Whether you just bought your home, have lived in it for a long time, or even if you are looking to purchase a home, it’s important to assess the health of your windows. Well maintained windows can last for 20 years, give or take. Windows can have a substantial impact on not just the curb appeal of your home, but also your wallet, and every homeowner should know when old windows need to be repaired or replaced.
7 Ways To Tell That You Need Window Replacement Services
So how do you know that you need new windows? There are some more obvious signs that replacement is necessary, and there are also some more subtle signs. It’s easy when you can see it, like when you can visualize mold and decay, or moisture and condensation.
But sometimes it isn’t as obvious, like never feeling cool enough in summer or warm enough in winter, or increasing energy bills that the power company can’t explain. Here we’ll explain how to tell if you need window replacement.
You Feel Drafts Coming In
Once the window has reached a certain level of deterioration, it will no longer have a tight seal. If it isn’t sealed correctly, air from outside can come in through the cracks, resulting in a draft. These drafts can have a negative impact on the thermoregulation of your home, forcing your HVAC system to work harder.
Your Energy Bills Are Increasing
When your windows aren’t up to the task of keeping the outside world outside, your HVAC system has to put in extra effort to keep the temperature of your home regulated. Over time this will cause increases in your energy bills, putting a strain on your bank account. If you start noticing that these bills are becoming higher than usual, consider your windows as a possible cause.
If You Have Single Pane Windows
Recently manufactured windows are all double, or even triple-glazed, and for good reason. Those extra layers provide insulation, helping to keep the temperature in your house regulated and also keeping your house soundproofed. Your windows provide insulation in much the same way that the pink stuff in your attic does. If your windows are only single paned, they aren’t providing any insulation for your home.
A good way to determine if you have single pane windows is if you can clearly hear a neighbor’s car from down the street.
Condensation Is Building Up
Condensation occurs when the warm air from outside meets the cool air inside your home. This causes your windows to “fog up.” It’s normal for condensation to occur every once in a while, but it should not be constant, and there shouldn’t be any frost.
If you see fogging and frosting happening constantly, then replacing your windows may well be in order.
If There Is Moisture Between Window Panes
While condensation is moisture, when talking about the presence of moisture between your window panes, we’re really talking about actual droplets. In double-glazed windows there is supposed to be an air-tight seal, which is to prevent heat transfer.
In the event that this seal is broken, moisture can get in between the panes and will generally build up on the pane of glass with the coldest temperature. This build up is an indicator that the functionality of your windows is decreased.
Your Window Panes Are Decaying
All windows are subject to the ravages of time, no matter how high quality they are. Exposure of the window to moisture can cause it to rot, and even cause mold to develop. So chances are that if you notice signs of rot and decay, moisture has damaged your windows and they will need to be replaced.
There Is Visible Damage From The Outside
Damage can include all of the things we’ve already mentioned, but also cracks in the glass or structure of the window, and even warping. Some damage builds up over time, and other things happen suddenly.
Any visible signs of physical damage to the window indicates that it cannot provide the insulation that it was designed for and it needs to be replaced before it gets any worse or causes any other problems.
Speak To The Experienced Northern VA Window Contractors
Replacing your windows may seem like a daunting and expensive task, but in the end it can save you money in other areas, such as energy costs. It is also a process that is not recommended as a DIY, and is better performed by your friendly Northern Virginia window contractors at Adelphia Exteriors. We are professionals with expertise in diagnosing problems with your windows. We will also help you pick out the perfect new windows for your house.
Don’t wait, reach out to our experienced window contractors today by calling (703) 386-7357 or by contacting us online. Our team is standing by to assist you in finding the perfect new windows for your home, increasing curb appeal and energy efficiency.