Although it’s hard to say goodbye to summer, fall is an incredible season. We love seeing the leaves change colours to a beautiful medley of red, orange and yellow.
October brings forth the glorious indulgence of Thanksgiving, but now, we look forward to Halloween and experiencing all things spooky.
Whether you’re into the scary season or not, one thing that shouldn’t be frightening is your windows.
A lot of people are unsure of whether windows need to be replaced or not, but the answer is “yes!”
Unlike a car, your windows won’t make a noise when something needs to be replaced (at least, we hope not!) so usually, replacing your windows is often a fleeting thought and considered low priority.
Knowing when to replace your windows is a lot more subtle than a vehicle breaking down. High quality, well-maintained windows generally last around 20 years or more, but it is dependent on where you live.
Here are five ways to know when your windows require replacing.
1. They’re Damaged
Understandably, weather plays a significant role in the wear and tear of your windows. Sometimes it is possible to repair your window rather than replace it, especially if it is something minor, such as new weather-stripping or hardware. If the frame or window sash is broken or warped, however, this would be a good time to replace the window.
Sometimes window damage isn’t always conspicuous.
Some questions to ask yourself include:
- Do the windows fog up?
- Are they drafty?
- Do they stick when you try to open or close them?
- Do they refuse to stay open?
If the answer is “yes” to any of these questions, you may want to replace your windows. Inspect your windows for any water stains or chipping.
2. Your Home Needs a Makeover
If you’re giving your home a makeover to begin with, the windows are a great place to start! There’s so much you can do when you’re replacing your windows, such as installing larger windows to allow for natural lighting or altering your window from a fixed sash to an opening window. Who doesn’t love letting in some fresh air on a beautiful day?
If you’re renovating a historian home or if you have single pane windows, a window upgrade is necessary. Single pane windows are typically drafty. These days, windows are made from double or triple pane glass.
3. You’re Selling Your Home
Windows are a prominent feature of a home and are the first thing people see upon arriving at your home. If you’re thinking of selling your home, replacing your windows may help your cause. If you live in an older home or if you’ve never replaced the windows, this may help solve any window-related issues that come up in a home inspection.
New, sleek windows also improve your curb appeal. Put yourself in a home-buyer’s shoes. What would be the first impression of your home? Are the windows looking faded or is the paint chipping? While many sellers believe the interior of a home is all that matters, the exterior matters too. It’s all about first impressions!
4. It’s Noisy
Have you been hearing a lot of outside noise, even when your windows are closed? If it appears that you have little protection against the sounds of traffic or nature, your windows may not be sealed properly or may have been poorly installed.
5. You Want to Reduce Your Energy Bill
If you have high quality windows, your windows work the way you want them to: they keep your home warm during the winter, and they keep in the cool air in the summer. If your windows are drafty, however, they can be responsible for losing up to 30% of a home’s heat or air conditioning.
Here at Kempenfelt Windows and Doors, we carry Energy Star Windows, which are designed to have a high rate of efficiency and decrease your energy consumption, which ultimately saves you money. We’ve been voted Barrie’s Favourite Window and Door company for 21 years running, so we know our stuff! Request a free, no obligation quote or give us a call today at 1-800-841-7469.
