6 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

10/27/2014

Category: General

If you’ve ever lived or worked in a windowless space, you’ve learned to appreciate windows. They add both function and style to your home and last a lifetime. However, sometimes even windows need replacing, and it’s not necessarily due to their age or condition. There are many reasons why you might want to consider installing new windows. If any of them sound familiar, contact Archway Remodeling for window replacement in Maryland.

Leaky & Drafty Windows

As the cold weather settles in, you might start feeling the windows literally sucking out heat from your home. Heavy drapes might help to some extent, but the problem is in the window itself. Glass and seals get loosened over years of use, causing cold air to seep through. And if you have old single-pane windows, they barely provide any barrier between the inside and the outside of your home. Touch items closest to the window—are they noticeably colder than the rest of your home? Drafty windows could be costing you hundreds of dollars on your heating bill each winter.

Windows Don’t Work as Designed

Modern windows typically perform as expected, but older windows can be a bag of surprises. If they get frequently stuck in an open position, fail to lock or unlock or require a giant’s force to open or close, then it might be time to replace. Besides being an inconvenience, stubborn, finicky windows also create additional risks in a case of emergency. What if you need to escape through the window and it won’t open?

Windows are Difficult to Clean

When was the last time you had sparkling clean windows? For many homeowners the answer to this question is “never.” You are probably familiar with a struggle of creating various contraptions to help you reach the space between panes. Have permanent window screens? Forget about cleaning the outside at all. Thankfully, most modern windows were designed with maintenance in mind, allowing for easy access from different angles when cleaning is needed.

Damaged Windows

We hope you don’t wait this long to replace your windows, but if you notice rot, flaky wood or shaky frames, a replacement is due. Due to poor installation, old age or harsh weather, windows with wooden frames and casings eventually deteriorate. To avoid this in the future, you can opt for windows made of composite materials and make sure your Maryland windows installers seal the outside well to prevent moisture from getting in.

Loud Street Noises

Sound insulation is another important quality of windows, especially for city dwellers. Being constantly woken up by a siren or a guy with a boombox is not a quality life. And while country living is definitely less noisy and slower paced, it has its reasons for having sound-proof windows. Loud birds singing during the spring and summer months can get rather obnoxious when you are trying to focus or rest.

Interior Sun Damage

Do you notice that your originally vibrant, interior décor is now sporting pastel colors? The sunlight coming from your windows is powerful enough to burn the color out of any organic surface it touches, whether it’s fabric, hardwood or paper. Some modern windows are specifically designed to reduce UV exposure, which is a great solution for your home’s sunny side.

Each of these reasons is practical, but do also consider looks and style when you are contemplating window replacement. Replacing two small windows with a single big bay window is a style decision that can increase the value of your property. Need help choosing new windows for your home? Feel free to contact our professional window installers at Archway Remodeling.