subject: Is Your Home In Need of Replacement Windows? [print this page] Is Your Home In Need of Replacement Windows?
Is Your Home In Need of Replacement Windows?
The insulation of your home is important in order to keep you and your family warm during the winter months and cool during the summer without constantly running your furnace or air conditioner. Your home's windows should provide a sealed barrier that does not allow air to escape from, or flow into, your home. Many people spend many years inside their home not knowing whether or not their windows are providing them the best possible insulation, yet their heating and air conditioning bills seem to rise every year.
There are a few telltale signs you should look for to determine if your windows are in need of replacement. The first of which is age. The age of your current windows is an important factor in their ability to provide the best insulation. Older windows with a single pane of glass offer very little insulation value. Even if the windows are double paned, the older wood frames may be degraded as the wood swells and contracts over time, due to heat, cold and moisture. Metal window frames will eventually rust, and window sealant and caulk breaks down as time goes by.
An obvious sign that your current windows need to be replaced is if they are broken or cracked. Furthermore, older windows that are tough to open should be replaced. Crank-style windows eventually seize shut and become very difficult to open. Windows that are frosty, foggy or seem glazed over provide poor visibility and can be replaced with new window glass that resists fogging and condensation.
Another factor to consider is privacy. If you seem to hear a lot of outside noises inside your home, your windows are not providing you with proper privacy from noise. Outside noises can be heard inside, and inside noises can most likely be heard outside your home. New replacement windows offer great protection from sound and give your family the privacy it needs.
Sometimes you can look at a style of window and just know that it is out of date and should be replaced. Perhaps they are still providing excellent insulation, but you want to give your home a more modern look. If you are getting ready to sell your home, you may want to install replacement windows. Potential homebuyers will like new, low-maintenance windows and the energy savings they can provide, as well as be drawn to their visual appeal. You'll be able to increase the value of your home and possibly sell your home faster than if you tried to sell it with older, outdated windows.
You have many options when it comes to replacement windows. You can choose between double and triple paned glass, wood and vinyl windows and a wide variety of function selections. Replacement windows are a smart investment on which you will see a significant return in your energy costs and overall home value.
