5 Warning Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows and Doors
There are many reasons to complete any home improvement project, such as comfort, convenience, aesthetics, new technology, update the look and feel, but sometimes the reason is necessity. When a key component of your home has broken down, worn out, or is damaged beyond repair, replacement is your only option. All of these reasons hold true when you are looking to replace the windows and doors in your home.
For the purpose of this article we will be focusing on those necessary reasons that push you to replacing your windows and doors. Here are 5 signs that it is time to replace your windows and doors.
1. Damage
The most apparent sign that it is time to replace your windows or doors is physical damage. Cracked windows, rotten or warped frames, and broken mechanical pieces will all reduce the usefulness of the window or door, pose as an eye sore, and may even pose as a security risk as their compromised state can become an entry point for a potential burglar.
2. Increased Outdoor Noise
Well-functioning windows and doors will help reduce the amount of noise that enters your home from the outside as they are built with soundproofing in mind. However, if you begin to notice increased external noise entering your home such as passing vehicles, barking dogs or even people talking as they walk by it may be time to look into replacing your windows and doors, as replacement will help muffle most external noise.
3. Drafts
Your home should be airtight when all windows and doors are closed. If you feel hot or cold air entering your home, this is probably due to cracks in or around the frames of your windows and doors or due to a poor seal. Either way, the issue should be addressed. If you do not feel the draft, but do notice cool or warm spots around your windows or doors, you can test for drafts by holding a candle near your doors or windows. If the flame begins to move back and forth, this is proof that a draft is entering from around that window or door.
4. Difficult Operation
Opening, closing, and locking your doors and windows should be a fairly easy process. If you are finding it difficult to complete any of these tasks, it could be due to warping, shifting, or damaged frames. In some of these cases, the window or door can be repaired, but if your attempts do not fix the issue, or you notice several windows with the same problem, chances are it is time to look into replacements.
5. Increased Energy Bills
Faulty windows and doors can cause your heating and or cooling systems to work overtime to maintain your desired indoor temperature. If you have noted a steady increase in your energy bills and have not changed your regular routine, your windows and doors may be responsible.
There are many reasons and benefits of completing a home improvement project such as replacing your windows and doors. Sometimes these reasons are chosen by a homeowner and at other times they are literally thrown upon them. Taking the time to inspect your windows and doors regularly will help you catch any potential issues before they become urgent issues.
5 Replacement Windows and Doors Benefits For Your Home
If your windows and doors are not sealing properly, are putting up a fight when you are trying to open or close them or are just looking worn and tired, it is a good time to look into new windows and doors for your home. With fall and winter quickly approaching, many of these deficiencies will be magnified. We know investing in new windows and doors isn’t always an easy decision, but the benefits realized from replacing your windows and doors go well beyond just fighting off the elements.
Here are five benefits of replacing your old windows and doors.
1. Reduced Energy Bills
Newer windows and doors are far more energy-efficient than their predecessors. This advancement will help reduce any temperature fluctuations in your home, no matter the season. During the winter months, well-insulated windows and doors lead to decreased usage of your heating system. In the summer months, new windows and doors help hold the cool air in your home, reducing your air conditioning’s run time. Both leading to energy saving! Some experts have stated you can achieve up to a 25% reduction in heating and cooling costs, with energy efficient windows and doors.
2. Noise Reduction
Noise can find its way into your home through old windows and doors, causing a level of uneasiness and acting as an unneeded distraction. Replacing your windows and doors will drastically reduce the amount of noise that penetrates into your home versus your older windows and doors. If the constant buzz outside your home is beginning to weigh on you, it might be a good idea to consider the benefit of new windows and doors. Imagine simply closing your windows, sitting back and enjoying the quietness.
3. Prevent Unexpected Events
Keeping your family and belongings safe with a secure home is a priority for many. Visibly damaged or worn entrance points can attract potential burglars and intruders, as they represent easy access to your home for those looking for a place to target. New windows and doors are more difficult to break into based on the nature of their design and construction, and act as a deterrent to those potentially looking for an easy target.
4. Give Your Home a Face Lift
Your windows and doors play a big role in the way your house looks, both inside and out. When you replace your windows and doors, you have the opportunity to change the look and feel of your home. The inside of your home will be brighter and more welcoming, while the outside will stand out and provide increased curb appeal.
5. Reduce the Potential of UV Damage
Yes, you read that, right! Windows and doors can prevent the sunlight from fading your floors, walls, furniture, clothing and decorations. There are several glass options that will block most of the harmful UV rays protecting your possessions and allowing you and your family to sit comfortably by a window without the fear of getting sunburned.
These are just 5 of the many benefits you will enjoy when replacing the windows and doors in your home. With the assistance of a professional windows and doors contractor, you can build a budget and determine what style, functionality, and features your new windows and doors will have. Any home renovation project is an investment in the property, replacing your windows and doors can add a lot of value due to the increased efficiency and aesthetic appeal. If you are planning to sell your home in the future, windows and doors can improve curb appeal and boost property value!