Your home's windows play a very important role in your life. The best windows provide natural lighting, increase airflow, and make your house look great from the inside out. Windows also play a big role in your home's energy efficiency. Modern windows offer better insulation, which makes it easier for your heating and cooling system to keep your home cozy.
If you're looking for a home improvement that can provide numerous benefits, replacing old windows might be the answer. Improving energy efficiency, functionality, household comfort, curb appeal, and lowering your utility bills are all legitimate reasons for wanting to replace your windows. Deciding if it is time to repair or replace your windows is a big decision for any homeowner, and there are many factors to consider.
Need New Windows?
Windows are essential components of any home. They contribute to the aesthetics of your home, can affect the comfort of the home’s interior, and dictate how secure your home is. However, you don’t always notice the signs that it is time to replace your windows, as they deteriorate gradually.
Every part of your home has a lifespan and your home’s windows are no exception. There are some warning signs that are good indicators that you need replacement windows and doors.
1. Faulty Operation
Your windows should not be hard to operate. If you are finding it increasingly more difficult to open or close your windows, they may need to be replaced.
Over time your windows can develop balance issues, which cause them to stick and jam. Sometimes all it takes is some minor maintenance such as a bit of lubrication or tightening a few screws. However, if these issues are a result of wear and tear, and the window itself has begun to deteriorate, you will need to investigate replacement options.
2. Condensation Buildup
When you see condensation or fogging between your existing windowpanes, that is an indication that the window’s seals have failed. For condensation to build up in between your windowpanes, it means that the seal is no longer airtight. This drastically reduces the efficiency of this window. If ignored, it could lead to drafts entering your home and increased energy costs.
3. Cold Drafts
If you feel a draft when your windows are closed, it means that the seals are wearing down or already worn off. A draft around where a window is sealed against the frame may be an indication that the frame has warped, and a replacement is the only solution.
4. Increased Noise Level
If you begin to notice that the outdoor noise is louder than before, this can indicate that your windows have lost their soundproofing qualities. Increased traffic noises, dogs barking, or just being able to hear people walking outside your home are all signs that you are having issues with your windows.
5. Physical Damage
Visible damage to your windows caused by curved, warped, cracked, and rotted frames should be addressed right away. Visible damage to your windows is a serious security risk, as potential intruders may view this damage as allowing an easy entry point to your home. Don’t delay replacing broken or damaged windows and doors as soon as possible.
6. Increase in Heating and Cooling Bills
Lack of energy-efficiency is a top reason homeowners choose to replace their windows. When windows have deteriorated, your HVAC system must work harder to keep your home temperature controlled. There are many high-quality energy-efficient window choices on the market to give you the savings that you desire.
7. Single Pane Windows
Single pane windows lack many of the features newer double- or even triple-pane windows offer. Multiple pane windows are insulated. Inert gas between the panes of glass keeps heat in during winter and cool air inside during the summer. Installing multiple pane windows will make a big difference in your energy bills, noise reduction, and maintaining your home’s comfortable temperature.
8. Curb Appeal
While replacing your windows is a considerable investment, it pays off in terms of curb appeal. Your windows are always visible, and selecting the right style, material, and color can help improve the look of your home, both inside and out.
Improving your curb appeal may also lead to increased property value. According to a report from the National Association of Home Builders, energy-efficient windows are one of the top 10 features builders are most likely to include in new homes.
Proper Window Installation Is Important
It’s not just enough to have the best energy-efficient windows on the market. If they are not installed properly, you can still have some of the issues listed above. There are a few signs that the window contractor you hired did not install your replacement windows correctly.
Visible Gaps Between the Window Frame and Sill
Windows must be carefully measured before installing them. The measurements should be taken from inside the home. When windows don’t fit properly, it means your contractor did not get the dimensions right. If a standard size window does not work, then a custom-built window is required to get the perfect fit.
Water Damage
Poor window installation can lead to leaky windows and the water damage that comes after. Common signs of water damage include peeling paint, sagging walls, rotting wood, and mold. If you see any water damage around your windows, the window contractor did not do the job correctly.
No Warranty
New windows that are installed in your home should come with a manufacturer’s warranty. If not, it could mean that they were not installed by a contractor certified and approved by the window manufacturer.
The top window manufacturers and dealers strive to make sure that their windows are installed according to their guidelines. This ensures your windows are accurately measured for a perfect fit every time.
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Window Contractor
Replacing your windows is a big project and one that’s best left to qualified professionals. Before you sign on the dotted line, here are some questions you need to ask the company you’re considering hiring.
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Utilizing a licensed contractor gives you some protection should a problem arise. The same goes for insurance, which includes liability, workers’ compensation, and property damage insurance. These questions are to protect you as a homeowner, as well as your contractor.
- Can I get an itemized estimate?
- Itemized estimates allow you to see exactly what expenses are included in your project. A reputable contractor will have no problem with giving you this breakdown of expenses, which can come in handy if there are any disputes down the line.
- How much time will my project take?
- Specialized windows can take quite a while to be delivered, so projects can stretch over a few months before they’re completed. Knowing exactly when your windows will be out of commission is a good idea, especially if you’re coming up on a seasonal change. Knowing a general timeline can also give you some peace of mind once your project is in process.
- Is there a specific window type or brand you recommend?
- Some contractors carry and install certain brands of windows because they are of higher quality and provide better performance and longevity. Get these preferences upfront, with detailed reasons as to why the contractor does or does not recommend a brand. This information, from people who spend every day dealing with and installing windows, can be helpful information when selecting the windows for your home.
- What type of warranty do you offer on your installation?
- Regardless of how well-installed your windows are, problems can arise weeks or months later. Get the details, in writing, of your contractor’s warranty policy in case you need it.
- How will I handle service issues after the installation is complete?
- If you notice drafting on one window once winter sets in, you need to know whether your contractor considers that an issue that’s covered under warranty or if you need to find someone else to remedy your problem.
- Does my project require a permit?
- The answer to this question will vary depending on where you live. Some municipalities require a permit, while others don’t. If your contractor is local, they should know right away whether you will need a permit and should obtain it themselves.
Trusted Window Professionals
Having new windows installed is a long-term investment. Don’t make the mistake of bringing the wrong window installers in to perform window installation for you. It could turn into a huge headache and end up costing you a lot of money if they don’t know what they’re doing.
You must choose experienced professionals to install them. Banner Construction offers high-quality windows for any type of home. Most importantly, our knowledgeable team will get your windows properly installed the first time. We will take careful measurements to ensure your home is secure and comfortable.
Contact us today for a free consultation.