Top 5 Signs Your Windows Need to be Replaced
We often look to age as an indicator that it might be time to replace something in our home. When it comes to windows age is not always the best measure that it is time to replace them. Instead, look for these signs that it is time to consider window replacement.
1. Drafts
If your windows are drafty it is usually due to one of the following: improper or poor installation, warped or cracked frames, caulking issues, or old and inefficient windows. Drafts can make your heating and cooling system work on overdrive to maintain a comfortable temperature often causing high energy bills. If you have drafty windows it is probably time to have your windows looked at by a Puget Sound window professional.
2. Condensation
Condensation on windows can be normal here in Puget Sound, especially in high moisture areas of your home like the kitchen, bathrooms, and laundry room. However, if you notice condensation in these areas or other areas of your home when those rooms are not in use, or if the condensation leads to frost on the inside of your windows, it may be an indication that your windows are due for an upgrade.
3. Poor Operation
Windows are designed to open and close with little effort. It should not be difficult to open or close your windows or to use the locks. When you do open your windows, they should stay open. Windows are often an emergency exit from your home so being able to operate them properly is important. If you notice your windows are not working as they should, consider replacing them with new windows that are meant to withstand the test of time.
4. Moisture Between Window Panes
Condensation between window panes typically occurs when a seal goes bad or a windowpane is broken. A seal can go bad from exposure to the elements, age, settling of the house, and UV exposure. Once the window is no longer sealed, the gas used as a heat transfer buffer dissipates and the energy efficiency of the window dramatically decreases. Foggy windows are an eyesore and unfortunately, you cannot just wipe the problem away with a clean towel.
5. Decaying Frames
Over time, exposure to the elements may cause the frames of your windows to crack, mold, rot, grow fungus, or just plain fail. Certain types of frames are more vulnerable to the elements, like wood frames, and require regular maintenance to protect the frame from failing prematurely. The frame is the backbone of the whole window assembly. If the window frames are not in great condition the whole window system should be replaced.
