Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

Thinking about your windows and patio doors is not a very common occurrence. While they are used almost daily, your windows and doors have become such a natural part of your home it’s easy to forget that they sometimes need attention, too. Many homeowners don’t realize the excitement new windows bring in helping their homes feel brighter, cleaner, and more beautiful. This blog discusses the signs it’s time to replace your windows and give your home a new look. Read on to find out more!

Time for a Window Replacement?

Everyone’s home situation is different, and many motives can lead to replacing your windows. You may have just bought a home with the right floor plan, but the windows are unappealing. Or, you’ve been living in your home for so long that you haven’t thought about your windows and how they affect your comfort, safety, or aesthetics, but now you’re experiencing some of the points listed below. If you’re considering new windows or patio doors in your home, don’t get started until you’ve read these top 10 signs.

1. Feels Drafty

High-quality windows are designed for energy efficiency and to keep the weather outside where it belongs. A lot of your home’s heat escapes through its windows. If there’s a draft when you stand near a window that you don’t feel throughout the rest of the house, it’s time to replace your windows.

2. Very Old

If your windows are original to when your house was first built, they are likely made with single-pane glass. If they are dual pane, they may not be ENERGY STAR® energy efficient if installed before 1992. Newer windows that use Low-E glass keep the temperature in your home consistent year-round and resist color fading. Older windows without glazing probably do not keep the UV rays out of your home, which can cause fading.

3. Won’t Open

There are many reasons a window doesn’t open. Older aluminum windows can swell during temperature changes, or springs in the handle can become inoperable as you continue to use them to release the locking mechanism. Older wood windows have years of painted frames that will not open over time. If your windows stick, seem glued shut, or won’t open at all, it’s time for a replacement.

4. Home Is Too Hot

Does it feel like an oven when your windows are closed in the summer? Older windows lack proper insulation or ENERGY STAR® ratings that help keep heat out when the sun is on them. ENERGY STAR windows and doors are independently certified and verified to perform at levels that meet or exceed energy efficiency guidelines. ENERGY STAR-certified windows and patio doors can reduce energy bills by an average of 12%.

In addition to energy efficiency, you might want to increase the airflow throughout your home by replacing a picture window with a window that opens. Casement, awning, sliders, and single or double-hung windows offer different degrees of ventilation.

5. Outside Noise

If you can hear the noise from outside when your windows are closed, chances are they aren’t providing enough acoustic insulation. The higher the STC (Sound Transmission Class) rating on your window, the better sound control and the quieter your home will be. Many homeowners notice how quiet their home is once they install replacement windows.

6. Visible Damage

Visible signs of damage include chipped frames or glass, water stains on or around the window, a frame that is warped or broken, and broken glass. Depending on the severity, window damage isn’t something you can live with because it can affect the comfort of your home.

7. Aesthetic

Your home, and its windows, should reflect your style. Choosing your replacement windows allows you to create the exact look you want, from frame thickness to colors and even decorative grids.

8. How They Operate

If you want to upgrade your home’s appearance, consider changing how your windows function. New styles of windows can let in more light, enhance your views, or create a cross breeze from one room to another. If you have the luxury of home renovation in your budget and are altering your walls, it’s the perfect time to consider replacing or starting new construction for new windows or patio doors.

9. Hard to Clean

Cleaning your windows should be done at least once a year. Older windows may be difficult to clean if they do not easily lift off the tracks. Newer replacement windows are much easier to maintain and clean because they are designed to be removed easily. For second-floor rooms, consider double-hung windows so one sash can be tilted inward for easy cleaning.

10. ROI

Replacement windows in upscale homes have a 68.8% return on investment in the Pacific Region. This is great news if you think you might sell your home in the next five years. Buyers will be attracted to the increased curb appeal your new windows create. They might even notice the benefits like reduced noise and temperature regulation as they walk through the home during an open house. Home buyers notice these details as they shop around, so consider how new windows can help your home compete in the marketplace.

Shop Replacement Windows with Vista Windows and Doors

If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it may be time to start your window replacement. At Vista Windows and Doors, we provide high-quality window replacement services and ensure that your job will be done right the first time. Visit our website for details and to learn what we can do for you. Call (626) 359-3600 or click here for a FREE quote!