When To Replace Your Current Impact Windows
Impact windows can be a valuable form of defense against a powerful storm. When it's raining heavily and the winds are strong, you'll appreciate the feeling of security you get in knowing that you have high-quality impact windows on your residence. If you've recently moved into a home that is several decades old, it's a good idea to assess the state of your impact windows. There's a chance that they require replacing, and this is something that you should deal with promptly. Here are some indicators that you should replace your current impact windows with new ones.
Cracking
Take some time to thoroughly assess the glass on each of the impact windows throughout your home. Doing so from the interior and exterior of the residence will allow you to have multiple vantage points that give you the best opportunity to see the glass. If you notice any light cracking on any of the panes, this is a sure sign that it's time to replace the windows. Cracking means that the glass has already lost some degree of structural integrity, and it may not survive the next big storm. For example, winds could cause a cracked window to shatter, allowing water and wind into the residence.
Worn Trim
You'll also want to look at the trim around your home's existing windows. There are various warning signs that the trim may not adequately keep water out of your home during a heavy storm. For example, if there are small gaps between the trim and the siding of your home, this is a concern. Or, if you see places where the trim has rotted, it's possible that water could get through one of these areas. The structural integrity of the trim around new impact windows is excellent, providing a solid barrier against the elements.
Outdated Look
A lot of homeowners decide to replace old impact windows simply because they have an outdated look. Even if the existing windows might keep wind and rain at bay, you might not be pleased with how they look and how they affect the appearance of your residence as a whole. For example, the trim might be faded or the windows might be foggy because of damaged seals. If one of these situations is applicable to one or more of the windows in your home, contact a local impact window company to visit you and give you a quote for new windows.