7 Signs it’s Time to Replace your Windows

Not sure if you need new windows? A total replacement of all your windows can be a big investment, so it’s sensible to wait until you need them. However, don’t fall into the trap of waiting for an emergency before you replace your windows.

If your windows are more than couple of decades old, listen carefully to what they’re telling you, so you’ll know when they need to be replaced.

Here’s what to look for.

1. YOU STILL HAVE SINGLE PANE WINDOWS.

There is a very good chance if your house was built before 1970 and still has its original windows that they are made of single pane glass. Today’s windows are made from double or triple pane glass. Single pane glass windows are sub-standard, draughty, and occasionally unsafe. On top of that single pane glass does the worst job at keeping out the UV rays that enter through your windows and can fade colours. Low E glass reduces most of the UVB light and helps minimise heating and cooling costs. Laminated and tinted glass will help block UVA rays.

2. YOUR WINDOWS ARE DAMAGED, WARPED, OR BROKEN

It’s sometimes possible to repair a window instead of replacing it. If your window’s problem is minor, such as needing new weatherstripping or hardware, a repair might be the best option. But replacing a damaged, warped, or broken window frame is almost always preferred to attempting a repair. “Even if your windows are still operable, they can develop problems. Do you find that condensation forms on the inside of your window? Are they draughty?

3. IT’S TIME TO REDUCE YOUR ENERGY BILLS

Windows provide some heat in the winter by letting in sunlight. But draughty windows can cause your energy bills to be about 10% to 25% higher. Replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones can reduce your heating and cooling bills. Bonus: If you’re considering listing your home for sale, those new windows — and the resulting energy cost savings — can be a big selling point.

But don’t just assume all windows are the same. It’s important to consider your specific needs, and your location, type and style of your property.

4. HEARING OUTSIDE NOISE?

There are two main ways your windows can be considered noisy. One is when they they make a lot of noise while they’re opening. Another way is when they let in a lot of noise from outside. Your windows serve a lot of purposes, and one of them is certainly to keep all noise out of your home. If you are hearing outside noise when your windows are closed, chances are they aren’t providing enough acoustic insulation.

5. YOU’RE RENOVATING A HISTORIC HOME

Maybe you moved into a historic home that suffers from uPVC replacement windows that detract from the home’s historic charm. The wrong window can dramatically change the overall look of a historic home and can even interfere with its integrity and value. If your goal is to install historically accurate replacement windows, a company that can handle custom requests should be your go-to. At PCW we can create customised windows to match your existing ones, and preserve the historical features of your home.

6.THE WINDOW IS DIFFICULT TO OPEN AND/OR CLOSE

You shouldn’t have to put up a fight with your window when you want to open it on a sunny summer day or close it when the skies darken before a storm. To avoid increasing any back or joint problems you may have, and to avoid such a struggle that would cause you to fall through the screen, get your window replaced. The inability to lock a window poses multiple threats. It makes your home easier to enter for intruders, putting your prized possessions and family at risk; and although the window is closed, if the lock is not secured, cool air will escape in the summer and warm air in the winter. Just like the first example, this will negatively affect your electric and/or heating bill. If the lock is broken, consider repairing your window. If repairing doesn’t work, you need to get the window replaced.

Do you find yourself propping open the window, sticking something in it to ensure it doesn’t slide shut? This is an incredibly dangerous safety hazard, especially if your home has curious little ones running around. Don’t put your children in danger. Replace that dysfunctional window before someone gets rushed to the emergency room for broken fingers or a concussion.

7. YOUR WINDOWS DON’T HAVE THE LATEST SAFETY FEATURES

There are many safety regulations covering the window industry that weren’t in place decades ago. For example, today’s glass doesn’t shatter into a billion shards like it once did. Imagine if your child were to accidently drop something through a window. Do you want a window that shatters or one that has safety break? This is just one example of how windows are safer today than they used to be.

These are just seven signs that you might need new windows. If any of them apply to you, or if you’re consider new windows for another reason, feel free to reach out to Perfect Crystal Windows team.