Signs You Need New Windows
If you’re like most homeowners, you probably don’t think about your windows very often. But when it comes time to replace them, you’ll want to be sure that you do it at the right time. Here are eleven important signs that will tell you it is time to install new windows in your home.
Your Frames Are Damaged:
Over time, your window frames can become warped, cracked, or otherwise damaged. If you see any damage to your frames, it’s time to start shopping for new windows. In these instances, it is often more efficient to replace both the glass and the surrounding frame at the same time.
Your Windows Are Drafty:
One of the most common signs that it’s time to replace your windows is when you feel a draft coming through them. This is usually caused by gaps present in the seal around the window, which can let outside air into your home. These drafts can not only make your home less comfortable, but they can also drive up your energy bills, by causing conditioned air to leak from the interior of your home.
Your Home’s Interior Feels More Humid:
Another common sign that it’s time to replace your windows is when you notice that the interior of your home seems more humid than usual. Like draftiness, this can also be caused by gaps in the window seal, which can let outside air and moisture into your home.
Dirt On Your Window Frame or Windowsill:
If you notice that your window frames or window sills are starting to collect more dirt and dust than usual, this could mean that the seal around your windows is no longer tight. You may notice dirt in or around your frames, especially on the windowsill.
High Levels of Noise Pollution:
If you live in a neighborhood that experiences high volumes of traffic, you may notice that the noise pollution in your home has increased over time. It’s possible that your windows aren’t doing an adequate job of soundproofing your home. As a result, you may want to replace them with windows that have a higher Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating.
Your Windows Have Become Difficult to Open or Close:
Are your windows becoming increasingly difficult to open or close? It’s likely that the seals around them have failed. When this happens, it can allow dirt, dust, and other debris to accumulate in the tracks, which can make it difficult to open and close the windows. In some circumstances, you may be able to clean the tracks and replace the seals, but in others, you may need to replace the entire window.
Locks No Longer Lock:
If you notice that your window locks are no longer working properly, it’s important to have them replaced as soon as possible. Windows that do not lock can create a preventable crime risk to your property and other members of your household.
Cracks Are Forming on the Walls Around Your Windows:
If you see cracks forming on the walls around your windows, it’s a sign that the window is no longer structurally sound. Sometimes, the cracks can be repaired, but in other cases, they may require the entire window to be replaced.
You See Water Condensation Between the Glass Panes:
One of the most telltale signs that it’s time to replace your windows is when you see water condensation between the glass panes. This is a sign that the seal around the window has failed and that moisture is seeping into the window. In most cases, this will require the entire window to be replaced.
Your Energy Bills Are Rising Without Explanation:
If you’ve noticed that your home’s energy bills have been rising, but you can’t explain why, it’s possible that your windows are not as energy-efficient as they once were. This is usually due to a loss of the window seal, which can allow heat and air to escape from your home. As a result, your HVAC system will have to work harder to maintain the desired temperature in your home, which can result in increased energy costs.
Your Windows Have Been Damaged by Past Hurricane Activity:
If you live in a part of Florida that is susceptible to hurricanes, it’s important to make sure that your windows are rated for hurricane-force winds. If your home has been damaged by a past hurricane, it’s likely that your windows will need to be replaced.
Upgrade Your Florida Home with the Finest Hurricane Impact Windows on the Market
At Paradise Exteriors, we are the proud exclusive installers of the multi-Energy Star Award-winning Paradise Platinum Windows – the only hurricane impact windows on the market endorsed by the National Crime Prevention Council. Unlike other window protection measures, these windows provide year-round hurricane protection, energy efficiency, thermal control, UV light reduction, and noise-filtering to provide you with a more comfortable and secure living environment. To get started on replacing your own windows, contact us today for a free estimate.
