So you need to replace your windows. There are a lot of reasons why you may have come to this decision, and not all of them have to do with your windows becoming suddenly damaged. Window damage can build up over time, and for that matter can be the result of windows being improperly installed, or the wrong window types being used for the wrong purpose. Not all types of windows are right for residential purposes, remember. Another reason why you may be considering new windows is that your energy bills are higher than you might like them to be. One of the best ways to save money on windows is to simply install new ones that are better fitted and more energy efficient than your previous windows. Now, if you’re considering new windows, you should certainly think about windows with aluminum frames for a number of different reasons. But if you haven’t used aluminum windows before, those reasons may not come to you immediately. Let’s look into the benefits of aluminum windows, and why all homeowners should consider them.

1. Lasting Power

When you really think about it, windows take quite a beating. We depend on windows to protect us from the cold and the rain, and it’s no wonder that some materials end up breaking down more quickly than others. It’s key that you own windows that are suitable for a variety of different types of weather, not only to keep you safe but to ensure that you don’t switch out your windows prematurely. This is why windows with aluminum frames are so appealing. Aluminum is quite durable, certainly more durable than wood and other materials. It can stand up to the elements for years, and even decades. Not only does this save you time and energy; over the years, it will also save you money that you would otherwise spend on prematurely replacing your windows.

2. Design Variety

Certain types of materials used to create windows just aren’t right for all types of windows. Therefore, you might not be able to commission windows made of the same material, from the same company, for all of the windows in your home if there are different window styles throughout the house. This is not only inconvenient but often costly, causing you to spend more as your source different types of windows made of different materials. This is why a lot of people choose to have their windows made with aluminum frames. Aluminum is flexible, and therefore can be shaped to accommodate a variety of different designs. For that matter, this metal is also strong, despite its flexibility. It can therefore accommodate large panes of glass as well.

3. They’re Easy To Clean

Dirty windows can quickly go from annoying to unsightly. It’s all too easy for dust and dirt to cake on window frames, even if you’re able to keep the glass window panes clean. You’ll quickly notice that on wooden frames, dust can actually smudge deeply and become incredibly difficult to remove, resulting in you taking hours to clean your windows. Aluminum frames are much easier to keep clean in this sense, requiring little more than a quick wipe down.

4. Cost Efficiency

The pricing for windows with aluminum frames is usually fairly competitive, keeping them within budget for a lot of different homeowners. But the cost efficiency of these windows really kicks in when you have them over time. Aluminum windows help lower your energy bills, which is where windows tend to become more expensive without a lot of homeowners even realizing it. It’s estimated by some that heat gain and loss through windows are responsible for about 25% to 30% of all residential heating and cooling energy usage, which of course means that windows have a lot to do with your energy bills running up. Aluminum windows actually come with a thermal break, which essentially reduces or prevents thermal energy from flowing from one conductive material to another. This enables aluminum windows to hold in or trap heat much better than windows made from other materials.

There are so many reasons why aluminum windows are superior; these are just a few. But they must be considered by those who are shopping for new windows.

Your windows won’t last forever. As much as a lot of us rely on our windows as basic parts of our homes, we don’t always check to see if they need to be replaced. In fact, many of us buy homes without even checking to see how old the windows might be. Windows do have a lifespan, with the typical residential windows lasting around 15 to 20 years. Fortunately, replacing your windows doesn’t have to be as much of a pain as you might think. A lot of companies that sell different window types also sell doors, which means that if need be you can replace several different products at once. With that being said, you may not need to replace your windows due to old age. You may want to change the look of your windows in order to have a more aesthetically pleasing home. Perhaps you want to upgrade your windows in order to make them more energy-efficient and lower your bills over time. No matter why you’re looking for new windows, you have options. The most important thing is knowing when to replace them. Let’s look into that below.

1. They’re Hard To Close

The last thing you want is a drafty window, and at first, you may blame yourself for not properly closing your windows. But the fact is that a draft isn’t always your fault. Perhaps you have the wrong window types for your home, which means that they aren’t aligning properly. On the other hand, your windows could be worn down from over-use, and therefore more difficult to shut now. If your windows weren’t installed properly in the first place, another reason why they may need to be replaced, they could have balance issues, which would keep you from closing or even locking them properly. If your windows are especially old, they may suffer from rust and rot issues. No matter why your windows are having difficulties shutting, you need to take care of those issues, and that may result in a replacement. Not only does being unable to properly close or lock your window make your home draftier, less comfortable, and potentially less energy efficient, it’s also quite unsafe.

2. Condensation

Condensation may not seem to be much of a problem, especially with some window types over others. Of course, condensation or ice, in general, aren’t necessarily problems. But if that liquid is occurring between panes of glass, it could be indicative of the need for window replacements. The issue is that if this kind of moisture is gathering between panes of glass, it could mean that the seals are failing in your window panes. The reason why those additional panes are there is that they create insulation, which makes your windows energy efficient. Essentially, if the panes are loose or cracked in some way, they allow air to release, which renders your windows inefficient. At that point, you should definitely consider looking into window replacements at the minimum.

3. Damaged Window Frames

You may not think that window frames matter all that much and that the actual glass parts of the windows are more concerning. Now, different window types have different types of frames, but if those frames are damaged, regardless of the types of windows that you have, you could be in trouble. Touch your window frames. Are they soft? Then they may be damaged beyond repair and need to be replaced. If they’re chipped in some way, they could allow for an eventual breakdown or sagging that makes them difficult to use. Of course, soft and sagging windows are also indicative of rot, which makes them ultimately unusable no matter what.

4. Noise Breakthroughs

Cool air isn’t the only thing you need to worry about seeping through your windows. If you’re hearing much more noise than usual, it’s time to look into a window replacement. A noise breakthrough indicates that your windows are either improperly sealed or badly sealed.

There are so many problems that can affect your windows. When properly cared for, they can last for years. But if you don’t take care of your windows, you could be dealing with problems for a long time.