You
know it's time to replace your windows when: Your
energy bill looks like your house payment Every
extra dollar that is spent to heat or cool your home that is lost to leaky, old
windows is lost forever. There was a time when energy was cheap and the
word conservation wasn't even considered. Today, with rising fuel costs and long
term concerns for our environment we must use our money and our resources responsibly.
Your windows
are hard to open or won't open at all Are
you having trouble opening and closing your windows? If so, you have a problem.
What happens if you or your children had to escape through that window if you
had a fire!
Windows that won't open easily are a safety hazard. Check
for broken parts that may just need to be replaced or tracks that need lubricated.
Some old windows open using a sort of pulley, but these quit working over time.
If your windows are
painted shut (as is often the case with older windows) you could use a putty knife
or crow bar to try to get them unstuck. Usually, though, if they're painted shut
they're in poor shape anyway and it would be better to just replace them.
Sometimes the window
and frame can warp as the house sets. You'll have to take out the old window to
fix the frame, and you might as well put in new windows. Your
windows are just plain ugly You
also may want to replace windows if they significantly decrease the appearance
of your entire house, have water stains, chips, or are rotten. Sometimes
windows will be significantly more outdated than the rest of your house exterior,
prompting you to update. For example, older houses usually have double-hung windows,
while newer window options include gliding or casement windows. Windows say a
lot about the style of your house. You're
putting on new exterior siding Are
you having the siding on your house replaced? It's the perfect time to replace
your windows and dramatically change the outside appearance of your entire home.
Not only will the outside of your house look better, but the siding and the windows
can make a better fit and prevent unhealthy gaps. You
want a consistent appearance If
you need to replace one or two bad windows, consider replacing all the windows
on that side of the house to maintain a consistent appearance. You're
experiencing cool/warm air leakage Does
daylight show around the edges and through cracks? Upgrading your windows can
have a significant impact on your energy costs. Replacing single pane windows
with double or triple panes or having windows put in with a special coating on
the glass to reduce the penetration of UV (ultraviolet) rays are a couple of ways
to up your energy savings. Look for low-E glass. You're
sick of high maintenance If
you have wooden window frames and are tired of having to scrape and paint them
every once in awhile, putting in vinyl-clad windows will eliminate that process
for good. No more inconvenience. You
want to improve indoor appearance Adding
windows to a room will have a major impact on its appearance by increasing the
natural lighting and creating a sense of openness. You could replace two side-by-side,
or combination, windows with one large window. It could make a big difference,
both inside and outside. Your
windows are about to disintegrate It
seems almost common sense to say that if your windows leak, are so rotten they
may just fall apart, or have other serious and obvious problems that can't be
fixed, it's time to replace them! If you notice moisture stuck between the panes
of glass, there is a broken seal and you'll probably need to replace the window.
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