Selling Your Home

5 Signs That You Need To Replace Your Windows

11 October 2016 by Jesse Henderson

Knowing when to replace your windows can be challenging, especially since you don't want to replace them if they really don't need to be. However, you also don't want to not replace them when it's needed because this takes away from the efficiency of your home. Here are five sure signs that indicate it is time to replace your windows:

1. There's a Draft: If the windows are shut, but there is a draft coming into your home, this means that the windows are not sealed properly. You could reseal the windows, but chances are that it won't make a huge difference in keeping the outside weather conditions out and the temperature of your home in. It will be much more efficient to replace the windows at this point.
2. The Frames are Damaged: If you have an older home, chances are you have wood framed windows. If this is the case, you need to carefully inspect the condition of the frames regularly. If the wood is warped or frayed, you should have the windows replaced. Not only is this beneficial for aesthetic purposes, but it also avoids the chance of mold and rot becoming an issue. 
3. Opening and Closing is Challenging: If you find it difficult to open and close the windows because they get stuck, then they need to be replaced for safety reasons and for convenience. You need to be sure that the windows are easy to lock and easy to open so that they can also be used for emergency exits in case of a fire or other emergency situation. 
4. The Glass is in Poor Condition: You can tell that the glass needs to be replaced if there is condensation on the inner glass. This means that the glass is no longer properly sealed in the frame. Although you can simply replace the glass, you may as well replace the frames at this point, as well since they can also be a part of the problem. 
5. Energy Bill is High: If your energy bill has been higher than usual, you need to evaluate the reason for it. In some cases, it could be because your windows are no longer providing the energy efficiency that you need to run your heater or air conditioner at an efficient rate. If you aren't sure whether or not the windows are the reason behind the high energy bills, you can always have an inspection done first before getting the windows replaced. 

When you know these five sure signs that the windows on your home need replacing, you can be sure that you are replacing the windows for all the right reasons, which makes it well worth the investment.