Lesser-Known Reasons to Replace Your Home's Windows

Admin • July 6, 2020

Old Window Frame — Sacramento, CA — Bob's Glass

Why does your older home need new replacement windows? While energy efficiency and damage repair are top reasons to replace windows, these aren't the only issues that require attention. Take a look at the lesser-known (but equally as important) reasons for this home upgrade investment.

Hard-to-Open Windows

Are your windows difficult to open? Even though you might keep your windows closed most of the year, the ability to open them is necessary on warm days or when you need additional ventilation. A window that sticks or won’t open is more than just an annoyance. This sign of disrepair can pose a serious safety risk in a fire or similar emergency.

Consider a replacement if your windows:

Are painted shut. Years of layering paint on the inside, outside, or both areas of your home's windows can seal them shut. While you can chisel or scrape paint away, this can damage the frame and create a different type of replacement situation.
Are warped. Humid weather and moisture can warp wood and other types of building materials. This can force windows shut and make them almost impossible to open them again.
Have rusted hardware. A rusty crank or latch can makes the window difficult to open.
Have missing hardware. A missing crank, lever, or other opening mechanism makes the window impossible to effectively open.

A glass-only replacement won't solve your hard-to-open window problem. If you can't force the windows open or they stick most of the time, you also need to replace the frames and hardware.

Rotted Wood

Are your window frames cracked, peeling, or rotten beyond repair? Even though an extra coat of paint may seem like the answer, this isn't a permanent fix. You should consider replacement if:

There's obvious rot. Can you see the rotten wood? Not only do rotting frames hurt the exterior aesthetics your home but this problem can also make it difficult (if not impossible) for your windows to work correctly.
The frames feel soft. A mushy feeling indicates wood rot. Your window's frames should feel rigid to the touch.
There's obvious discoloration. Mold streaks or other types of discoloration may also point to rot. Even though a fresh layer of paint provides a cosmetic fix, this won't stop the underlying progression of the rot process.
The paint peels off. Why won't a fresh coat of paint stick to your window frame? Even though peeling paint may have several different causes (such as sun damage or age), it can also indicate rot.

A window contractor can evaluate the window frames and suggest replacement options. Even though the glass may not have the same signs of wear, now is the perfect time to upgrade to a new energy-efficient multipane version.

Low-Quality Installation Work

Did your home's previous owners install the windows themselves or hire a substandard contractor for the job? Poor initial installation can cause a host of problems that require an upgrade to a new (correctly installed) window.

Signs of poorly installed windows include:

Gaps. Can you feel a breeze when the windows are closed? Improper fit can cause gaps. These allow the elements in and your heated/cooled air out.
High-energy bills. Whether the frames are off or the glass has something wrong with it, high-energy bills (in the absence of another explanation) may point to poor window installation.
Foggy glass. Foggy glass or interior condensation in multi-pane windows can result from seal failure or incorrect installation.

A high-quality glass company can evaluate the issues and correct the issues with replacement windows.

Are you ready to replace your home's windows? Contact our team at Bob's Glass for more information.

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