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.
