When is the correct time to replace your windows? Windows age. Over time windows lose their efficiency and can create structural problems within your home. Here are some ways to tell if the time is right to replace your windows.
Rot – A Cause for Immediate Window Replacement
One significant way to tell if it is time to replace your windows is by looking for rot. Window rot is an especially large problem and should be addressed immediately. Rot is very hard to detect and often isn’t found until it is too late and has caused structural damage. Because rot and mold lie under the surface of the window, outward signs may not exist. Some indicators that you may have a problem with rot are:
- Warped or bowed wood or vinyl on the sash or frame of the window
- Wavy or bubbled paint
- Soft or crumbling wood surrounding the window
Mold on the wood or vinyl of the sill may not be a sign of rot, but an indication that condensation has been allowed to pool on the surface. Glass condensation is a normal occurrence caused by certain weather conditions and high indoor humidity. In order to avoid this, take care to wipe the excess condensation off of the glass when needed.
A Rot Assessment is a great way to ascertain whether rot is present. If rot is found, your windows should be replaced in a timely manner. An expert can establish the level of damage and provide a starting point to fix the issue.
Window Replacement Should Be on Your Radar if You Find Air Leaks
Feel around your window. Do you feel air coming in anywhere? Air leaks, on average, account for a loss of 30% of your heating and cooling energy. Most of this loss occurs around windows and is commonly found:
- Around the sash of the window – This may be caused by poor manufacturing, material cracks, missing weatherstripping, or warping from weather or rot.
- Near the trim and casing – If the window wasn’t properly insulated during the initial installation or if the insulation has broken down, air can begin to leak through the window trim.
- Through outlets – If the insulation is particularly poor, air can flow in through the window and travel through the walls. This can result in air leaking into your home through the outlets near the window.
Infrared technology can help detect these leaks and rate the window efficiency to help you determine whether the air leakage is significant. You should consider replacing your windows if this is an issue for you.
You Should Consider Window Replacement if Your Locks are Insufficient
Windows are an opening into your home and securing them is important. You should consider replacing your windows if you have small children or if security is a critical issue in your area.
You may only have one locking mechanism or locks that don’t work properly and this could set you up for future trouble. Today’s windows and patio doors have multiple locking points because of updated safety requirements. These requirements:
- Keep children safe within your home by limiting the how far a window or patio door can be opened.
- Keep people out of your home by securing your window with multiple locking points..
Replace Your Windows if You Have Dated, Single Pane Glass
If your window only has a single layer of glass, it is not efficient. Especially if you live in a colder climate, like Minnesota. If energy loss is a concern, replacing your windows will add an extra layer of insulation.
Older windows were made with a single glass layer and homeowners had to switch out their screens in the fall for storm windows. Storm windows provided a second layer of glass, but this system of insulation was inadequate compared to the insulation of windows made today. Heat and cold easily flowed across this single surface and created considerable energy loss.
A window should have at least two layers of glass with an insulating layer of air or another, denser gas, like Argon, in between. This significantly slows energy loss and saves you money on heating and cooling costs.
Keep up to Date on Your Energy Star Rating
The Energy Star Program was started by the government in the 1990s to identify energy efficient, environmentally-friendly products available for people and businesses. They have a rating system that is consistently updated to reflect the changing technology.
According to these requirements, if your windows were replaced more than 15 years ago, there is a significant chance that they no longer meet the minimum qualifying criteria.
Check out Energy Star for more information:
