Brand new vinyl frame windows can save up to 15% of your energy bill! It isn’t a coincidence that homeowners are always talking about window replacement. With time, windows deteriorate and affect our comfort and spending.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a general rule applicable for every household since lots of factors are involved such as material, climate, maintenance etc. To help you out, here is some mind-blowing information or the truth behind your windows.
Reasons to Replace Your Windows
Each window material has its own lifespan. Usually, homeowners decide to avoid replacement and push the limits of a window’s life. This is never good since a poor window; near death does more harm than good. Here is what you should know:
- Age – Know the age of your window. You can easily check it on the warranty. Aluminum lasts maximum 15 years, wood lasts 25 years, and vinyl and fiberglass 50 years.
- Amount of Care– However, these lifespans shouldn’t be taken for granted. If you treated the windows with less care than they deserve, they might deteriorate and break earlier than expected. Follow the cleaning advice from contractors to get the most out of your windows.
- Climate – The main factor that determines window efficiency isn’t manufacturing nor maintenance, but the climate you live in. Surviving a recent and difficult storm might have cut those lifespans in half. Additionally, frequent bad weather like snow or rain will damage the windows as well.
Signs You Need New Windows
Sometimes windows break even if we clean them regularly or live in a dry and pleasant climate. The reasons behind these deteriorations are more complicated since even a basement leak can contribute to their destruction. Besides window leaks and improper soundproofing, here are some other common signs which indicate immediate window replacement or repair:
- Draftiness– When a window gets loose or rots, the air from the outside can come in. This results in draftiness and discomfort around the window, increasing usage of heating/cooling systems and damaging your bills.
- Mold Growth– Most commonly found around wooden frames, mold is the main menace for homeowners. When water is insufficiently transported whether because of bad piping or a cracked window, it accumulates and increases moisture. And where there is moisture, mold arrives, damaging your home and lungs.
- Cracks and Rot– If your window frames are cracked, you must replace them. This can result in severe damage. Mold and drafts aren’t the only threats since a cracked frame can spread to the sash, completely damaging the window opening.
- Improper Heat Flow– Window glass should be cold in winter and hot in summer. If this isn’t happening, consider replacement. Your glass should transfer heat the proper way. It should also prevent UV damage, so faded furniture and flooring around the windows are great indicators for the need of glass replacement.
