Windows let in natural light, keep wintry weather at bay, and offer limitless design and decor options for your home.
But how do you know when to replace windows?
Keep on reading this post to learn about some of the most common and clear signs it’s time for an upgrade.
From a fading carpet to a sudden rise in street noise, knowing what to look for allows you to take care of the problem before it gets even worse.
1. Your Carpet Is Fading
One of the reasons why you chose your carpet or even the antique rug in your living room was for its vibrant colors and bright patterns.
However, if you notice that the color has faded a bit, especially on the side closest to the window? It’s time to replace your windowpanes.
In addition to keeping an eye on your carpet?
Also take a look at your furniture and upholstery.
If you notice that their colors are also beginning to fade, you need to replace the windows in your home ASAP. When you do isntall those new windows, also consider investing in some curtains to further protect your carpeting and furniture.
2. It’s Chilly
Have you noticed that one room in your home is much cooler than the others? Do you often have difficulty maintaining consistent temperatures in the home?
You’re not imagining the draft, and it’s likely coming through cracks or gaps in your windowpanes or windowsill.
In some cases, you may not have to replace your windows at all, but can get away with simple repairs. Find out more about what you can do.
3. Noise Levels Have Increased
Street noise keeping you up at night or bothering you when you try to relax in what was once a quiet room?
The problem might not be your inconsiderate neighbors after all, but rather, your windows.
Older windows don’t have glass that’s thick enough to keep out noise. Even if your windows are on the newer side, there may be gaps and cracks surrounding them, easily letting noise into your home.
4. Cleaning Them Is Tough
No one enjoys the annoying, time-consuming task of cleaning their windows.
However, the chore becomes even more frustrating when it seems like cleaning the windows is only becoming more and more difficult. And even once you do finally get them clean? They may not stay that way for long.
Even professional cleaners may still leave you with streaks and dirt around your windowsill.
This is a sure sign of when to replace windows. Sometimes, all the elbow grease in the world still won’t keep old, faded windows looking clean.
5. Your Energy Bill Is High
There can be a few different reasons for a sudden spike in your energy bill.
However, one of the most common culprits is cool air sneaking into — our out of, depending on the season — your home through cracks in the windows.
This means that your heating or cooling unit will have to work much harder just to keep temperatures consistent in the home. Of course, this leads to higher energy bills.
6. Chipping Around Windows
You’ll know when to replace windows in house when you notice chipping on your windowsill.
In addition to being unsightly, these chips may also indicate a problem with your home’s structural integrity. In some cases, they can even be caused by rodents, termites, and other pests.
Check out this post for more information on potential signs of termites on your windowsill and elsewhere in the home.
7. Water Damage
Water damage is something you shouldn’t ignore anywhere in your home, as it can cause serious damage to your floors, walls, carpeting, and everything else.
But when you see signs of water damage near your windows, you need to move quickly.
Remember that wet wood can warp, meaning that you could be faced with costly future repairs to your home’s exterior if you wait too long to address the issue.
8. Age Makes Repair Difficult
Historic windows or older models may look beautiful, but they can be a serious pain to maintain.
Often, replacement parts are nearly impossible to come by. When you do find them, you’ll need to pay an exorbitant amount of money for both the materials themselves and the labor needed to install them.
You’ll know when to replace windows because you’re simply tired of the high costs associated with older models.
9. You Have Single Panes
There are older windows that are annoying to take proper care of, and then there are older windows that are ineffective and even potentially dangerous.
If your home has single pane windows, it’s something you need to change as soon as you can.
Usually, single panes are found in homes that were built before 1970. Especially if you bought a fixer-upper, they’re likely still installed.
It’s time to upgrade to double or triple pane glass. Single pane lets in drafts, but it can also shatter easily in the event of a storm or debris.
When to Replace Windows: Wrapping Up
Sometimes, it can be tough to know when to replace windows.
Recognizing signs like an increase in noise levels and energy bills will help make it much easier.
Looking for more advice about how to keep your home in good shape? Want to understand how to increase your curb appeal or update the look of any room?
We’ve got you covered.
Keep checking back with us for access to the latest design and maintenance trends and tricks.
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