Wondering if it’s time to replace your Long Island home’s windows? Deciding when to upgrade the windows depends on why you are thinking about the process at this point in time.
Did you drop by the Renewal by Andersen of Long Island replacement window site today because you’re looking for ways to reduce your heating and air conditioning bills? Or, are you tired of all the maintenance required to keep your home looking attractive. Maybe, you’ve notice air and moisture moving through cracks in the window frames or gaps between your home’s structure and the window units, making it harder to control the temperature and humidity levels in your home.
In general, if your windows are 25 years old, you may benefit from updating your windows. Here are some general guidelines to help you decide if it is time to replace your existing home windows with modern, energy-efficient window units.
People often ask which frame material will last longer. We recommend Fibrex composite frames for several reasons. The composite is strong and stable like wood, but also light weight like vinyl. As far as how long they last, there are some vinyl windows that are still performing after several decades, but many others only last a few years. The difference between which windows will last for decades or fall apart in a few years hinges on three key factors:
If you didn’t buy your home new, you probably don’t have a complete history of its windows. Over time, people fix problems with their windows. You may not be able to tell if a single glass panel has been replaced, or if small sections of the wood frames were patched, or repaired and painted over. If you find windows painted or nailed shut, you should take this as a sign something wasn’t working properly. Either the locks don’t secure the window properly or the previous owners noticed air and moisture leaks, but didn’t invest the time or money to address the issues correctly.
Although windows have been around in some form or other for centuries, modern, high quality replacement windows have only been around a few decades. Today, factory applied technology and innovative composites like Fibrex allow homeowners to protect their investment in replacement windows and patio doors buy buying from a trusted brand. This ensures their windows and doors will look beautiful for decades with minimal maintenance.
There are many wood windows that still work and look beautiful after 50 years – and others that don’t in half as long. The difference is if homeowner takes the time and effort to diligently maintain and repair damage promptly and resurface the frames to prevent rot, mildew, and sun damage.
Frame materials aren’t the only thing that impacts performance. Older windows often have single window panes, which means they cannot control heat transfer or condensation effectively. Today’s double-pane windows are even more energy-efficient than their ancestors were. Low-E glass can even keep indoor spaces cooler in the summer by reflecting heat rays rather than allowing all of the solar heat to penetrate the window panes. Even if a window maintains its original structural integrity for decades, it cannot perform as well as a modern, custom-built replacement window because the technology is outdated.
Age isn’t the only thing to consider. A poor installation can virtually destroy the performance of the best window on the very first day. So while you’re looking for high-performance replacement windows, make your dealer guarantees installation for at least two years. Renewal by Andersen of Long Island’s exclusive 20/2/10 warranty provides a full two year coverage package that includes parts and labor should any issue develop directly related to installation.
Window manufacturing processes and designs continue to evolve. New discoveries and technology drive window brands to explore innovative ways to help consumers get higher returns on their home improvement investment. We are always looking for solutions to make our customers’ homes more beautiful and functional. And, we build every window to last for decades, not just a few years.
223Is it time to take a look at replacement windows for your home? If your windows are at least 15 years old, or you notice issues with even newer windows, it’s worth it to call us and schedule a free, no-obligation home consultation. Simply fill in the short form on this page or call us toll-free at (866) 609-5033.
Learn Everything You Need to Know BEFORE Buying Replacement Windows
