How often do you walk around your home and really look at the windows and things that need to be addressed? Your home’s windows need to be paid attention to as they could be costing you extra money in utility costs each month. Some windows are designed to last upwards of 20 years, while others are cheaply manufactured and installed by builders for a low-end final cost. How do you know if your home’s windows are quality, and are they doing their job effectively? Here are 6 things to watch when it comes to your homes windows.
The Windows are Broken, Damaged, or Warped
A window can be repaired instead of replaced in some situations. You can figure out if the repair is minor by walking around the window and doing a visual inspection. Some windows need a little maintenance work like new weatherstripping installed. Others need to have additional repairs to make them function correctly. Another way to know if you need some work is by opening the windows and noticing if they stick when you try and open or close them. If they are difficult to lock when they are closed, that is another cause for concern. What about a window that keeps closing when you open it? Simple things like this need to be repaired, but it is your window’s way of telling you that you have a problem that needs to be addressed.
Increasing Energy Bill Stress
Have you noticed an increase in your home’s energy bill? If you have seen this number steadily climb, the cause could be the windows. The windows are designed to let in some heat in the winter months by allowing sunlight inside. However, a window that allows the cold air in can end up increasing your energy bill by 10-25% or more due to drafts. Modern windows are designed to be energy-efficient, and they can help to decrease your monthly utility bill. One extra thing to consider is that you can make your money back on new windows if you are planning to sell your home soon. New windows on a home listing are a big win, and almost every real estate agent will tell you that you can easily make your investment back on the sale of the home.
Windows Appear Dirty
Have you found yourself moving around to try and see outside because the windows are so dirty you cannot see? No matter what cleaning agent you use, your windows still have a film on them? Old windows will make a home look….OLD. If you just can’t get the windows to stay clean and look nice, your windows are due for a maintenance check. Moyes Glass can come out and evaluate your home to determine if you have some windows that are in need of repair, replacement, or general maintenance. Windows are a huge feature to a home, and old, dirty windows will not give your home a nice facelift.
Storm Damage
Utah doesn’t tend to get the storms that blow out windows, but that doesn’t mean we are free from them either. If you have recently survived a storm, check all the windows. If the windows didn’t break, there is still a chance you have some leaks around the weatherstripping. Harsh storms will wreck havoc on homes. You need to take a look at the windows to see if you have the right glass for your region. Sometimes the wrong windows are installed and the windows aren’t designed for the weather. Windows made with fiberglass are flexible and are designed for those harsh weather spots in Utah that are prone to cracking, peeling, dents, and more.
Renovation Time
Another good reason to replace windows is when you are renovating a home. If you have an older home you want to restore some historic charm to, you need to be careful in the window selection process. A window that is too modern causes a home to lose its historic charm. Custom window solutions are the best choice for older home renovations if your goal is to remain historically accurate. Give Moyes Glass a call to discuss specialty window needs like this.
The Home Needs a Facelift
If you find yourself driving by your home and you just feel like it’s missing something, you need to stop and look at the windows. Windows are one of the most prominent features of a home and you need to ensure they are going to withstand the weather while also enhancing the curb appeal of the home. Changing the type of window from a single pane to double or triple pane will change so much of the look of your home. Installing larger windows is another smart option as this will increase the natural light in a room, giving the home a quick facelift.
Contact Moyes Glass to discuss replacing, repairing, or updating the windows in your home!