Your Windows Are Probably Due for a Replacement and Here’s Why
Windows are an essential component of our homes, but rarely do we care about them outside of washing now and then. Dirt and grime are easy to see and can usually be dealt with by cleaning them, but there could be a number of other issues affecting not just the glass, but the entire structure of the window itself. In fact, if your windows have been around for over a decade, then they could be due for a window replacement. If your windows have been around since your home was built, then it could be even more important to contact a glass repair and residential window replacement service to replace them as soon as possible. If you want some more privacy for your home, then consider getting some residential window tinting done by professional Residential Window Tinting Service, and to finish it off you should hire commercial window cleaning services.
But why exactly should you replace your windows and get a residential window replacement as soon as possible? After all, doing it yourself can be difficult and time-consuming, and hiring a contractor could be really expensive. In addition, your windows are probably working fine as they are. You likely haven’t felt like you’ve needed to replace the windows, click here to go on Texas Made Windows and More to understand if they need it or no. So the first step will be convincing you that your windows need a replacement. To do so, kindly look here, we’ve compiled a list of reasons why your windows are probably due for a replacement and what you should do about it. We’re also going to give you some examples of what could happen if you don’t step in now and replace (or at least fix up) your windows before it’s too late!
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Old windows could be affecting your utility costs
Ever felt like your windows are letting in a lot of air? Do you always feel a draft when you stand near your windows on a stormy day? If so, there’s a good chance that your windows are getting old enough that they’re starting to let in the air on a cold day, or they’re starting to warp at the edges which means gaps for the air to blow in from.
Old windows tend to have some slight defects from wear and tear. This isn’t a problem caused by you, but more because of the construction or material used. You should also keep in mind that storms tend to batter our windows, resulting in general wear and tear over time. This is especially important if you live in an area that sees frequent storms, high winds and heavy rain. In situation like this, you may need a Storm Window Repair service to help you on this.
A broken car window puts you at the mercy of the weather and exposes your car to theft. If your car window is broken from road debris or smashed in an accident, calling Safelite AutoGlass to repair or replace your window is the most efficient way to get your car or truck window fixed and back on the road quicker. Replacing a car window can vary in cost based on various factors, but most people can expect to pay $200 – $450 to replace a window on their vehicle, get yours replaced at Autoglassguru.com.
The effect of this is higher utility costs. During winter months, breezes can enter the home through weak windows and bring the overall temperature down. We counteract this by increasing the temperature in our homes, usually by turning up the central heating. This raises our utility costs and can actually cost us anywhere from 10% to 25% more each year. So what can be done about this?
A window replacement is an obvious choice. Replacing your entire window can be expensive, but it’s a long-term investment to save money on your utility bills. You can consider replacing your old windows with energy efficient windows like some double hung windows. Alternatively, you could look for areas where the draft is leaking in and then patch it up somehow. However, if you have single-pane windows, you could potentially upgrade to a double-glazed window which helps to keep the temperature more balanced. Some newer window panes can even be coated with heat-reflecting properties, or even argon-filled glass. These can greatly reduce your utility costs and lead to huge savings.
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Improving your curb appeal
Ever driven past a fancy new home build and marveled at the exterior? Then you return to your own home and feel inadequate when you see your boring windows with their dusty panes? Old windows can feel outdated for a number of different reasons and this can seriously affect your curb appeal.
There are a couple of solutions to this. First, we’d suggest replacement windows and adding some interior shades that are something newer, more modern or even more colorful. There are lots of ways to achieve this, such as painting your window frames or just giving them a good clean. If you haven’t cleaned the panes for a while, then doing so can help them look better and also let more sunlight in. If you have to clean windows on a higher floor, we highly suggest you invest in a telescopic window cleaner that you can use from the ground.
However, if you feel like your windows just isn’t cutting it anymore due to their design, then it’s never a bad idea to spend a bit of money on improving your curb appeal. There are countless different window designs to pick from and you’ll be spoilt for choice. However, if you’d like some help, you could always speak to a local contractor or home designer to give you some tips. This will be a little more expensive, but it’s a great solution to help you learn more about the latest and most interesting window designs.
Improving your home appeal
It’s not just the exterior of your home that could be affected–your interior can as well! You see, the sun’s ultraviolet rays are actually powerful enough to make the furniture in our home fade. If you’ve ever left some clothes to dry for a bit too long, then you might notice that they can begin to fade. This only happens if you leave them to dry for several days, but it’s a similar effect. If you leave furniture in the path of sunlight coming through your windows, then their color is going to slowly fade away.
The most obvious way to protect against this is to have some custom blinds or curtains. Unfortunately, that’s not very practical unless you like having your home in perpetual darkness and gloom. Another solution is to move the furniture, but again, this isn’t exactly the most practical solution for most people.
So the next best option? Replace your windows such as single hung window replacements!
Since the sun’s rays can cause everything from furniture to artwork to fade, a universal solution would be to actually replace your windows with something more modern. Most modern glass panes are actually constructed with the intention of blocking ultraviolet rays. This is for the safety of your furniture and also to protect you as well. Tinted windows can block some rays, but UV radiation can still be a problem for some people. This only happens if you spend long periods of time being exposed to sunlight, so it’s not a concern for most people. However, for the sake of protecting your furniture and home belongings from fading, we highly suggest replacing your windows with something more modern.
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Protecting your home with new windows
One of the weakest points in your home is your window. All a thief has to do is smash open that single large pane of glass and climb through to access your belongings. An alarm system isn’t going to do you any good if they have full access to your home, and they’re going to have multiple entry points to break in from.
If you want to prevent this, you’re going to need to upgrade your windows at some point in the future. Securing your home involves a plethora of things like locking your doors and windows, installing motion-sensing lights and an alarm system. However, all of that will be for nothing if your windows are easily broken into because they’re old or weak. To prevent this, we highly suggest that you upgrade your windows in one of a few ways.
First, you could upgrade them with stronger glass. Double-glazed windows can still be broken with the right tools, but your thief will have a slightly tougher time doing it. Secondly, you could change the frame so that the panes are smaller. This will be harder for thieves to fit into your home through the small gaps, deterring them from wanting to break in. Lastly, you should also consider locking your windows so that they can’t be open from the outside. All of these features come with newer windows, and you can even buy more secure options that are made to be sturdy and withstand an attack.
You should also consider protecting you home from adverse weather if you live in an area that frequently sees storms. Loose debris like rocks and sticks can clash against your windows at high speeds in a storm, potentially cracking and breaking weak windows. Newer windows tend to have much better protection and you can even opt to install storm windows for an added layer of protection. This provides maximum security and peace of mind while also protecting against thieves, view the page to read more information.
At the end of the day, your windows are an incredibly important component of your home that need to be taken care of. Even if you choose not to replace them now, there’s a good chance that you’ll need to have a residential window installation in the future, especially if you want to ensure the safety and quality of your home. If you decide to replace your windows by yourself, we suggest some DIY safety tips to ensure you stay safe. After all, replacing windows is tough work, especially if you need to replace windows that are above the ground floor.