Do You Actually Need a Window Replacement?

Part 1: Signs Your Home Needs new Windows

Perhaps, the most obvious sign that your home needs new windows is if one or more of them are showing visible signs of damage or have deteriorated beyond repair. Some windows, however, may look perfectly fine but still have significant underlying issues that are best addressed. Some of the things to look out for are:

• Insufficient ventilation – Adequate air circulation around the home is essential to your personal wellbeing and health. Stale air can be contaminated with dust and other dangerous particles that you are probably aren’t even aware are in your home. Airborne chemicals from household cleaning products, for one thing, can pose risks to your health if your home is not properly ventilated. And, what could be behind the poor circulation of air? One of the contributors: your windows.
• Increased energy bills – Windows play a key role both in air circulation and energy conservation. Solar heat can increase your energy bills significantly. Heat that passes through the window glass or between small spaces in the window frame and wall can make your home’s environmental control system work harder than it should, resulting in higher bills. During winter, the home’s heating system needs to work double-time when the heat inside the home escapes through gaps in the windows or through the glass itself.
• Signs of condensation – If your windows have double- or triple-glass panes, as most energy efficient-windows do today, there could be a problem if condensation begins to build up between the panes. Condensation is a sign that the seals have broken and air has begun to enter between the panes. This means that any gas that had helped reduce the passage of heat has already escaped and the window is no longer as energy-efficient as it used to be.

If your windows have been around for a while, it’s time that you perform a quick inspection to make sure that they are still functioning the way they were intended. If not, you should consider having replacement windows installed.

Part 2: Benefits of Window Replacement

For some homeowners, as long as their windows seem to be functioning well enough (they open and close without issues), there is no compelling need to have them replaced. While they may be right, especially if they’re on a rather tight budget, they may also miss out on the many benefits of window replacement that a change or upgrade can bring.

• Cost savings – Window replacement may mean significant upfront costs. But over the lifespan of the window, you’ll not only recover the initial cost of the replacement window and installation, but save a significant amount on your energy bills as well. Energy-efficient windows can reduce your home’s energy consumption by limiting the amount of heat transfer through the window.
• Increasing comfort inside the home – Heat passing through the window glass can make a home rather uncomfortable at any time of the year. Modern windows have the ability to increase comfort levels inside the home by preventing heat absorption in the summer and heat wastage in winter.
• Prevent fading – If any furniture has been sitting in direct sunlight, there’s a good chance of it fading. The same is true for wooden floors, artwork or just about anything that’s been exposed to direct sunlight. Modern window replacements limit the amount of solar heat that can penetrate the home, minimizing or preventing fading altogether.
• Improved views – Many modern replacement windows are not just designed for energy conservation, but also with the objective of maximizing views in mind. Notice that many of today’s windows feature larger glass panels, fewer grilles and thinner window frames. Modern advances in technology have made such features possible through the manufacture of specially designed, highly durable window frame like Fibrex®.

Perhaps one of the best reasons to replace your old windows is because new replacement windows can boost your home’s curb appeal. Windows are one of the most noticeable features of a home, and having them replaced will practically guarantee an instant facelift for your home.

However, choosing the right window for your home is only part of the task. You’ll also need to make sure that the installation itself is flawless, unless you’re ready to deal with the headache of a beautiful, but poorly installed window.

Part 3: Planning a Smoother Window Replacement

Imagine exerting a lot of effort searching for the perfect window only to hire a contractor who does a poor job installing it. It happens – leading to a disappointing and costly window project that you’ll likely need to have redone. Poor installation won’t just compromise your window’s looks, but more so, its function.

For a trouble-free window installation process, keep the following tips in mind when hiring your next contractor.

Tip #1: Take your time when selecting a contractor – There’s a good chance that there are several qualified window installation contractors in your area. However, this doesn’t mean that all of them are reliable. Spend the necessary time to properly interview potential contractors about their qualifications and their work ethics.

Tip #2: Ask the contractor what you can do to help make their work process easier – Many obstructions can get in the way of a window replacement project. Furniture could be in the way, children could be playing underfoot, and pets might be making enough of a nuisance to prevent workers from doing their job properly or safely. A contractor who comes in to replace your windows will appreciate having to focus on only the window installation process itself. While installers can be expected to help move the furniture in your household around as needed, you should have the sense enough to keep your children and pets safely out of the way during the project’s duration so the workers can do their actual job.

Tip #3: Make sure that you have the necessary permits – Some buildings and communities require special permits to replace windows. Secure them prior to starting your installation to avoid additional costs.

Tip #4: Make sure you’re available if needed – There may be times when your approval might be required during a window installation project. If you’re not there to approve a certain action, the window installers may need to stop what they’re doing until you can be reached. Make sure that you provide the necessary contact information if you are unable to be physically present throughout the project.

Replacement windows will not only make your home look better, but they can also help improve comfort, reduce energy bills and protect any furniture or items of value from fading due to direct sunlight. As long as you take the time to choose the perfect windows and a reliable contractor, you can enjoy the benefits of window replacement without the hassles and problems that usually come with any installation project.