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When is the Right Time to Replace Your Windows?

Replacing your Windows

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When is the Right Time to Replace Your Windows?

 

A homeowner’s list of home improvement projects rarely, if ever, has window replacement at the top of it. Replacing windows is not something any homeowner wants to deal with, whether you live in Prairie Village, Leawood, or Kansas City. However, if you plan on living in the house for a while, it’s something that will eventually need to be done.

 

It’s easy to see the need to replace broken windows, but it’s a little different when the windows fail in some way that’s not as obvious or lose their efficiency due to age or deterioration. These conditions are harder to spot, and often seem harder for a homeowner to justify spending money to fix. But it’s a necessity if you want to keep your home looking good and performing even better.

 

Signs of the Time

 

How do determine whether or not it’s time for a window replacement? There are several signs you can watch for that will give you a hint that it’s time to replace the windows. Some of them are quite obvious; others are more dependent on your personal wants and needs. Either way, investing in a total window replacement can add value to your home and keep you and your family safe and protected from the elements for years to come.

 

Here are some signs that it might be time for a window replacement at your house.

 

Windows have cracks or broken panes. This is the easiest sign to recognize because you can see the imperfections in the glass. It’s important to replace broken windows as quickly as possible. They’re not only a safety hazard – the pane could actually fall out of the frame and break – but they’re a security risk, too. Having a cracked or broken window pane also means that the integrity of the window has been compromised; it won’t protect the house from weather and temperature fluctuations as it should, and you may see a spike in heating or cooling bills. Replace broken windows as soon as possible.

 

Windows fog up frequently. If your windows often fog up or you notice condensation on the inside of the glass, it’s possible that the seals have failed. Properly sealed double pane glass is able to adjust to temperature differences between the air outside and the air inside the house. When the seals fail the window is not as efficient, and condensation or fog tends to collect on the glass. Consistently having condensation on the glass can lead to other problems such as mold, mildew, or wood rot on the window sill. If your windows are often fogged over, it may be time for a window replacement.

 

Windows are warped, chipped, or have visible cracks and blemishes. This is another sign that windows may be reaching the end of their useful life. Window lines should all be straight and even. Corners need to be tight, as do the seals around the windows. Try lighting a candle and then move it around the edges of the window. Does the flame flicker here and there? If so, you have air sneaking into the house in places where it shouldn’t. Sometimes this can be fixed easily with new weather stripping, but often the problem is more serious, and replacing the windows is in order.

 

Windows look faded from the outside. Walk around the outside of your house, and then take a good look at it from the street. Does it look old and faded? Just as house paint eventually fades over time, so do window finishes. Sunlight is hard on any exterior finish, and wind and rain eventually take a toll, too. If your house is starting to look a little sad and faded, it may be time to consider a paint job and a window replacement.

 

Windows are painted shut or hard to open and close. If all your windows are painted shut (very common in older homes) or are very difficult to open and close, it might be time to consider a window replacement. Of course, it’s nice to have windows that open so you can get some fresh air into the house in the spring and fall when the weather is nice. But having windows that open easily is crucial to keeping your family safe. In the event of a fire, a window may be the only escape, and if the window doesn’t open…you get the picture. Make sure all your windows open and close easily and if they don’t, consider replacing them.

 

You want to save on heating and cooling bills. If your house was built before 1970 and still has the original windows, they probably have single pane glass in them. Single pane glass tends to be drafty and inefficient at protecting against the elements. If you’re interested in saving money on heating and cooling costs, do a little research on vinyl replacement windows. You’ll find that modern windows are much more energy efficient than the windows of even 15 or 20 years ago, let alone nearly 50 years ago. Double or triple pane thermal insulated glass keeps the house cool in summer heat and warm during the winter months, and new technology in window frames and better installation methods mean a tighter fit that keeps the drafts out. If you want to cut down on heating and cooling bills, a full window replacement is a good way to go.

 

You’re ready to renovate for a new look. If you’re ready for a major renovation to your home, don’t forget to take the windows into consideration. A complete remodel is an excellent time to update the look of your home, but it can be ruined by leaving old, worn out windows in place. Treat your house to a total facelift by replacing old windows with a different style or different size of window. Your neighbors across the street will thank you.

 

Homeowners in Lee’s Summit, Liberty, Olathe, and Overland Park have been going to Energy Pro Windows and Siding for their replacement window needs for 15 years. We’re the pros when it comes to installing vinyl replacement windows, and we have answers to all your window questions. We also offer a large selection of windows to choose from, including custom windows for every style of home. If you’re ready to tackle that item on your list of home improvements, stop in and see the pros at Energy Pro Windows and Siding. We’ll be glad to help you scratch that item off your list.

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