Windows at Home: Four Signs It’s Time To Upgrade Them

When it comes to your home, windows are more than just a way to see out and to let natural light in. They play a key role in the overall comfort of your home, impact the energy efficiency of the property, and play a huge part in the aesthetic appeal. Of course, if you have just bought an older home, or have been living in your current one for some time, windows can become worn down, which can lead to issues that may not be immediately obvious.

So, recognizing when you need to replace your windows is important to help your property hold its value and to ensure that you don’t get a nasty chill in winter! Here, you will be walked through four signs that it may be time to plan a window upgrade.

Drafts and Poor Insulation

On those cool, fall nights in your bedroom, is there a draft? Can you see the curtains moving, even when the windows aren’t open? If the answer is yes, then you should start looking into Aladdin replacement windows. There could be many reasons for the draft, such as the window becoming warped or the seal failing. If you have noticed that your energy bills are creeping up, even though you aren’t putting the heating on as often, this can also point to poor insulation and a need to have your windows assessed for their efficiency.

Difficulty Opening or Closing

Have you noticed that your downstairs window is sticking when you try to open it? This is more than just being irritating: it can showcase that there are issues with the frame, the sash, or even structural problems. If you have wooden frames, they may have become swollen due to moisture accumulation around the window, which can cause warping and issues when closing. If you are finding it harder to pull your windows closed all the way, it’s time to have them upgraded.

Condensation Between Glass Panes

This is an interesting phenomenon. You can be sitting looking out of a window, to notice a hazy spot that you can’t wipe away. Condensation between the panes of double, or even triple-sealed glass points to an issue with the seal and indicates that the gases used to insulate that space, such as argon or krypton, have leaked out. This will not only have a negative impact on the insulation of the window, but the window is now easier to break, which can present a security risk.

Noticeable Damage or Decay

It seems obvious, but you would be surprised at how many people overlook it! If there are signs of physical damage to the window pane or frame, such as cracks, chips, water staining, or even rot, this is a sign that you need to have the entire frame replaced. As before, cracks, chips, and decay can lead to failed window seals, and air escaping, that can make the internal space between the panes susceptible to water damage. These can be repaired but, for some homeowners, it can work out as more cost-effective to simply have the window replaced.