10 Signs Your Windows Need Replacing in Your Home

Whether you’ve recently moved in, or you’re a long-term homeowner, your property should be the one place on earth where you feel the most relaxed and comfortable. While some homeowners will know the ins and outs of their property, others may not realize structural defects that could lead to serious problems in the future, especially if you plan to sell your home.

We all want to feel warm and comfortable in our homes, so if you don’t know how old your windows are, it may be time to do your research. While your windows may look fine from afar, there may be a few signs that could indicate something serious. Even if you have windows that are relatively new, disaster can strike at any time. Once you have an idea of the warning signs, you may want to consider changing your windows. If you aren’t sure where or what to look out for, here are 10 signs your windows need replacing in your home.

Drafts

If you can hear any noises such as the wind through your windows, or you’re able to feel cold air seeping in from around the frame, these are telltale signs that you have drafty windows. To confirm your suspicions, you should hold up a tissue up to the window frame to check whether it moves. While you may not notice any problems during the summer months, temperatures can drop once winter hits, so unless you like the idea of being in a cold and icy home, it may be time to get your windows replaced.

Increase in Energy Bills

If you have drafty windows, this means that your furnace will have to work twice as hard to compensate. If you’ve noticed a hike in your energy bill, this could be the major reason why. You will notice that your energy costs may be higher in the summer too, as your air conditioning system will need to work harder to ensure your house stays cool. When you factor in all the energy and cash that you could be wasting due to drafty windows, investing your money in new windows can help lower your energy bill.

Single Pane Windows

Single pane windows provide no soundproofing or insulation and tend to lack energy efficiency too. No matter what the temperature is like outside, your air con and furnace will be working twice as hard to tackle those temperatures. Swapping your single pane windows for double or triple-glazed windows can make a big difference on how much you’re spending on your energy each month. What’s more, installing double or triple-glazed windows can see an increase in the value of your home.

Poor Window Operation

When it comes to opening and shutting your windows, the process should not be too strenuous. Windows should be able to open and close without too much trouble, so having a properly functioning lock fitted will act as an additional seal against any air that’s escaping from your property, as well as adding an extra layer of security.

Condensation

If you have noticed that you need to keep cleaning your weeping windows, this could be a sign of condensation. There are various reasons why condensation can occur, but if it’s happening on a frequent basis and you begin to notice frost, this is a sure-fire sign that you need to update your windows.

Moisture Build-Up

If you have double-glazed windows fitted in your property, you may know that they have krypton or argon gas which is injected between the window panes to offer better insulation for your home. Between the two panes of glass, the seal should be airtight to reduce heat transfer. A broken seal can cause moisture to build-up inside the outside pane of the glass. This is because it has the coldest surface, so if you’ve noticed a cracked seal, it’s advised to consider replacing your windows as soon as possible.

Outside Noise

Our home should be the one place where we can relax and unwind after a hectic day. Having some peace and quiet should be a given, so while it may be nice to hear the wildlife outside chirping while you are lying in bed, the last thing you want is to hear every little noise from your neighborhood. If you have older windows installed, they tend to not offer much sound insulation, meaning that you’re more likely to hear every sound from what’s going on outdoors. Blocking the noises from the outside world is important, so you may want to consider getting new windows which will absorb these everyday sounds.

Decaying Frames

Even if you have high-quality window frames fitted, that’s not to say that they won’t decay and rot over time. The more moisture your windows are exposed to, the more chance you have of mold developing. It’s important to be in the know and to understand whether you have decaying frames, so make sure that you take a close inspection of your window frames. If you notice mold growth or signs of decay, it’s important that you act fast and consider getting your windows replaced, rather than letting things spiral out of control.

Curb Appeal

Whether you’re looking to give your home a makeover, or you’re planning to sell your abode, having the latest windows fitted can help to boost the curb appeal. With windows being one of the most important features that potential homebuyers look out for, the last thing you want is to have ones that look outdated. Investing in energy efficient and modern windows can increase the value of your property, while helping to make your home stand out. With so many different options to pick from, it’s best to contact a professional who can help you find the right windows for you.

Visible Damage

As your windows are exposed to all sorts of temperatures, it’s inevitable that they may receive some damage over time. Whether it’s rain, harsh winds, or harmful UV rays, there are various things to be on the lookout for, such as water damage, or cracks in the glass. If you’ve noticed signs of warping, or the glass in your windows becoming foggy, these are signs that it’s time to get new windows fitted. After all, windows are primarily designed to offer airflow, light, and ventilation into a home, so if you are having any issues, it may be time for a revamp.

Finding a Specialist

Now that you have an idea of all the things to look out for, the last step is to find a house window replacement window professional who can install new windows for you. There are various companies that you may want to consider checking out, but you’ll want to make sure they are reliable and have plenty of good reviews. For example, American Vision Windows, found at americanvisionwindows.com, have 17 years of experience and can advise on the right style for your wants and need. When on their website, you can request a free in-home estimate to work out what the total cost will be for replacing your windows, making it easier to budget.

Whether you have drafty windows, mold build-up, decaying frames, or poor window operation, keeping your home in tip-top condition is important. Your windows are an important feature of a home, so investing your money wisely in double or triple-glazed windows can not only boost the curb appeal, but increase the value of your property too. We all want to feel warm and comfortable in our homes, so investing in high-quality windows can make a big difference to how your property looks.