4 Reasons To Replace Your Old Windows
If you live in an older home, you have a lot of maintenance to keep up with so the home stays in good condition. The windows on your home will last a long time, but if the home has original wood windows, they may wear out over time. Even old aluminum and vinyl frames may need to be replaced when damaged. Here are some signs that indicate you should start thinking about replacing one or more of your windows.
The Windows Won't Open
Windows are an important safety feature for your home. They should glide easily up and down. If you have a window that is stuck in the frame, it's a good idea to have it replaced. Windows get stuck for a variety of reasons. Warping of the wood is one thing that alters the way the window fits in the frame.
Warping may happen due to constant exposure to extreme weather conditions. One side of your house may sustain more weather damage than the other depending on the way your house is oriented and how it's protected. When you decide to replace a damaged window, it's often best to replace all the windows on the same side for the sake of a uniform appearance.
Another thing that causes windows to get stuck is when the foundation shifts as it settles. This causes a slight shift in the structure of your home that is seen in the way your windows and doors operate. When you get a replacement window for this problem, you may need to have the window custom made to fit the dimensions of the shifted opening.
The Glass Is Constantly Foggy
If you have windows with double panes, condensation and fog between the glass is sometimes a problem. A window specialist can sometimes correct the problem by making repairs, but if the cloudiness keeps coming back it may be necessary to replace the window. If the seal around the window is broken, repair attempts may not work very well.
If the window is in a bedroom where drapes cover it most of the time, it may not matter if the glass is foggy. If the window is in your living room and affects your view or the appearance of your home, it becomes a more urgent matter to find a permanent fix.
The Windows Have Gaps And Leaks
Older windows are not as energy efficient as the windows made today. Add that to the heat loss your home experiences when there are gaps around the windows, and you might be ready to get replacement windows just so your home is warmer in the winter. Energy efficient windows may lower your power bill, but the best thing about them is fewer cold drafts.
Your home is more comfortable, and that might be very important if you have small children that crawl on the floor or pull up on window sills to enjoy the view. The space around a window that is not tight in the frame could feel several degrees colder than other parts of the room. This could be uncomfortable if a bed, chair, or couch is positioned too close to the window.
The Windows Are An Eyesore
If your old windows have become an eyesore, you may want new ones to improve the appearance of your home. Wood frames can be destroyed by rodents, insects, and rot. Old aluminum frames can develop ugly pits on the surface. Even a newer vinyl frame may be an eyesore if it is cracked or burned because the grill was too close to the house. Frames also affect the appearance of your home on the inside. If you're tired of your old windows, that's a perfect reason to get new ones installed. Plus, it gives you the opportunity to add features such as tinted glass for privacy or UV protection. You can even change the style of the windows to ones that fold down inside for ease of cleaning.
Whether you want a single window replaced or all of them, you'll have several options when it comes to frames and glass. That makes it easy to find a window that fits your budget while enhancing your home at the same time. Contact a business like Windows Plus for more information.