What Are the Signs That You Need to Replace Your Windows and Doors?

5 Red Flags That You Need to Replace Your Windows

You know that it’s time to replace your windows. You know that they’re a problem, but it always helps to have that checklist to make sure you aren’t crazy. Well, you’re in the right place! We’ve made that list for you to help you make that decision.

Red Flag #1: Are Your Windows Difficult to Operate?
Just like when you are out antiquing and you find the perfect dresser, you check to make sure all the drawers open and without catches or hitches. It’s the same for your windows.

• Your windows catch when they open and/or close.
• Your windows don’t lock properly.
• Your windows don’t slide easily. They are sticky, gummy, and/or clingy.
• Your windows squeak, creek or whine when they open.
• Your window cranks don’t crank or your window cranks are hard to crank
• Your window hinges are broken

Red Flag #2: Are Your Windows Beyond Repair?
You’re probably asking yourself, “What exactly is beyond repair because I bet duct tape will make it work a little longer?” If you have said this that is a perfect sign that it is time to replace your windows.

Wear & Tear Damage
As your windows age, there will always be wear and tear. Some is normal, but there’s a point that it’s a sign to replace your windows.

• You have WD40’d your windows multiple times.
• You have not used a window because it comes off the tracks.
• You have lost the screens to your windows.
• You have chips or cracks in the paint.
• You have windows that are warped out of shape.
• You have gaps between your windows and their frames.
• You have rotten or decaying frames.
• You have pests or animals playing house in your window frames.
• You have pests or animals using your window frames as a chew toy.

Storm Damage

• Whether it is torrential rain, hail, tornadoes, hurricanes; it doesn’t matter all of these can wreck havoc on your home either immediately and/or over time.
• Your windows have water leaks.
• Your windows have cracks, chips, or holes from rocks, limbs, or hail.
• You had a storm in your area that caused others to replace windows.
• Your windows have broken, cracked, spiderwebbed, or scratched glass.

Red Flag #3: Are Your Windows Outdated?
The “It’ll come back into style” mentality is not the right one when it comes to your home. Sure you can save those shoes or that jacket, but like the mullet, some things shouldn’t come back in style. This is what Southern Living says about some exterior styles that just aren’t coming back.

Poor Resale Value
A house is an investment. It’s important to always keep your house updated, so if the time comes to sell it’s not multiple little projects that add up to one huge overwhelming project. Your dream home isn’t just for the future, it’s for now too.

• You windows are inconsistent.
• Your windows have a couple to several styles.
• Your windows are made of different materials.
• Your windows are several different colors.
• Your windows have different kinds of hardware- cranks, locks, etc.
• Your windows are old
• You have frosted windows
• Your windows have yellow gold or brassy hardware.
• Your windows haven’t been replaced in the last 30 years.
• Your windows are a project to prospective buyers.

Poor Curb Value

• Almost everyone wants to live in a nice neighborhood with nice neighbors that maintain nice houses. It’s part of the American dream. We strive to keep our homes as in shape as possible, and competing with that neighbor to have the nicest house on the street is an extra bonus.
• Your windows make your home look sad.
• Your neighbors have dropped hints about your exterior.
• Your windows look like they’ve taken a beating, and not the kind that a quick paint job will fix.
• You have shutters that aren’t right, such as damage, wrong style, and inconsistency.
• Your windows are low quality compared to new window technology.

Red Flag #4: Are Your Windows Energy Efficient?
Energy is super helpful to you because of two reasons: one, it saves you money, and two, it keeps your home at the optimal temperature. We can all agree that saving money is ideal. We can also agree that when it’s 100 degrees outside we don’t want it to be 100 degrees inside because our windows aren’t up to snuff.

Drafty
Drafty does not mean just cold drafts. You know the creepy ones that flow from the attic in scary movies. It also means the warm drafts, the unwanted humid, sticky drafts of summer.

• You have felt the scary movie chill drafts by your windows.
• You have felt the heavy, humid, swimming in the hot tub drafts by your windows.
• Your windows whistle, scream, or squeal when it’s windy outside.

Fog or Condensation

• The type of fog and/or condensation we are talking about isn’t the kind you can wipe away. We mean the kind that gets trapped between the panes of glass in your windows. This means that in some way moisture is leaking into your window, and it can be a real pain.
• Your windows get foggy, and you can’t wipe it away.
• Your windows have condensation that you can’t wipe away.
• Your windows have worn or torn seals around the glass.

Single-Paned Windows
Did you know that 48.5 million homes still have single-pane windows? I couldn’t believe that statistic when I saw it. According to Door and Window Market Magazine, 48.5 million homes are using the least energy-efficient window out there. That’s 41% of homes in the U.S.

• Your home has single-pane windows.
• You don’t want to keep spending the extra money to keep your house at the optimal temperature because you have single-pane windows.

Red Flag #5: Do Your Windows and Doors Help Block the Outdoor Noise?
Now we don’t mean soundproof. You will obviously hear noises. You’ll hear the thunder crack and you’ll hear the wind howl and you’ll hear the garbage truck. However, you shouldn’t be able to hear your neighbors talking in their yard, or the dog barking from inside next door to three doors down. If you can hear all that, the first thing to check would be if you are a superhero or supervillain. If you are not a superhero or supervillain, then it’s time to check those windows.

• You hear the dog that is barking from inside a neighbor’s house.
• You hear the conversation your neighbors are having outside.
• You hear that electric car that doesn’t make noise driving down the street.

Remember the Red Flag Rule

It’s the same with relationships. It’s the same in baseball. Three strikes and you’re out. Three red flags and that relationship is over. If you have three signs that it’s time to replace your windows, you really need to replace your windows. Your home is not your book boyfriend. Your home is not your best friend who is right there next to you when you do something a little too fun and end up in the overnight cell. Your home is not a game of capture the flag. Your home requires maintenance and care, and when it’s time, it’s time.