What Are the Telltale Signs Your Windows Should Be Replaced?

Your windows make up an integral part of your home, keeping the air inside fresh as well as offering ample light and views of what lies outside. But, what if your windows no longer fit in with your home décor or maybe they’re not performing as efficiently as before? In any case, it’s important to know when to change your windows.

So, if you’re in a position where you’re seeing signs that it might be time to switch up your windows, then you’ve come to the right place. Luckily, we’ll share a few tips on how to recognize when windows need to be changed while also offering an overview of the different materials available to replace them, so keep on reading!

How to Determine if You Need to Replace Your Windows

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As we mentioned in our introduction, windows stand to serve many purposes. They let outdoor light into your home, making your rooms bright, warm and comfortable during daytime hours. 

When the weather is chilly or stormy, they block those unwanted elements from entering your house. Of course, if your windows are damaged, ill-fitted or old, they may not be able to fulfil their role. This could lead to grave problems including heat loss, water damage, increased energy costs and so forth.

4 Signs You Need to Change Your Windows

On average, most windows last approximately 15 to 20 years. However, if you weren't the owner of the house when the windows were installed, chances are it might be time to upgrade them. There are some fairly easy ways to determine if your windows need to be changed or are nearing the end of their life cycle, and this includes the following:

1) Your energy bills are increasingly expensive

If you stand next to your windows on a cold day, what happens? Try touching the glass of your windows. If it feels significantly colder by the window and the glass is freezing, these are telltale signs of a problem. 

If air is able to escape in and out of your windows, either from spaces around the frame or through the glass itself, then you’ll likely notice it on your energy bills. Older windows might be single paned and in this case quite susceptible to leaks. Leaky windows can easily be replaced by energy-efficient models that are designed to prevent air from escaping.

2) Your windows refuse to open and close correctly

If you find certain windows are sticking when you try to either open or close them, it’s likely you’ve got a problem on your hands. If windows need to be forced open or they won’t stay open themselves, these are concrete signs of ageing. If your window frames are wood, they can be quite susceptible to growing and shrinking over the seasons and will need to be replaced as a result.

3) Your window frames are decaying

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A telltale sign that your windows definitely need to be replaced is decaying frames. As we mentioned above, this is especially true for wood frames, as any water damage will lead to warping as well as mould and mildew growth. 

Not only will this affect how your windows perform, but it will also impact the quality of air inside your home. Mould and mildew growth are serious health risks that need to be dealt with. If you notice that your window frames are showing any signs of decay, you’ll need to replace them.

4) Poor installation

If your windows have been incorrectly installed, chances are they’re letting a lot of air escape and compromising your indoor air as well as your heating and cooling bills. If this is the case, then you may be required to replace the entire window. 

If the leaks around the frame aren’t too drastic, we’d suggest attempting to seal the windows before going forward with an entire renovation. However, this could lead to problems later and if you’re considering new windows, now is the time to take the project on.

Which material should you choose for your new window frames?

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When you finally decide to change your windows, the material you choose for the new ones will be quite important. There are three major types of materials on the market, each containing their own advantages and inconveniences

PVC Window Frames

PVC is the least expensive option on the market right now. For this reason, it is widely used for home renovations. It's not the prettiest material out there and colour choices are limited. However, PVC is easy to clean and maintain, as a few swipes using a damp sponge will do the trick.

Wooden Window Frames

Wooden window frames benefit from an unparalleled aesthetic component. Numerous types of wooden window frames with standard dimensions are retailed. Such window frames are very efficient insulation-wise, yet require regular maintenance and upkeep. Another advantage of having wooden window frames is that they can be repainted really easily, based on your preferences and current wants.

Aluminum Window Frames

Aluminum windows are very elegant and modern. They look good on most types of houses, especially those which are adorned with stone sidings. This type of material is especially well-suited for large windows. 

In terms of price, aluminum window frames are nearly equivalent to those that are made of wood, but they tend to be more durable. You'll find a wide array of colours from which to choose.

Other Interesting Articles About Windows

Are you looking for an idea of the prices for installing a window? Check out Price guide: How much does it cost to install a window and 7 different window styles to consider for your home.

Are you still hesitating about the type of window that you prefer? Check out How to choose your windows.