There are generally a number of signs that homeowners will come across that could indicate it’s time to replace their windows. Some of the signs may be subtle while others a bit more obvious. Some signs could also be confused as a need for replacement windows when in fact it could be a different type of home improvement project that may be required.
If you are trying to determine whether it’s time to make the proper investment in replacement windows for your El Dorado Hills home, below are three key signs that you may have noticed in recent months.
Please note that any of these potential issues by themselves don’t necessarily mean it’s time to replace the windows or even any entry doors. There may be a more cost-effective solution to each of these issues.
- Drafts Coming in through the Windows.
Most of the time, drafts will be notable during the winter months. Even though El Dorado Hills doesn’t have winters like Montana or even North Dakota, you will still notice drafts seeping in through your windows when the temperature outside is significantly different than the temperature inside your home.
Depending on where you feel drafts coming into the windows, it can be a sign that there is an issue with the seal between the panes of glass (glazing) or an installation problem. If your home is relatively new, the construction company may have cut corners and not properly insulated around the outside frame of the windows.
If the windows were replaced within the past few years, and you feel a draft seeping in around the frame, the installer may have done a poor job as well.
Cold air pushing through the glass could mean one of several things. If it is a single pane of glass, then aside from installing storm windows or adding plastic over the windows for the winter months, there is little that you can do without replacing the window. If the window consists of two or three panes of glass, called double or triple glazing, then they are usually vacuum sealed often with either krypton or argon gas as an insulation factor.
If the seal is broken or damaged in any way, it can render the window less effective at keeping out the cold. This might be resolved without having to replace the window itself. The only way to know for sure is to have a window replacement expert come to your home and analyze each window individually.
- The Windows Are Difficult to Open and Close.
Over time, windows can be difficult to open and close. This is due to a number of factors. It could be the result of dirt buildup, having the windows painted too many times, or corrosion that builds along the metal surfaces of the windows.
If you find that the windows are difficult to open and close, it may be a simple matter of cleaning the tracks thoroughly and lubricating them to help get them moving properly. Depending on the age of the windows, it may be more practical to look into replacing them completely rather than trying to invest the time and cleaning solutions into ensuring that they are fully functional again.
If your windows do not open or close very easily, it will generally cause you to rely on an air-conditioning system during the summer more than you would normally. During the spring and fall months, when the air temperature is ideal, you want to be able to enjoy those crisp and refreshing breezes flowing through your home, bringing you fresh air. If you can’t open your windows easily, this is less practical.
Just because your windows are challenging to open and close, though, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s time to replace them.
- They Look ‘Old.’
One of the best ways to determine whether it’s time for replacement windows in your home is to simply consider the condition of those windows. If your windows appear old, if they look as though they have been painted over several times, if they are dirty, if they are not smooth, if the glass is pitted or corroded, or there is moisture between the panes, these can all indicate that replacing them is a better solution.
Windows that look old will have a direct and negative impact on the aesthetic appeal of your home. They will also have an effect on your comfort level. When you have old looking windows, you are less motivated to open the blinds or the shades or other window coverings. This generally means that your home will appear darker and more dreary and may also feel more drab.
However, when you have brand-new replacement windows, you will be more inspired to throw open those window treatments, allowing the sun to shine through and fill your home. Sunlight can have a direct impact on our physical and emotional well-being, too.
Depending on the age of your home, the windows may look older than they actually are, especially if they have not been well maintained through the years. Living in El Dorado Hills, we have to contend with a variety of weather conditions, including dust, heavy rains, and even the occasional bit of hail. Moisture and dryness can affect windows differently.
If you notice that your windows are looking old, if you notice drafts constantly coming through during the winter months, and they are generally difficult open or close, it is time to seriously consider getting replacement windows.
When you have replacement windows in your home, you will enjoy spending time indoors much more and it will also have a direct impact on the value of your home as well. Contact Hall’s Window Center today to discuss your window and door replacement options. Our showroom is situated at 11297 White Rock Rd Rancho Cordova, CA 95742. Come visit us today!