Your home takes a beating from the sun, the seasons and general wear and tear. Eventually, you’ll need to do some work to keep it in tip-top shape.
One of the most common replacement projects is upgrading your windows. Here are a few things to consider before you begin your Window Replacement Cedar Park.
Windows are an important investment, but they’re also subject to regular wear and tear. While some damage can be repaired, at some point window replacement becomes the most cost-effective way to ensure your home is energy-efficient and looks great. Whether you’re planning a renovation or considering selling your home, here are some signs it’s time to invest in new windows.
If you’ve noticed condensation between the glass panes of your windows, that’s a sign that they’re no longer adequately sealed. This can lead to water leaks, rotted wood frames and mold growth in your home. Upgrading to a double- or even triple-paned window can help protect your family from these issues while also improving your home’s energy efficiency.
Drafty windows are not only inconvenient, they can lead to high energy bills as well. Replacing your old windows will help keep the cold out in winter and the heat out in summer, saving you money over time while also protecting your home from harmful UV rays.
Window damage like cracks in the frame, rotting wood and warped glass are clear indicators that it’s time to replace them. Not only do these signs detract from the beauty of your home, but they can also compromise the safety and security of your family. New windows can improve your home’s comfort, curb appeal, reduce energy costs and add value to your property.
Difficulty opening or closing your windows is another clear indicator that it’s time to upgrade. If you’ve tried to fix them several times and they continue to give you trouble, it may be time to replace your windows with modern, easy-to-open styles that are designed to operate efficiently for years.
If you’re considering selling your home, new windows can add value and increase resale appeal. Buyers are increasingly looking for energy-efficient windows with modern designs, and will often pay more for a home that offers these features. Regardless of the reason for your window replacement, the team at LAS Shutters & Windows can help you choose the right windows to suit your style, needs and budget. Contact us today to get started.
Drafty Windows
Drafty windows can make your home feel cold and uncomfortable, causing you to spend more money on heating. They also waste energy by allowing hot or cool air to escape your home and outside air to come in. This can result in high utility bills throughout the year. The good news is that if you’re dealing with drafty windows, there are several solutions available that can help you fix the problem.
One of the most common causes of drafty windows is a broken or cracked window pane. This allows outside air to enter your home during the winter and warm air to escape during the summer, making your house feel cold and wasting energy. If you have a cracked window pane, replacing it should be a top priority to prevent further damage to your home and save on your energy bills.
Another common cause of drafty windows is a lack of insulation in your home. Older homes may have insulation that has fallen down or is missing altogether, leaving an open path for air to pass through around your windows. You can test this by placing a candle or other flame in front of your window and observing how the wind blows the flame. If you notice a breeze moving the flame, this indicates that your windows are drafty.
Newer replacement windows can also develop a draft if the seals between the window panes aren’t fully intact. This can happen if the glass has been dropped or bumped, if the window isn’t sealed properly, or if the seals between the window frame and siding are loose or broken. If you suspect this is the case, have a professional inspect your windows and replace any seals that are worn down or damaged.
Another sign of a drafty window is if the sash in your double hung windows isn’t latched all the way down. This can be a simple fix, but it’s important to know how to do this correctly so you don’t end up with drafty or leaky windows in the future. Before you begin, remove any interior trim around the window, making sure to cut through any dried paint with a utility knife. Then, place a flexible 3-inch putty knife behind the trim at a nail and pry it out slightly. Continue this process around the entire perimeter of the window, taking care not to break or crack the trim.
Damaged Windows
Damage to windows often happens due to natural aging, weather conditions, and even manufacturing defects. Whether structural or cosmetic in nature, the damage may be visible by signs of mold, chipping paint, or sagging window frames. These issues can have several effects on the building and its inhabitants. For example, a cracked or broken window glass means that your home is vulnerable to harmful UV rays, high winds, and harsh rain storms. Additionally, increased air leakage makes it difficult for heating and cooling systems to operate efficiently.
A damaged window is also a sign that it’s time to consider replacement. The replacement process can be a great opportunity to upgrade your windows to improve energy efficiency, as well as to increase the aesthetic appeal of your property.
Leaving window damage unattended can lead to further problems in the long run. For example, a leaky window can cause water damage to the surrounding walls, as well as encourage mold growth. Furthermore, it can lead to the deterioration of the window frame itself, causing rot and other costly repairs.
In addition, if the window is damaged to the point that it’s no longer structurally sound, it will require immediate replacement. This will ensure that your home is safe and comfortable for your family, as well as prevent a loss of the window’s insulating qualities.
Another common functional sign that it’s time to replace your windows is the presence of spiderweb cracks. These are a series of interconnected lines that appear on the surface of the glass. Unlike standard cracks, spiderweb cracks occur near the center of the affected area and are a result of an impact to the window. While the cracks are unsightly, their presence can be a warning that the window is likely to shatter soon. The cracks can be repaired by replacing the glass, but the best way to deal with them is to invest in a window replacement.
Old Windows
If your windows are old, it’s a good time to start thinking about window replacement. The energy efficiency of older windows can decrease significantly over time and result in increased heating and cooling costs, not to mention uncomfortable rooms throughout the year.
A simple inspection of your windows will reveal whether or not you need replacement. If the frames are soft to touch, spongy, or showing other signs of moisture damage it’s important to replace them immediately. Moisture infiltration will quickly cause serious damage to the surrounding wall and other structural elements of your home if not addressed early.
It’s also worth checking to see if the frames are chipping, cracking or discoloring as this is a clear sign of deterioration. The deterioration may not be immediate and can usually be repaired but if it goes unchecked the window frame will rot and eventually become damaged beyond repair resulting in serious structural issues.
You can also test your windows by noticing how much outside noise is able to make its way inside your house with the window closed. If you can easily hear street or other outside noise while your windows are closed it’s a good indicator that it’s time to invest in new double or triple pane windows designed for sound insulation.
The other issue that can signal the need for replacement is if you are spending more money on heating and cooling than usual. This is a sure sign that your windows are not sealing properly and air is leaking through them into the space around the windows. This will not only increase your energy bills but can lead to mold and other health problems within the home.
Replacing your old windows with new ENERGY STAR certified models can help you save on your energy costs while improving the look of your home and adding value to it at resale. It can also qualify you for tax credits and rebates promoting sustainable home improvement projects.