If your home isn’t new, chances are you’ll be thinking about replacing the windows in your home sometime soon–maybe as part of a bigger renovation, or because they may be inefficient, or maybe you just want something with a different style. Windows also contribute to curb appeal.
Things have changed a lot in the window industry—especially in the last 20 years. New technology and new materials make better windows more affordable and you’ll be amazed at what you have to choose from in windows.
TIP: Opening and closing your windows should not require a lot of muscle. If your windows are difficult to operate, it’s time to look into replacement windows.
Installing a window is not a DIY job. No matter how good the window is that you buy—if it’s not installed properly it’s not worth much. It will leak air—and possibly water—and cost you money on your heating and cooling bills. You’ll end up with high energy costs. For window replacements call in the pros of All Canadian Renovations to do it for you.
Here are five signs you need to replace your windows:
5) WET OR WEEPING WINDOWS
If you see moisture inside the panes, it indicates that you’ve got a water problem with your home. If your home isn’t sealed properly, the warm, humid air from your home and the cool air from the outside smash together causing condensation to build and creates some wet windows. Sometimes it’s an inadequate ventilation issue.
Is a little condensation a big deal? Not if it rarely happens, but a little condensation can go a long way.
It can cause major damage to the frame and wall below. Finishes can start to rot or rust. Then the rot spreads to the structure underneath, turning a fairly small problem into a fairly expensive project.
4) FRAMING HAS ROTTED
Older frames are rarely insulated properly and typically have gaps between the frame and framing. This will add to your heating and cooling bills. When the framing has rotted, due to excess moisture, or has uninsulated gaps it will allow cold air to flow freely into the house. When it’s time to replace, always hire the pro who will do it right, and that may mean taking it down to the studs.
3) NOT INSTALLED CORRECTLY
You can choose the best window on the market, but it won’t do you any good if it’s not installed properly. Poorly installed windows could leak air, water, and end up costing you a lot more money in the long run. If you’re replacing your windows, make sure your contractor takes out the old ones down to the rough stud and cleans them out completely.
You want them to check for any evidence of damage or rot, and fix that before installing the new windows.
2) DRAFTS
This is something that you can determine easily. Is it colder near your windows? Hold up a tissue and see if it quivers. If you do have drafts, you are forcing your furnace to work overtime to maintain a comfortable temperature. You’ll see the results on your energy bills.
Sometimes this can be solved by replacing the weather stripping around the leaky units. Make sure your contractor scrapes out the old stuff before you replace it with new.
1) SINGLE PANE GLASS
Many older homes still have single or double glazed windows, and they lose a lot of heat. It’s like having a hole in your wall. Make the investment to go with double or triple glazed. Older windows also don’t provide much soundproofing.
Glazing refers to the type of glass used in the process as well as the installation of glass into a window or door sash.
Invest in high quality, energy-efficient windows in your home for the long term. It will be worth the investment. And have professionals install them to prevent damage during the installation process.
Low E Glass rejects UV rays but still allows natural light to come in. The air trapped between the panes of glass in a double-glazed thermal glass acts as insulation. Argon gas is a much better insulator than normal air. In fact, choosing argon gas can help improve energy efficiency by 6%.
Last Steps
It’s a good idea to have your house tested for airtightness by having an energy audit. And you can often get a rebate from the government on improvements you’ve made to increase your home’s energy efficiency. A home that’s properly insulated, with minimal air leakage will use every bit of energy it expends to run the house efficiently. This means you’re not running the air conditioning or furnace more than you have to. That saves you money every month on your energy bills. Working with All Canadian Renovation we keep up to date on possible grants available to our customers and will let you know what you qualify for. Contact us today.