As windows age, they warp, fade and dent, and reduce the beauty of the house. Some which can be repaired are damaged beyond repair. The only option left for these windows is to carry out a windows replacement project and give your home a face-lift. If it is your first time shopping for windows, it is essential to know that there are replacement and new construction windows. This will help you to shop for the right windows based on what your home needs.
Replacement windows are installed in the old frames of the previous windows. They are first measured to ensure they fit in the existing space. New construction windows are meant for new buildings. They come as a complete set of the window, with the frame and all hardware. As years go by, you will notice some signs that show it is time for windows replacement, here more. Take a look at this and more.
- Signs it is Time to Replace your Windows
- High Energy Bills
Broken and warped windows are susceptible to drafts, the leading cause of cold in the rooms. Drafts mean that you will have to keep your HVAC system running to maintain the correct temperatures of the house. Although some window materials like wood can be repaired to seal drafts, the repair might not work well. Undeniably, carrying out windows replacement will be the most desirable and effective thing to opt for.
- Noise
If you hear a lot of noise from outside, your windows are not soundproof. These windows either have a single glass pane or spaces that allow noise from outside. If you want soundproof windows, you can replace the current ones with double or triple panes. They have argon gas between the panes that acts as an insulator and absorbs sound.
- Decay
Wood windows are the most preferred ones because of their natural look. However, these windows are prone to water, and when exposed to moisture, they absorb it and start to swell. The swelling can later cause decays, which could spread even to the walls and floors. Such damages are hard to repair, and the only remedy left is to opt for new windows replacement units.
- Condensation
If you notice moisture between the window panes, the seal separating the two or three panes is broken. The insulating gas also disappears when the seal breaks, meaning that the window is not energy efficient. The moisture between the panes can also find its way into the house, causing mold growth on the walls and carpets. The best remedy for such windows is installing new window replacement units.
- Benefits Of Replacing The Windows
- Energy Efficiency
Homes with traditional windows that have a single glass pane pay more on energy. Old warping and dented windows also allow drafts into the home, making the place cold and uncomfortable to live in. You can replace a single-paned window with double or triple-paned to get energy efficiency in your house. Installing new window replacement units also blocks all the holes, causing drafts, hence less cold.
- Security
As windows age, they become weaker and make the house prone to burglars and intruders. The window will be less secure if the hardware is broken, the frames are damaged, and window panes are also broken. When buying a replacement window, ensure you choose one with a robust locking system.
- Less Noise
If you live next to the industries, you know how annoying noise can be. Having a single-paned window makes it worse because the noise enters straight into the house from the airport or hooting cars on the road. Replacing these windows with soundproofing glass helps to reduce the noise.
- Functionality
When some windows become old, they stop functioning as they used to. These windows become hard to close and open. Some of the causes of these failures are materials like wood that suck in water and swell. This makes the window bigger than its initial space, making it hard to open and close.
Rusting of steel could also cause functionality difficulties, and dirt could also be another cause. If you want your windows to continue functioning well, take care of them by regularly cleaning them and inspecting them.