If your windows are drafty, loose in the frame, and starting to deteriorate, they obviously need to be replaced. Sometimes, the need for window replacement is not so obvious. If the windows in your home are of good quality, they may become dated before they actually start showing serious signs of wear. Replacing them will provide you with many benefits, from improved efficiency to a more polished appearance. The following are four signs that the house windows in your Cincinnati home are dated.
1. Thick Window Sashes
Years ago, window frames and sashes were almost always made from wood. Because wood can be brittle, especially as it ages, these sashes and frames had to be made quite thick. If your wooden windows have been well maintained, they may show minimal rot and deterioration. However, the sashes may still be thicker than what is considered stylish today. New replacement windows can be made from strong composite materials, like Fibex® from Renewal by Andersen. Because this material is so strong, the sashes can be made thinner, which is more in line with modern architecture and the preference for sleek, smooth designs. Thick window frames, on the other hand, appear dated on all but the most traditional of homes.
2. Vinyl Window Inserts
Vinyl replacement windows were very common for a while, so a previous owner may have had them installed on your Cincinnati home a decade or two ago. The problem with vinyl windows is that they do not last — especially in an area like Cincinnati where one day can be freezing cold and the next sweltering warm. Temperature changes make the vinyl brittle, and eventually it cracks and separates from the window glass. Even if your vinyl windows still look okay now, they are outdated because the material is likely on the verge of failure. Composite replacement windows are a much more suitable, updated option.
3. Faded Frames and Sashes
Do your window sashes and frame look faded and lackluster? The sun can damage some paints and window finishes, which makes the windows and your entire home look a bit sad and worn, even if the windows are still functional. Replacement house windows with a bright, bold finish will give your home a facelift!
4. Cool Air near Windows
Windows often become less efficient as they age, but even old windows that appear to be in good shape are not nearly as efficient as today’s replacement windows. If you stand next to the window on a cool day and can feel the cold coming off the window, that window is dated in terms of its energy efficiency.
Look into new, more efficient window options, such as dual-pane glass with argon filling. Composite sash and frame materials, like Fibrex, are also more efficient than older window sash materials like vinyl and wood. Upgrading will keep your home feeling cozy in the winter and cooler in the summer. New windows will also lower your energy bills!
Today’s windows are much more stylish than those made even 20 or 30 years ago. Thinner sashes make for a more pristine appearance, and energy-efficient design will save you a bundle. If the house windows on your Cincinnati home are dated, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home consultations and our estimates are good for one year, so you can update your windows whenever you are ready.
