or chipping paint.
  • Evidence of mold or mildew.

In some cases, repairing your windows will help them last a little bit longer. Depending on their age and extent of the damage, however, you’ll need to look into replacing them. Work with a home renovation contractor to assess any damage and get expert advice on whether it’s time to repair or replace your windows.

At Quality Exteriors, we mean it when we say we do windows! Our expert contractors are ready to help you upgrade your home’s aesthetic, cut down on outside noise levels, and boost your home’s energy efficiency. Contact us today for a free in-home estimate!

Serving homeowners in St. Catharines, Niagara, Hamilton, Burlington, and Oakville.

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