When to replace your windows
Are you considering replacing your windows? Here are some tell-tale signs that it may be time to make a change.
“It sure is cold (or hot) near my windows!”
Single Pane Glass – for generations, windows included only a single pane of glass. This single pane conducted both hot and cold temperatures directly into your home causing significant energy loss. All single pane units are a candidate for more efficient replacement windows. Utility costs can be significantly reduced on a building with single pane windows.
Drafty conditions – Inspect your windows on particularly cold or warm days. You can use your hand to feel for drafts coming through operating parts of the windows or around the window. Using a partner, you can also shine a bright flashlight through the perimeter of the window and any interlocking point of your windows. While your partner shines the light from the outside, stand inside and look for light that will penetrate your window. Any light that gets through represents the potential for a draft and resulting energy loss.
Condensation – If your windows are conducting excess cold into your house, you are probably familiar with condensation which is caused by excessive temperature differences joined with excessive humidity. Condensation can cause the appearance of mold or mildew, as well as causing premature rot to structural members. Upgrading to “warm” vinyl windows will decrease the likelihood of condensation. For more on condensation, please refer to our condensation page.
“There is a fog on my glass!”
Failed Insulated Glass – one of the most important developments to conserve energy was the creation of insulated glass (two panes of glass hermetically sealed to create an “insulating” air space). However, those sealed units are not permanent and will fail from time to time due to poor workmanship, environmental conditions, or just stress over time. These failures will cause a fogging effect as moisture penetrates the unit and leaves a residue inside the glass. Sometimes only the insulated glass can be replaced, but the cost of replacing one or more insulated units needs to be weighed against the cost of replacing the windows with highly efficient replacement windows.
“My utility bills are too high!”
More Advanced Technology – Window technologies have advanced a great deal in the last 20 years. What was effective when your home was constructed has probably been improved. Advancements in window design, advanced glass coatings, and even using inert gases in place of air can yield significant improvement in the energy performance of your home and slash your energy bills. Please review the technologies we use to deliver value into our WeatherBarr Windows.
“There is something wrong with my windows!”
Maintenance – Father Time can take a great toll on building materials. Inspect your windows to make sure that they operate smoothly, lock and unlock easily, and all of the members are structurally sound (particularly checking for wood rot). Part replacement and maintenance can be cost effective, but should always be weighed against the cost of replacement and upgrade to new technologies that will bring along other benefits, such as improved utility cost.
“Help! My windows are ugly.”
Appearance – Storm windows, years of UV degradation, or the constant worry of when I need to paint my windows all detract from your houses appeal in your mind’s eye. Upgrading to new, low maintenance vinyl windows will offer the improved efficiency of the latest technologies, as well as updating your house’s appearance. For an extra splash, select one of our ColorGard ESC exterior finishes for just the right emphasis.
