If you don’t have a gaping hole in your window that’s letting in a gusty breeze, it might be a little harder to know exactly when to replace your windows. Some situations are obvious, like badly leaking or rotten windows, and others are not, like warped frames.
The Window Fits
If trying to open your window sends you into fits of rage, it’s time to replace it. If not for your window – then for your mental health. Your windows should open easily. If they stick or jam, they aren’t functioning as well as they could be. For those with older homes, aged windows are more likely to warp, stick or leak air or water. Check your windows’ latches and if they have become rigid, rusty or inoperable over time, you may want to think about getting them replaced..
Cracked Glass
Having cracked glass can really diminish your air conditioning retention in the summer and heat loss in the winter. When glass is cracked, the decision to replace your windows is easy, but glass doesn’t necessarily have to be cracked to result in heat loss. Builders often use thin pieces of float glass in their windows and generally don’t use glass with energy efficient coating on them, like low. Use a draft testing tool to determine if your windows are losing heat in certain places.
The Money Pit
If you are repainting or repairing your windows every few years, then your windows are becoming a money pit and it’s better spent on purchasing new windows. If your panes and weather stripping just needed replacing, you can bet it won’t be long before your frames and weather stripping will need replacing too.
Extreme Fogging
Among the many wonderful jobs that windows do, one of them is providing a view of the outside world. If they are constantly fogging up, not only is your gorgeous Hamilton view compromised, so is your heating bill. Fogging is a sign that your glass is starting to fail. If this happens, it’s time for a replacement.
Weather Stripping
Finally, check the weather stripping on your windows. It can deteriorate over time, and it will mean your windows start to lose their ability to retain heat. If you can see cracks or spots of light coming through your frame, your weather stripping is starting to break down.
Knowing exactly when to replace your windows is a simple, easy process to complete. Inspect your windows and spend the money on new ones when you notice your windows starting to fail. You’ll be thankful that you did.
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