How to tell if your windows need replacing

How closely have you looked at your windows lately?

It’s possible that, like most people, you think your windows look just fine. But windows, like anything else in a home, have an expiration date – and you can reasonably expect yours to last about 20 to 25 years before you begin to think about replacing them.

There are other ways to know when they’re reaching the end of their usefulness – and when you should consider calling a professional. For instance, when you begin to feel cold air wafting in, or hear whistling winds around the frame, it could mean your aging windows are letting drafts into your home.

At that point, it can be nightmarish for your heating bill in the wintertime, since your furnace will have to compensate for all the extra cold air making its way into the house. You’ll also start to see steep utility bills in the summer months when the air conditioner has to work harder than it should. With all the extra money you’ll be expending to manage the situation (not to mention time and frustration!), it would be better spent in a solid investment in new windows.

Another potential sign that it’s time to replace your windows: faulty mechanisms. If windows are difficult to open and close – or an absolute workout! – it means something is not right. Yes, your lock should be sealing to prevent air from escape, but it shouldn’t be next to impossible to jimmy a window open. If it is, it may be time for new windows!

Excessive condensation and buildup of moisture can also be a sign of aging windows. If your windows are frequently fogging or frosting up, it’s a sure sign that they’re not doing their job as well as they once were. And if your windows are double-paned, you can tell your seal is cracked and your windows need replacing if moisture is frequently collecting on the outermost pane.

Occasionally new windows will fog up too – but that means they’re doing what they’re supposed to be doing and keeping the cold air out. The difference is, with new windows the condensation should remain on the outside. But when the condensation appears to be on the inside, then it’s cause for homeowner concern.

If you’re concerned about controlling moisture levels in your home, you can always install vent fans or employ a dehumidifier. But keep an eye on any condensation on your windows in case it turns out to be a sign they aren’t energy-efficient – and need to be replaced by a professional.

Another thing to notice is whether there’s too much noise traveling into your living space. This is particularly a problem with older, single-pane windows which offer little by way of soundproofing your home. With time and age, you’ll start hearing more and more subtle noises outside and it may drive you to distraction. Replacing single-pane windows – or any older window letting in excess noise – will not only reduce your energy bills by keeping out outside air, but it will increase your home’s livability by keeping outdoor ambient noise where it belongs: outdoors.

There are more visible, aesthetic signs that you should be thinking about replacing your windows. If they’re warped, foggy, damaged, or cracked, then they aren’t able to do the job they’re meant to do of protecting your family from wind, cold, weather conditions and UV rays. Window frames, too, are prone to damage and rot, since they’re exposed to so much moisture on a regular basis. Examine yours closely to see if they’re deteriorating – or if they’re growing mold. Replacing your windows can only improve the curb appeal and market value of your home, so it’s worth considering if you have any doubts at all about the longevity and serviceability of your current windows.

Once you’ve decided to replace your windows, it’s important to shop around for a company that you feel comfortable with. You’ll find numerous window options at your disposal: double-hung windows, sliding windows, garden windows, awning windows, bay and bow windows, hurricane windows, casement windows, picture windows, and so many more. Black windows are another trend that is popular in Texas that doesn’t seem to be going anywhere anytime soon.

There are pros and cons of every style. Double-hung windows are among the most common and are available nearly everywhere, as well as easy to open and close – unless their springs wear out and require replacement. Casement windows, which open horizontally and are among the best at keeping out unwanted drafts, but can potentially be broken off by inclement weather. Awning windows are one of the best at protecting against intruders, but don’t always let in a cool breeze as well as other types.

Whatever you decide, you’ll want to speak with a professional to help assess whether your windows are due for a replacement – and then decide what kind of replacement to look into!

Once you do, a simple renovation like replacing your windows will become a feature of your home that you can enjoy for decades to come.