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Do I Need New Windows?

Exterior Rounded Grid Window Installed

There comes a time in every long-term homeowner’s life when they have to ask themselves, “Do I need to replace my windows?” It usually isn’t on the top of the wish list like a new swimming pool or deck but nevertheless, windows can improve the look of your home inside and out and can also improve the overall energy efficiency of your home. But when is replacement necessary? If you answer yes to any of the following questions, you may need to replace your windows.

    1. Are your windows over 20 years old? If your windows were installed 20 years ago, they are probably made of wood or vinyl. Both of these materials expand and contract with the changing temperatures of the progressing seasons. As a result, the fit of the window can become compromised thereby making the window susceptible to drafting. Compromising can start as early as 7 years in a wood or vinyl window, so keep an eye on your windows if they are made of either.
    2. Do you have trouble opening or closing your windows? Although mechanism and/or balance failure can sometimes be repaired, it is more likely the sign of total unit compromise. If your windows are sticking it often means that the window has expanded and contracted over time and has potentially warped its shape, making it difficult to maintain the track system that opens and closes your window.
    3. Do you feel a draft? In other words, on a windy day are you able to feel a draft pass through the window cavity? As discussed above, if your windows are made of wood or vinyl, they will expand and contract over time leaving you susceptible to drafty windows. If you feel air coming through, heat or air conditioning is seeping out. A drafty window is definitely a call to action to replace your windows. You will benefit from increased energy efficiency and a more comfortable living space.
    4. Is their cloudiness or fogginess between the glass of the window? This is different from condensation (ie, water collecting on the outside or inside of your window due to humidity). Seal failure is the cause of discoloration or fog within the window panes of glass; you will not be able to wipe it off with your hand or a cloth. In some cases you can just replace the glass in this situation, but if your window frame has been warped or compromised in any way, the problem will reoccur. A full window replacement may be the more practical long-term solution.
    5. Are your windows single paned? Most windows made today have two panes of glass with an insulating clear gas in the middle. If your window is old enough to be single paned, it most likely needs to be replaced. Due to inefficiency, a clear single-paned glass window is a lot less energy efficient than double or triple paned glass.
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Window Shopping: Learning the Basics

Dipping your toe into the vast world of replacement windows can be intimidating. If you have little or no experience with the topic, it can be difficult to know where to begin.

When you purchase a car you know if you want a sedan or an SUV. When you buy shoes you know whether a leather or canvas shoe is the way to go. With windows, choice of material is the key to navigating your replacement process. There are many possibilities, but once you understand the basics, the choices are very manageable.

ECONOMIC OPTION

There are more vinyl windows sold than any other replacement window option. The reason is simple, vinyl windows are durable, offer some enhanced energy efficiencies, and are easy to maintain. In addition, vinyl is among the least expensive of the replacement window options.

One objection to vinyl windows is that they are constructed with fusion-welded seams, which compromise the smooth finish that is so desirable in a window frame. Also, vinyl windows expand and contract with the changing temperatures. This, over time, can cause drafting.

More vinyl windows are sold than any other type of windows and there are many vinyl window manufacturers throughout the country.

CLASSIC LOOK

Wood is another important option for replacement window projects. Wood is beautiful, classic, and provides a historically accurate look. When you purchase a wood window in many cases you have to think of it as investing in a beautiful piece of furniture. The effect can be quite striking. If lovingly maintained, a wood window can serve you well. However, buyers should note that wood windows, like vinyl windows expand and contract with the changing of the seasons. Also, wood windows are an investment and will need an expanded budget to be accommodated.

NEW KID ON THE BLOCK

While only 3 percent of the window market comes from windows made with fiberglass, the material is fast gaining a reputation for being durable and blissfully maintenance-free. Combined with its middle-of-the-road price, fiberglass provides solid value. It’s stronger than vinyl, and fiberglass windows won’t warp, rot or crack. Expect to pay about double the price of a comparable vinyl window.

Fiberglass windows are manufactured in limited colors, but they can be painted and the surface provides excellent adhesion. Some brands come in a natural wood exterior finish that does a great job of mimicking the real thing. Also available: real wood interior frames and sashes that can be stained.

On the green front, some manufacturers fill the hollow fiberglass frames with foam insulation to enhance the product’s thermal performance. In addition, fiberglass is relatively easy to fabricate, so fiberglass products have a low embedded energy, meaning they don’t require a lot of energy to produce.

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Are Your Windows Winter Ready?

Studies conducted by the Environmental Protection Agency have shown that a home can lose 10%-15% of its winter efficiency through its windows. In order to get ready for the coming cold, consumers should take the time to determine if their windows are in top shape for the coming chill. Here are some ideas for how to get started.

Diamond Grid Window From Lawrenceville Home Improvement
Diamond Grid Window Installed by Lawrenceville Home Improvement

Know what you have. Perhaps the most basic step is to find out what type of material makes up your current windows. Wood and vinyl windows expand and contract with the changing seasons and you should anticipate some drafting within 7-10 years of installation. This includes windows made from composite materials that combine wood and vinyl. Since age is a main factor in the deterioration of your windows, identify through your homeowners records when the windows were installed.

Perform a draft test. Take a close look at your windows and see if any cracking or holes are visible. Sometimes compromised windows can be hard to detect. A licensed contractor can perform a blower test for you to confirm any drafting. Beware of contractors who provide this service for free—they are more likely to provide you with biased information in the hopes of replacing your windows.

You can also perform a basic draft test on your own by holding a tissue or lit candle to the window frame on a windy day. If the tissue moves or if the candle flickers, you have drafting.

Exterior Rounded Grid Window Installed
Exterior Rounded Grid Window Installation

Consider replacing. While there are a couple of quick fixes you can use to patch up drafty spots on a window, if you want to save money long term, you should consider looking into replacement windows. Find a contractor that can speak to you honestly about all of the different window materials available. Ideally, they should provide options for several materials. Beware of a contractor who sells only one type of material or won’t discuss the benefits of other materials. Each type of has its benefits and drawbacks. Make sure you are well informed in your purchase.