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10 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows ASAP

ByStan S.

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On average, windows will last between 15 to 30 years, though the exact life span depends on several factors, including the type of glass, the quality and material of the frame, the local weather, and whether the window is installed properly or not. Regardless of these factors, windows and window frames can break or begin to show signs of wear, indicating that you need to repair the windows or invest in an upgrade. However, before paying for costly repairs, read on to learn 10 signs you need to replace your windows instead.

1. Visible Damage

One of the most obvious signs that you should consider replacing the windows is if there is visible damage. While you can pay for the windows to be repaired, it’s important to consider their current age. Newer windows might be worth the cost of the repair, but it’s typically more cost-effective to replace older windows that are visibly damaged.

Visible damage can include broken glass, a broken window frame, or even a broken seal that causes fog or moisture to accumulate between the panes. Not only can this damage put the home at risk of wood rot and mold growth, but it also detracts from the appearance of the home, reducing its value and negatively impacting the curb appeal.

2. Difficult to Operate

Windows are designed to function without a lot of effort. You should be able to lock, unlock, open, and close the windows with relative ease, but as windows age, the frame might start to swell, and the hardware can rust or become bent due to regular use. When this occurs, you can pay to have the window hardware replaced or even have the frame repaired, but the same issues might happen again in a few years.

Instead, it might be better to replace the window entirely to ensure you have another 15 to 30 years before you need to worry about the windows again. Keep in mind that while you can replace just one window at a time, it’s often better to invest in replacing multiple windows at once for a lower overall cost.

3. Room Feels Drafty

While windows are designed to allow fresh air into the home, this doesn’t mean you always want outside air flowing into your house. If you notice that the room is drafty or that air seems to be leaking through the windows when they’re closed, this is typically a sign that the seal around them is broken, bent, or otherwise deformed.

Replacing the seal will fix this issue, so if your current budget is too tight for a full window replacement, this might be a short-term solution. However, as the window ages, other problems will begin to occur, so this could be a good time to replace the window entirely.

4. Frames Feel Soft

Some windows have metal window frames, but there is also a wide variety of wooden window frames. After years of exposure to rain, sleet, hail, and snow, the wood frames could begin to rot or break down, causing them to feel soft or spongy to the touch. This is a clear indicator that you will need to replace the windows and frames before the moisture begins to seep into the home.

Similarly, if your window frames are made of metal, look for signs of rusting, chipping, or even crumbling, which typically indicates that the window frame is gradually breaking down. If the frame is no longer able to hold the glass or to keep moisture outside, it puts the home at risk, so plan to replace the windows as soon as possible.

5. High Energy Bills

Home energy bills can be affected by a wide variety of issues around the home, like low-efficiency appliances, poor insulation, aging heating and cooling systems, or faulty windows. Since the furnace works to keep the home warm in the winter, and the air conditioner is primarily responsible for keeping the home cool in the summer, any drafty areas of the home where heat can flow freely through the walls reduce its overall efficiency.

Faulty windows with loose or damaged seals can contribute to rising energy bills by forcing the heating and cooling system to work harder just to maintain the set temperature indoors. If you suspect this is the case, you can have the window seals replaced, though depending on the age and condition of the windows, it might be better to invest in a full window replacement to resolve the issue for the foreseeable future.

6. Water Leaks Through the Windows

Windows are made to keep rain, sleet, hail, snow, and other sources of moisture outside the home, so if you notice that water seems to be coming in through your windows, this is a sign that you need to replace your windows as soon as possible. A little bit of water won’t do a lot of damage, but continued exposure to water can rot the window frame, warp the windowsill, damage the drywall around the windows, cause high humidity in the room, and even damage the flooring under and around the windows, depending on the severity of the leak.

If you are short on funds and need a short-term solution, you might be able to prevent the window from leaking by replacing the seal, though this isn’t a guaranteed fix, especially if the window frame is already damaged. It’s best to replace the window as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the home.

7. Windows Are Outdated

In some cases, there isn’t anything physically wrong with the existing windows, but their look or style can hinder the home’s overall appearance. If you plan to sell your home soon, outdated windows might reduce the amount prospective home buyers offer as well as the property’s value.

Even if you are not planning to sell your home any time soon, it can be a good idea to replace old, out-of-style windows with new, modern windows that improve the appeal of the property. Not only will the look of the new windows enhance the appearance of the home, but you also get the many benefits that come along with having brand new windows, such as improved energy efficiency.

8. Your Allergies Are Worse Than Usual

Not everyone experiences seasonal allergies, but for those who do, you likely want to control the indoor air quality as much as possible. Aging windows with warped window frames or broken seals allow outside air and airborne contaminants to enter the home through narrow gaps that could be difficult to see.

When this occurs, it can increase the amount of allergens in the air, causing your allergies to get worse than usual. If you notice that your allergies are worse in certain areas of the home, then it’s worth inspecting the windows there. The best solution for this problem is to replace the faulty windows with a more effective seal against outdoor allergens.

9. Sound Seeps Through the Windows

Open windows allow outdoor noises to pour into the home, but when the windows are shut, they should block out most of the sound from the surrounding neighborhood, allowing you to enjoy your home in peace. While windows aren’t as sound-resistant as the thick, insulated walls of the home, you should still have relative quiet when the windows are closed.

However, if you constantly have to increase the TV volume or repeat yourself due to traffic, sirens, music, or other outside noises, this can indicate that too much sound is seeping through the windows. Upgrading the existing windows with double- or triple-pane options can be a great way to immediately improve the problem. You might even want to purchase soundproof windows if your neighborhood is especially noisy.

10. Faded Carpet and Furniture Around the Windows

UV radiation can have a serious impact on any carpet, curtains, drapes, or furniture that’s close to the windows. The direct sunlight can cause these materials to prematurely fade, causing a significant discrepancy between the parts of the room that are exposed to the direct sunlight and the parts that remain mostly in the shade.

Windows play a big part in protecting your home from the wind and rain, but they can also help prevent damage from UV radiation. If your carpet and furniture often experience rapid fading due to UV radiation, it’s recommended to replace the existing windows with modern windows that have low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which uses a microscopic film to keep UV rays and solar heat from passing through. Not only does this prevent premature fading, but it also helps to keep your home cooler.

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