Your windows are an integral part of your home, as they allow natural light and fresh air into the interior of your house while also sealing out inclement weather, depending on the season. However, as they are exposed to the elements, they can become seriously worn down over time, which can pose a number of problems to your home.
Fortunately, there are different warning signs that you can watch out for to determine when your windows have reached the end of their life span. After you notice these signs, you can have your windows replaced before they turn into an issue for your home.
1. Increased Energy Bills
The first indicator that your windows are no longer working properly is if you notice that your energy bills are slowly ticking upward over time, without an increase in the amount of appliance usage in your everyday life. This can mean that more exterior temperature is seeping through your windows, forcing your central heating and cooling systems to work harder to maintain the same temperature or comfort level.
Keep in mind that the same thing can happen if your central heating or cooling unit begins to break down, so your windows are likely only the problem if your bill increases and you notice at least one of the other warning signs discussed below.
2. Condensation
A clear sign that your windows are no longer properly sealed against the outdoors is if condensation builds up between the panes of glass in your window.
A buildup of condensation means that there is a broken seal or a small hole somewhere in the glass, which ruins the insulating qualities of your window and allows the temperature to more easily pass through the glass and into your home.
3. Damaged Frames
It’s important to check the frames and sills around your windows at least once a year, especially after severe storms and weather conditions which can cause damage to all exterior areas of your home.
Cracks, rotting wood, warping, mold growth or any other forms of physical damage can point to the need to have that particular window replaced. Physical damage can expose an opening to the interior of your home.
For wooden windows, in particular, you should keep an eye on the paint. Once the paint on wooden sills and frames begins to flake off, it needs to be replaced as soon as possible. This is because the paint seals out water and protects the structure of the wood; once the paint has been removed, the wood can rot and begin to fall apart.
4. Difficulty Opening
If your window frames have become damaged, they can prevent your windows from opening and closing. Further, windows that make use of cranks or other mechanical parts to open and close can wear down over time, which means they can require much more effort to open and close.
Beyond that, the mechanical parts that lock your windows shut may also begin to fail over time due to general wear and changes in the shape of the window frame. This can be a serious safety concern, and you should replace your windows as soon as possible to secure your home.
5. Drafts
Finally, a clear indication that your windows are no longer keeping the outdoors outside of your home is if you notice any sort of draft or airflow in the area around your window. Even if there isn’t any visible opening or physical damage, your window needs to be replaced.
For any questions that you might have about your home’s windows, you can contact us at Clear Choice Exteriors Your Window Depot. Our team of highly trained contractors will be able to work with you to fix any issues you might be having with your home’s windows and other exterior surfaces.