Windows are tough, and with routine maintenance, can have a pretty long service life. But they are not immune to wear and tear and eventual deterioration. Even with the highest level of care, there will come a time when problems in their structure or performance will make a window replacement necessary.
Has that time come for your windows? If you believe so, you can contact a richmond va window replacement specialist to discuss the available options, including design, colors, and materials, then obtain a quote from them to see what the cost of the whole process will come to. It’s really something worth considering as it’ll ultimately benefit your home-life and it’s also an investment in your property as it should increase its value. Below are the 5 most serious window problems, telltale signs that you need to have them replaced ASAP:
Sign #1: You feel a draft.
Even the best and newest windows will let in some amount of air, but it should never reach a level you can actually notice or feel. A slight draft may seem like a minor issue, but even one drafty window can throw off the temperature inside your home, making your HVAC system work twice as hard just to keep up. This will affect comfort levels in your living spaces and worse, cause a spike in your energy bills.
Caulk and weatherstripping can help in some cases, but these aren’t permanent solutions. Replacing your windows is still the best thing you can do.
Sign #2: You have trouble opening or closing your windows.
Older windows-double-hung and single-hung windows in particular-will eventually develop balance issues. This is what makes them difficult to open or close. Issues with rot or rust can also cause or exacerbate the problem.
Sign #3: You see condensation in between the glass panes.
When your windows fog up and you notice a lot of condensation inside their glazings, you’re looking at seal failure. When seals fail, moisture enters the space between the glass panes, forming condensation. In colder weather, you might also notice some frost and ice buildup.
Windows rely on sealed-in gas fills to create a barrier against heat transfer, so when a seal is broken, the insulating capacity of the window is severely compromised. And when this happens, it’s time to replace that window.
Sign #4: You hear a lot of outside noise.
When your window is no longer properly sealed or insulated, noise transmission starts to become a problem-especially if you live on a busy street or close to an airport. If your old windows can no longer provide adequate protection against outside noise, replace them. Your energy bills will benefit, too.
Sign #5: You see softness, chipping, and other signs of decay and water damage on or around your window frames.
If your window frames have already weakened to this point, they are beyond repair. Do a visual check of your windows in and out of your house. If you have old wood windows, you can also push the end of a flat-blade screwdriver gently against the frames to test their softness. If there’s too little resistance in the material or if the windows no longer look like they’re in good shape, they need to go.
It’s possible to get decades of service from a well-built, properly installed window, especially if it’s routinely cared for. If you’re lucky, you might never have to worry about replacing a window during your stay in your home.
But should you ever have a need for window replacements, make sure your choose ENERGY-STAR rated products and have them installed by a manufacturer-certified contractor. That’s your best guarantee of windows that will leave you worry-free for years.
Author bio: Bob Sheehan is a professional contractor and the owner of Renewal by Andersen of Atlanta. His greatest strengths are his creativity, drive and leadership. He thrives on challenges, particularly those that expand the company’s reach. He is very passionate about what he does and loves to share his experiences to other people.