Whether you’re considering buying, selling, or renovating an older home, one of the first considerations to make is the windows. Windows can make a significant difference in the value and appearance of your home. So how often should you replace your windows? Well, there is no one-size-fits-all answer, as each house should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis. The durability of your windows is largely dependent on the quality of the craftsmanship. If the windows have been properly installed and maintained, it can certainly increase their life span significantly. Evaluate your windows by the following criteria to help determine when it’s time for them to be replaced:
How Often Should You Replace Your Windows?
What condition are your windows in? This should be evaluated in a few different ways:
- Examine for physical damage? Give each of your windows a look over. Check the frame for rotting, bent/worn hinges, and look for any discoloration.
- Ease of operation: Do they require a strenuous amount of effort to swing, slide, or lift open? If so, this could be a sign that a window sash or frame is damaged.
- Condensation: Do the windows often fog up?
- Cleaning: Are your windows becoming harder to clean? As the window surface condition deteriorates, this can become a more difficult chore.
Comfortable? Energy-efficient?
Single-pane windows (which are found in older homes), don’t feature the advanced technology of current windows. Because of this, older windows tend to let in drafts (hot or cold). Have you noticed that it’s becoming more difficult to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home? If so, your home’s energy efficiency would benefit significantly (potentially 10-25%) from new windows.
When the cost of repair is just too much.
Repair is the common sense solution for some issues. Sometimes, replacing the weather stripping or reapplying the caulk will add years on to the life of your window. But other times, it’s actually more cost efficient in the long run to replace your windows. This is especially the case if the frame is showing signs of rot, there are bent/worn hinges, or the replacement hardware is hard to find.
You want to improve your curb appeal.
If you’re looking to sell your home in the near future, or just looking to renovate, new windows are a worthy investment. With windows being such a prominent feature of any home, worn-out windows will make the rest of the home look worn-out too.
When you decide it’s time to replace your windows (and you live in the greater Sacramento area), ask for a free estimate from us here at Glass West!
