Plenty of homeowners don’t give their windows a second thought. Windows are windows, and we don’t really consider them too much if there isn’t a massive crack or a full shattering. However, keeping your eyes on your windows is a good idea, because they play an important role in protecting your home. They can also cost you some serious money if you don’t take care of them. Watch out for these signs that you need to replace your home’s windows, and you won’t have any problems.
Difficulty Opening and Closing
A little bit of a push to open or close your windows is no big deal, but if you really have to struggle to open or close them, they might be defective. Windows should slide open and close with ease, requiring very little effort, especially if your home is newer. You don’t want to get stuck with an open or closed window when you need it the other way, so don’t wait too long to get a replacement window once you can’t reliably move it.
Reduced Sound Dampening
Windows play a huge role in keeping outside sounds out of your house. A clear sign that you need to replace your windows is when you start to hear the outside world far more than before. This can happen for plenty of reasons, from small cracks in the glass to a broken seal around the edges, but all of them make your home far less enjoyable to spend time in. Replacement windows can insulate your home from sounds much better than your old ones.
Trapped Moisture
Are you starting to notice that cold days leave your windows foggy or with large splotches of moisture in between the panes of glass? This happens when condensation gets trapped in between the panes. Panes or balances that need replacing can cause this to happen, making your windows practically useless.
More Expensive Utility Bills
Your heating and air conditioning bills will often be much higher than you’re used to if you have faulty windows. Windows that don’t have airtight seals around the edges can let a lot of outside air into your home, even if the break in the seal is rather small. You won’t have to deal with these expenses as long as you examine your windows closely and find the ones that have begun to deteriorate. Replacing these windows will keep your home airtight and your heating and cooling bills much lower.
I am glad you mentioned how a broken seal can prevent your windows from insulating sounds as they should. I have noticed that the outside noise is much more prominent in my living room, and I think the seal on one of the windows may be broken. I’ll have to hire a professional company to replace my window as soon as possible to reduce the outside sounds.
You may want to see who manufactured your window. If it was Milgard, you may be able to get a warranty replacement. Good luck!