If the eyes are the windows to the soul, then your home’s windows are the eyes to the soul of your home.
But over time, the condition of your home’s windows can deteriorate. This can vary based on the year of construction of the window, the weather conditions in the area, and the materials involved.
On average, windows last between 15-20 years before needing to be replaced. If you’re not sure whether you should be replacing old windows with new residential windows, there are some key signs you should look for.
Keep reading below for seven indicators you need new residential windows.
1. Damaged Residential Windows
In areas with high humidity or frequent storm damage, your windows could be more vulnerable to leaking. Check your windows for any signs of peeling paint, cracked wood, or other damage to the glass and framework. Look for any areas of sagging or buckling under the window from water damage to keep the framing strong.
Damaged residential windows with excess moisture are also breeding grounds for toxic mold growth, which can cause health problems later on. Replacing old windows with new residential windows will ensure that your home stays looking its best.
You’ll also prevent the damage to your windows from traveling through and affecting the rest of your home’s structural integrity and impacting the health of your family.
2. Higher Utility Bills
If your windows are closed but you’re still receiving high heating and cooling bills, this could be a telltale sign that your windows no longer maintain a proper seal. This means that your windows are letting in hot and cold drafts from outside, so your heating and cooling units have to work overtime to make up for it.
Windows are responsible for 25%-30% of overall residential cooling and heating costs. So installing new windows in your home can help you save on your energy costs. Replacing old windows with new residential windows will ensure a better seal.
They will keep your home cooler in the summer months and warmer in the winter months by helping to regulate the insulation inside your home. According to the Department of Energy, you can save around $125-$465 per year by installing new windows that are Energy Star efficient.
3. Inability to Open and Close the Windows with Ease
When it comes to understanding whether you should consider replacing old windows, examine how they open and close. If you have difficulty trying to pry the window open or find your windows constantly sticking when you try to shut them, it could be a simple answer. Stuck windows are a surefire sign that you need new residential windows.
Old window frames that frequently cause issues with opening or closing may be warped and need replacing with new residential windows. Your windows should glide open and shut with minimal effort and still provide a tight seal when not in use. Attempting to force open jammed or stuck windows repeatedly will only cause further damage to the structure over time such as cracked glass.
4. Condensation Build-up Between Window Panes
Condensation is the build-up of excess moisture on your windows. If you see frequent condensation build-up, it could mean that your window seals and protective glaze are wearing down. Condensation is a clear indicator for replacing old windows with new residential windows.
In warmer months, this window sweat will appear on the exterior of the window. In the colder months, it will show up on the inside of the window due to moisture inside of the home and extremely cold temperatures outside. Energy-efficient windows will help cut down on this condensation build-up.
5. You Live in an Older Home
Older homes are beautiful and often historic, so you want to maintain as much of their original beauty as possible. But replacing old windows is sometimes a must in older homes, especially if you want to reap the full benefits of more energy-efficient new residential windows.
Heating and cooling costs in older homes can be a major issue. So, you don’t want all of your hard-earned money literally going out the window of a poorly insulated historic home. Luckily there are ways to mimic different window designs with energy-efficient styles.
The overall window replacement cost of installing new windows is relatively low when compared to long-term energy cost savings.
6. Improper Noise Reduction
If you’re hearing too much outside noise, even when the windows are shut all the way, it could be a sign of the need for resealing or fully replacing old windows. Improperly installed, old, or damaged residential windows will cause an increase in external sound pollution.
Older windows don’t cut down on these noise levels effectively. Properly installed and secured windows help to seal out excess noise. New residential windows are designed to give your home better insulation from outside noises like traffic and street commotion.
They help reduce the transfer of sound from permeating into your home and dampen the noise levels outside. You’ll be able to have a quieter living space as a result.
7. Windows Won’t Lock or Shut Fully
Aside from causing issues with your home’s insulation, noise levels, and functionality, faulty windows also pose a bigger safety and security hazard. When windows don’t shut or lock all the way, it can make it easier for home invaders to get into your house. Windows with unsealed gaps leave your home more vulnerable to intruders trying to pry them open from the outside.
You want new residential windows that have sturdy locking mechanisms on them to deter potential intruders. You’ll also need to consider replacing old windows with ones with double-pane glass. Likewise, if you have small children, you will want to prevent them from being able to tamper with the windows from the inside.
Get New Residential Windows Installed by Freeman Exteriors
As a homeowner, you take pride in having your home looking and functioning at its best. So don’t leave anything to chance. Your windows are just as much an integral part of your home as any other aspect, that’s why replacing old windows is a must.
Freeman Exteriors is a trusted, reliable, and professional contractor company serving Champaign, IL, and the surrounding areas of Illinois and Indiana. We offer roof replacement, roof repair, siding, and gutter guard services for your home repair needs. And yes, we do windows too.
Contact us today for your free quote on new residential windows.
