Five Signs You Really Need Window Replacement
Every homeowner struggles with deciding when it’s actually time to make a big renovation or replace something expensive, like an appliance or old flooring. Windows is one of those big expenses, so it can be difficult to determine when an upgrade is truly necessary or when a pushy salesperson has simply convinced you to upgrade. Here’s how to tell if you really need to replace those windows.
Leaks and drafts
The most obvious sign that you really need to replace your windows is leaking: If water is leaking into your home every time it rains, your current windows have stopped doing one of their most basic jobs. Water penetration may not be noticeable: if you notice that your window frames get wet when it rains, or find mysterious puddles on the windowsill or floor near the window, then something is wrong. It’s possible that it’s just old, bad caulk, so you might want to try re-caulking the windows. But if that doesn’t work, it’s time to replace them.
Another sign that it’s time to replace your windows is drafts. If you feel the wind blowing through your windows, especially if you’ve recently caulked them, it’s time to do something about it. You can consider cheaper options like window inserts , but they may have their downsides (like not being able to open windows), so opening up your wallet and bringing in some contractors may be your best option.
Indoor air quality
Leaking windows are linked to one of the most subtle signs that they need to be replaced: your home’s indoor air quality. If you suddenly notice allergy attacks even when you’re indoors, or notice that you can smell lighter fluid every time your neighbor fires up the grill, your windows could be the culprit. You can check your home for drafts to make sure it’s your old windows, starting with a visual inspection , then using incense or a lit candle to observe the air currents. If your windows are leaking outside air, you can try to seal or repair the problem as above, but chances are you’ll just have to replace them.
High utility bills
There may be a few reasons why heating or cooling your home is suddenly costing you a lot more, but if your windows last longer than 10 years (the length of most standard warranties), they should be on your suspect list (especially if you feel drafty). Old windows simply won’t provide the same insulating and weather-resistant properties as new windows, so they may be responsible for higher utility bills. If you’ve researched other possible reasons for such a huge bill and are left empty-handed, it’s time to think about new windows.
cloud glass
If the glass on your window looks cloudy, as if there is a film on it, it usually means the seal around the frame has broken . This allows inert insulating gas to escape between the panes and allow moisture to penetrate, which then evaporates, leaving behind deposits that form a cloudy coating. It is possible to repair foggy glass , but it is not easy, and the repair may not last long if the rest of the window is in poor condition.
Before you decide to replace a foggy window, there’s one word of caution: Check your warranty if you have one. Different replacement window manufacturers have different warranty policies , which also vary depending on the product installed. Some companies can replace glass that’s fogged up or otherwise damaged for a surprisingly long time (usually you’ll still have to pay labor costs), so it’s worth checking.
Frozen windows
Whatever type of windows you have, if they are designed to open and if you can’t open them easily, they may need to be replaced. You might look for another explanation—years of sloppy painting may have sealed the window quite well, for example—but if you come up empty, you may have bulging, rotten frames or rusty mechanisms from moisture intrusion, which means it’s time. remove those old windows and start over.
Keep in mind that the above indicators are more important in determining whether your windows need replacement than just their age. Not all windows are created equal, and how well they are looked after throughout their lifetime can also make a difference.