Do your windows leak when it rains? Do you have to prop them open on warm summer nights so you don’t roast inside your home? Are they drafty, difficult to operate or just plain ugly? If so, it might be time for new windows.
Installing new windows can be an extensive project and expensive, but if the old ones are beyond repair or energy efficiency standards, it’s a job that needs to get done. In many homes with original windows – especially older ones – it’s common to need repairs after winter. But if they’re still in bad shape in late spring and early summer, that’s a red flag that you need to replace your leaky, drafty or broken windows sooner rather than later.
Why Are Windows so Important?
Windows are like the lungs of your home. They bring fresh air and light inside to make your house feel more alive and functional. They can also help regulate the temperature inside your home, keeping it comfortable in all seasons, which is important for your energy bills and indoor comfort. But keeping them in good shape is important, too.
If your windows are broken, don’t seal shut properly or seal out light, it can make your home feel stuffy, dark and uncomfortable. And if they’re broken, that can lead to a higher energy bill and may even pose a safety hazard. If you’ve noticed your windows are letting in too much light or heat, or if they’re broken, it’s time to replace them.
How to Tell if it’s Time to Replace Your Windows
If your windows are in bad enough shape, you’ll likely know it. Broken or rotten wood, cracked glass, sagging frames and water leaks are all signs it’s time to replace your windows. If you notice one of these problems, it’s likely that others exist and will become worse with time. If your windows are difficult to open or have warped frames, that can lead to broken hinges, broken glass, or the frame becoming so warped they fall out of the wall completely. All of these issues are signs it’s time to replace your windows.
It’s also a good idea to replace your windows if your home was built before 1978 and you don’t have low-E or triple-pane glass. New building codes require that new windows have low-E glass or triple-pane glass to keep out excess heat and help regulate the indoor temperature.
3 Signs You Need New Windows Now
If your windows are leaking water, aren’t sealing properly, are difficult to open, or are broken and falling out of the wall, you need to replace them now. If your windows are leaking, you could see warped or buckling floors or warped wallboard as a result. Leaky windows can also cause water damage to interior walls and dry rot.
If your windows are difficult to open or get stuck, that’s a sign that they weren’t properly installed to begin with and the seal is wearing out.
If your windows are broken and falling out of the frame or wall completely, it’s a sign that they’ve outlived their useful life. You may also notice that you can’t seal them properly and they’re letting in too much light or heat. Broken windows can also pose a safety hazard if they’re falling out of the wall.
2 Signs It’s Going to Be Soon
If your windows are leaking, difficult to open or break easily, you’ll likely need to replace them. How soon you need to replace them depends on the extent of the damage and how bad it’s getting. If your windows are leaking heavily, you may need to replace them soon because water damage can be extensive.
If they’re difficult to open, it’s a sign that the seal is wearing out, and if they break easily, it’s likely a sign that they weren’t installed properly to begin with. If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good idea to have your windows inspected by a professional to determine if they can be repaired or if it’s time to replace them completely.
1 Sign You Should Probably Jump Right To Window Replacement
If you’ve noticed a lot of the other signs on this list, it’s a good idea to jump right to window replacement. If your windows are leaking, difficult to open or get stuck, or are broken and falling out of the wall, you’ll likely have to replace them. If your windows don’t have low-E or triple-pane glass, they need to be replaced. And if they’re older than 30 years, it’s a good idea to replace them, too. Replacing old, single-pane windows with new, low-E windows will help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
Conclusion
There are many signs to look out for when determining if your windows need to be replaced. If your windows are leaking or difficult to open, it’s a sign that they need either repair or replacement. If your windows don’t have low-E or triple-pane glass, it’s a sign that they need to be replaced. And if they’re older than 30 years, it’s a sign that they need to be replaced. Replacing old, single-pane windows with new, low-E windows will help you save money on your energy bills and make your home more comfortable.
