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Windows let in natural light and also ensure that your home is adequately ventilated. Good quality windows, therefore, give you and your loved ones good quality life. If you have had your windows around for a long time, it is probably time for an upgrade.
However, certain signs indicate you need to upgrade your windows. What if you invested in the best quality windows? Unfortunately, even those do not last a lifetime. Even double-glazed windows will show signs of wear and tear eventually.
Several factors affect the longevity of your windows. These include:
- Maintenance methods and frequency
- Elements they are exposed to
- The frame material used to build them
Here are some of the signs that indicate it is time to give your windows a much-needed upgrade.
Table of Contents
1. Energy Bills Have Gone Through the Roof
If you are paying higher energy bills, you may need to take a closer look at your windows. Find out if the glass is cold to the touch or it is cooler near the window than farther into the room. Also, if there are gaps in the frames, heat may be escaping because the windows are old and faulty.
If your windows are older, they are possibly single-framed which makes them susceptible to leaks. Invest in double-glazed windows. Read more about double glazing to see how double-glazed windows help cut down heat loss.
2. Your Windows are in Disrepair
If there are signs of rotting or warping, your windows have completed their lifespan. Also, failing double glazing is a huge indication that you need new windows.
Wooden windows require regular time-consuming maintenance. It is extremely to get rid of rot once it sets into your wooden frames. Also, it is not possible to keep the rain away from the windows; hence, it will be almost impossible to keep decay out.
Faulty uPVC windows tend to expand when it is hot and get warped. Also, they are likely to discolour with time. Failing double glazing introduces gaps and cracks which lead to leaks making it difficult to control the temperature in your home.
3. Windows Require Effort to Open/Close
You need your windows to open fast and smoothly. They serve as a quick exit point if there is an emergency such as a fire. If your window was painted shut or the frame is warped, it may be difficult to open and close.
As mentioned earlier, uPVC windows expand and warp in hot temperatures. It contracts when the temperatures cool. If this happens frequently, the frame may cease to fit in the aperture.
4. Failed Soundproofing
Windows are meant to reduce sound transfer. If the sounds from outside are clearly and increasingly audible when your windows are shut, you may need to install new ones.
5. Your Windows Are Single Pane
Old homes usually have single-pane windows. These may not be the best for regulating temperature in your home. Single pane windows can reduce the quality of life in your home as they are not as efficient as their double-pane counterparts.
Conclusion
Ultimately, you want to improve not just the quality of life in your home, but also the value. Better windows make your house look better. It will fetch a better price if you plan to sell. Also, you do not want drafty windows that make you pay inflated energy bills.