It’s never easy to undertake a full home renovation project considering the bank-breaking costs that come with it. But thanks to the new replacement vinyl windows that have since seen more and more homeowners embrace window project as part of their home improvement plans.
Most homeowners now prefer replacing their old windows with new vinyl windows as well as the other replacement window options for more comfort and enhanced home energy efficiency.
But just how do you know that it’s time to get your windows into shape by replacing them? According to the windows experts at zenwindowsaustin.com, here are some of the signs of trouble to look out for in your windows:
Signs that It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
Since it isn’t going to be an obvious thing—to outrightly know the right time for your window replacement project, below are a few questions to ask yourself:
1. Are Your Windows Giving You Hard Time?
Difficulty in opening or closing your windows is a clear sign that you need to get new windows for your home. Since you’ll no longer be able to lock them, they remain a major security threat to your family while also exposing you to the cruel weather elements.
Remember it’s not only rust and rot that can lead to inoperable windows, but the installation process plays a great role as well. Poorly installed vinyl windows tend to have balance issues, thus making it a challenge to close or even open your windows.
2. Do You Feel Extreme Softness when You Touch Your Window Frames
Soft things always feel good to touch, but when it comes to your window frames, hardness counts.
Soft or chipped window frames is a sounding alarm that your windows are indeed beyond repair and require urgent replacement. They’re a clear indication of rot or water damage – which means that sooner than later, your windows will be falling apart.
3. Is the Noise from Outside Depriving You The Peace of Mind?
Living in a busy neighborhood or close to a busy road implies lots of noise which will in most cases bring about headaches.
If your current windows don’t offer you maximum protection from the outdoor sounds, then you definitely know it’s time to get your new replacement vinyl windows which come designed with soundproof features to keep your home more peaceful.
4. Is Your Window Glass Cracked?
Though most homeowners may just opt to repair their cracked window glass, the practice is always short-lived and costly in the long run.
Cracked window glass and faulty window seals are the number causes of your ever-increasing energy bills since they allow for air escape, and in some instances, condensation build-up on your windows—both of which mount pressure on your heating and cooling systems, and hence the heightened energy bills.
5. Do You Still Have Your Single Pane Windows?
It’s a fact that most old homes still have single pane windows, and this is, of course, a major setback for those looking to make their homes more energy efficient. Why?
The single pane windows aren’t designed with insulating features to offer protection in extreme weather conditions; instead, they contribute more to energy loss.
However, this has since progressed with the advent of more energy efficient windows such as the triple or double-paned replacement vinyl windows which exhibit excellent insulation features to keep you safe in all seasons.
What Is the Importance of Having Your Worn Out Windows Replaced?
1. Helps to Lower Your Cooling and Heating Costs
Installing energy efficient replacement windows saves you money on your monthly/yearly utility bills since they’ll ensure your home is comfortably warm in the winter and cool in the summer without exerting unnecessary pressure on your HVAC system.
It’s also the easiest and one of the most effective ways to reduce your carbon emissions as an individual, which is a great way to save the planet from the greenhouse effect.
2. Enhanced Protection
As opposed to the traditional single pane windows, the new array of replacement windows featuring fiberglass, aluminum, and vinyl windows and, of course, the other energy efficient window options, come designed with robust security features (such as tempered glass) to ensure more safety.
The additional advanced lock features on these windows also help to deter any unauthorized access to your home considering that intruders may want to take advantage of your worn out windows and locks to break into your house.
3. Enhanced Curb Appeal
Other than protection, new replacement windows are great elements when it comes to boosting your home’s visual appeal.
This is backed by the fact that these windows come in different colors, styles, and designs to enable you to choose what complements your home’s architectural design.
4. Guaranteed Returns on Your Investment
As a homeowner, you stand to gain much with regard to your home’s value when you invest in replacement windows.
For instance, installing vinyl windows can get back up to 80% of your home improvement project cost—which then translates to a significant increase in your home’s value.
5. Enhanced Comfort
Say bye to the annoying drafts and cold spots, and the ever inconsistent heat levels in your home by installing replacement windows.
The energy efficient replacement windows are designed with Low-emissivity glass coatings to help manage solar heat loss and gain in the varying weather seasons, hence making it even more comfortable to stay indoors.
The Takeaway
Note that vinyl windows are just among the numerous replacement window options you can choose to have for your window upgrade project.
However, regardless of the window type you settle for, ensure a proper installation process by getting the right installer. Though it may seem expensive, it will definitely pay off in the long run.
About the author
Dan Hatcher owns and operates zenwindowsaustin.com. He’s an avid baseball fan, and you’ll often catch him cheering on the Astros during the summer months.
