Most residential windows and doors have a fairly long life span, and with just a small amount of effort can be well maintained. However, this ease of use and maintenance, also means that many people overlook their windows and doors when planning any renovation or replacement projects for their homes. Many signs of wear on your windows and doors show up gradually, and it is easy for someone to miss these signs as they may get used to the effects over time. It’s not until there is a major issue or visible damage, that many homeowners take action to replace their windows. By this time however, these defects may have led to additional damage to your home. If you feel your windows and doors are showing signs of damage have experts from windows and doors companies assess them.
Below, our expert put together a list to answer the question: When should you replace windows and doors?
1. The Age of Your Current Windows
The most telling factor that helps you determine when to replace your windows and doors, is their age. Some homes still have windows and doors that are 25+ years old. While this is a testament to their quality, it also means that they are far less energy efficient than today’s windows and doors, and that they may be more at risk of sudden damage. If your windows and doors are getting up there in age, it may be time to look into replacement options. Even if they look to still be in fairly good condition.
2. Feeling Drafts
Changing weather conditions have a very great effect on the function of windows and doors. As summer rolls into spring and the weather begins to cool down, you are able to notice any cool breezes that are coming in from around your windows and doors. These drafts not only challenge your comfort level in your home, they increase your utility bills as your heating system needs to work harder to warm up your home. Replacement windows and doors will ensure that your home’s external temperature does not affect your internal temperature.
3. Condensation
Even though built up condensation on the inside of your windows is fairly common (especially when the outside temperatures begin to drop) and nothing to worry about. Finding condensation between your window panes, is a sign of a major issue. For this to occur, it means that the seal between the panes has been compromised and your window has lost its efficiency.
4. Damaged Frames or Glass
Cracks in your window frame, glass panes, door frame, and door material, are very important signs that your doors and windows are due for replacement. While most cracks can easily be noticed, it is a good idea to conduct a seasonal inspection of your windows and doors. This way you are able to spot early signs of damage early or notice the progression of a pre-existing issue. When you spot any damage on your windows and doors, it is a best practice to look into replacements as soon as you can, to avoid repeated repairs and to prevent further damage.
5. Damaged Hinges
Hinges on your doors and even some window styles may become rusted, loose, broken, or damaged in some other way. This poses a great risk to your home’s security, as this is a potential easy access point for potential home intruders. Once you notice damage to the hinges of your windows or doors, you may want to get a contractor to look at repairs or in more severe scenarios replacement options.
Don’t keep pushing for the replacement of your old or damaged windows and doors. Keep your family and belongings safe, and help reduce your energy consumption with the installation of new windows and doors from an experienced professional contractor.
