The windows are the ‘eyes’ of any piece of property, more so if you have a historic dwelling or structure that has existed for decades or even centuries – they can contribute to your property’s overall façade. With the proper, functional windows, you can be sure that your property is protected – and it can be more comfortable and cosy within. But windows don’t last forever, and there may come a time when you will need to have them replaced. It can be a big investment, so how can you determine if you need your old windows fully replaced? Here’s your absolute guide.
The Windows are Damaged or Worn Out
This may be an obvious reason, but worn-out windows need replacement. If your windows have already warped or there are signs of rotting, then they may have to be replaced by an expert. The same is true if your windows’ double-glazing is already failing. How do you know if the double-glazing isn’t working properly any longer? Some sure signs include leaks, cracks, condensation on the glass, holes, and chips. If you are finding it difficult to regulate the temperature in your property, the double-glazing of your windows may already be affected as well.
The Windows are Hard or even Impossible to Close or Open
Another sure sign that you may have to replace your windows is if you already find it hard (or even impossible) to pry them open or close them. If the windows are hard to open, there may be various reasons for this. One reason is if it has become painted shut, and another reason for windows getting stuck includes warped framing, such as what you get from windows made from uPVC (this material can expand when the weather is hot and contract when it’s cold). If your property’s foundations have shifted, this could also affect the frame, which means that it may no longer fit the aperture or space correctly.
The Windows are Draughty
One aspect to remember regarding draughty windows is that when they are draughty, your energy bills can become a lot higher, as confirmed by Crittall replacement window experts. In fact, in some cases, energy bills can jump to as high as 25{9cee231af4442b6aea73d6ab676325b3161b84c5f43230a6f869604305edf9eb} more. If you think investing in new windows is expensive, just think of the cost you can save in the long term if you don’t have energy bills that are too high. Replacing your old windows with new ones will also make them more energy-efficient – and this can save you even more money in the end.
Moisture can also enter between the window panes in double-glazed windows, and this can lead to leaking. It is also a major cause of condensation, and while you can wipe condensation away, doing this every so often can become quite a hassle and you can even have a buildup of mould inside the window frame. These kinds of issues can happen when the window seals are damaged or if the windows have not been properly installed by a specialist in the first place.
There are a lot more benefits you can gain by opting for window replacement, including less noise from the outdoors and an improvement in your property’s look, especially if your window replacement project is performed by an expert.