Windows: The eyes of your home. Respect them by inspecting them

___

Published Date 6/16/2023

Unlike appliances and HVAC units that just stop working, your windows, which may have been doing their jobs for a few decades, can’t tell you they need attention.

Angi’s Jenna Jonaitis admits new windows can lower your energy bills, make your home more comfortable, and boost your home’s appearance, while older windows don’t have such properties. So how do you know if your windows need a simple repair or if you should bite the bullet and opt for brand new windows?

The most common issues include drafts, fogginess, high energy bills and mechanisms that stop working. Hear a whistle that isn’t coming from an old movie? It’s probably your windows trying to tell you they are in trouble. “If you’ve caulked your windows and done weatherstripping but are still experiencing draftiness, it might be time for a total window replacement,” says Jonaitis.

If you have dual or triple-paned windows, fogginess happens when condensation gets trapped between the panes. That usually means a replacement, although you may be able to fix the seal on the window instead of replacing the entire unit—especially if your window frame is still in good shape.

Old windows leak hot and cold air to the outside, causing your heating and cooling systems to work harder to keep your home comfortable. Skyrocketing utility bills are a sign that you may need to replace your windows.

And windows that get stuck or don't close all the way are indicators of a shifting foundation, window frame deterioration, or a painted-shut window. You'll likely need to replace your windows and frames for full function.

Moisture can rot wood-framed windows, and you can test this by seeing if they feel soft to the touch. Another reason to start from scratch with new windows. Other telltale signs you need to budget for new windows include water intrusion. When that happens, mold and rot can begin to form in your home’s walls. Bad juju.

If your goal is to repair your existing windows, Jonaitis says the typical cost of repairing a window ranges from $160 to $550, but it’s rare that older windows can be repaired enough to make them last much longer apart from glass replacement or reglazing. But if just one component of a window isn’t functioning, a repair is often possible.

Advantages to window replacements include:

Lower energy bills and reduced carbon footprint.
Better insulation and more comfortable indoor temperatures
Reduced noise
Increased safety
An updated appearance can increase your home’s value

A professional energy auditor or local window replacement company can inspect your home and offer recommendations on replacing or repairing windows. Should you go completely new, you’ll be able to choose between aluminum, vinyl, composite, wood, and fiberglass frames.

Angi, TBWS

All information furnished has been forwarded to you and is provided by thetbwsgroup only for informational purposes. Forecasting shall be considered as events which may be expected but not guaranteed. Neither the forwarding party and/or company nor thetbwsgroup assume any responsibility to any person who relies on information or forecasting contained in this report and disclaims all liability in respect to decisions or actions, or lack thereof based on any or all of the contents of this report.

All loans are subject to credit approval. Interest rates are subject to change daily and without notice. Current interest rates shown our indicative of market conditions and individual qualifications and will vary upon your lock-in period, occupancy, loan type, credit score, purpose and loan to value and lending source.