5 Ways to Identify When to Replace Windows and Doors

Research has shown that when home owners are completing a home renovation project, replacing their windows and doors is a common project. However, it was not a project that was mostly considered high on their list of potential renovation projects. Replacing their windows and doors was more due to a need versus a pro-active project.

Keeping in this in mind, we have put together a list of 5 ways to identify when it is time to replace the windows and doors in your home:

1. Experiencing Draft

If you experience warm or cold zones in your home, especially by your windows and doors, this can be caused by air entering and escaping from around your frames. Not only does the draft disturb the level of comfort in your home, it also causes your HVAC system to work harder to maintain your ideal internal temperature of your home, reducing your home’s level of energy efficiency.

2. Difficult Operation

Your windows and doors should open and close quite easily, if you begin to notice friction when trying to open or close your windows, or notice extra force and effort is needed to operate a window or door, this should be taken as a sign of a major issue. In some cases, these issues can be resolved with some maintenance, but if the issue persists you should look into replacements.

3. Increasing Energy Bills

If you have noticed that your energy bills have been steadily elevated, and you haven’t made any drastic changes to your usage, your windows and doors can be responsible. As mentioned above, if your windows and doors have broken seals, allow in drafts, or have some form of damage. They are no longer working at optimal efficiency levels. This can result in increased energy consumption and bills as your HVAC system will need to work harder to cool or heat your home.

4. Structural Damage

Windows and doors that have lost their structural integrity are a major cause for concern and should be replaced promptly. Cracked glass, warped or rotten frames, and broken seals will lead to increased energy consumption as highlighted above. However, these also pose a security risk, as these are some signs that potential intruders look for when trying to identify easy targets.

5. Condensation Between Windows Panes

Periodic condensation on the inside or outside of your windows should be expected and is normal. However, if you have condensation between your window panes, this is a sign of an issue. The seal between the frames has broken and the argon gas that once filled this space and increased the energy efficiency of the window has now escaped. Not only does this mean that this window is no longer energy efficient, the condensation will eventually create a fog or have on the inside portion of the window panes, preventing you from seeing through your window clearly. Replacing your damaged window is the only option in these cases.

There are many reasons to replace your windows and doors, above are just a few signs that you should be considering this for your next project. But, you don’t need to wait until your old windows and doors deteriorate to replace them. New windows and doors can provide your home with a fresh, new look and help increase your curb appeal, they can allow extra sunlight to enter your home, making your interior brighter, they can offer additional security, and they can help reduce your energy consumption.