Three Signs You Need To Replace Your Home's Windows

Your windows, just like all other parts of your home's exterior, are susceptible to physical damage over time due to their constant exposure to the weather. This can affect how well they act as protective barriers for the interior of your home, and cause a number of complications and other problems for your property. Being aware of some of the major signs that your windows have aged significantly and have become worn can help you decide if you should replace and upgrade your current windows to better fit your home's needs.

Difficult Operation

A clear sign that you should consider replacing your home's wooden windows is if you find that it has become difficult for you to open or close them. Wood is a building material that can absorb moisture, which can lead to warping and swelling that can affect how well your window sits in the frame and making the window pane stick. Damage and rust to the hinges, handles or other opening mechanisms of your window can also affect how well your window is able to open or close, which in turn can affect how well your window is able to keep insects and the weather out of your home.

Condensation

Another fairly apparent reason that your windows may be overdue for a replacement is if you can spot condensation building up between the panes of glass. Wood that has degraded, either because of age, physical stress or moisture exposure, can cause the seal around the edges of the glass to fail, allowing air to enter the space between. Not only does this increase the risk of water damage and mold growth affecting the frame of your windows, it also reduces the insulative value of your windows, which can lead to interior drafts and cold spots and increase your heating and cooling bills throughout the year.

Increased Interior Noise

In a similar vein, windows that have lost their insulative quality will not only allow the exterior temperature to enter your home, but any exterior noise as well. This can be caused by weatherstripping and caulking around the edges of your windows deteriorating, or the seal between your window panes breaking down. If you live near a major transportation route, a school, or some other significant source of noise, replacing your windows (and considering models that offer additional insulation, either through triple panes or having insulation installed in the window frame) can help muffle the ambient noise.

Contact a company, like Leger Siding, for more help.