At Ideal Windows, Doors & Siding, we provide some of the best window replacement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. However, we are often asked by our many clients if replacing windows is necessary. Absolutely! Not every home is going to need to replace their windows, but many will need this help. As a result, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best times to replace your windows. If you are in any of these situations, we strongly suggest taking the time to get your windows replaced.
Your Energy Bills Keep Getting Higher
Over the years, you’ve noticed that your energy bills keep going up and up every year for little to no reason. The extra cost isn’t too high, but it is noticeable and is more than just extra gas use and increasing fuel prices. No – this additional cost cannot be explained by these factors but seems to exist outside of them. Typically, the problem here is likely to be your windows, which is when window replacement is so crucial for you to take on as a project.
How can you know for sure if your windows are causing energy loss? Typically, it is relatively easy to see if your windows are weaker or letting in the air by taking a look at their structure. Do they lack the supporting frames that they once possessed, as they have worn down or look frayed around the edges? If that is the case, there is a good chance that your windows need to be replaced because they have become too worn down and lack the structural integrity to keep your home warm or cold.
Thankfully, replacement windows can help because you can find high-quality energy-efficient windows designed to decrease heating and cooling costs. Typically, these windows are rated as Energy-Star windows and cost a little more to add to your home. However, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t worth your time because they can drastically decrease your heating and cooling bill and provide you with the energy efficiency that you need to avoid HVAC complications.
Damage Has Developed
When you inspect your windows before replacement, you need to take a look at different elements of their structure. For example, do you notice any broken, damaged or warped areas along their surface? This damage doesn’t have to be that extensive – even minor problems can be an issue if they are allowed to worsen and become more destructive. As a result, you may want to get your windows replaced if you notice any damage developing on the frame.
For example, if you see warped frames on your windows and are worried about how they will settle, you may need to get window replacement ASAP. This process is not as complicated as it may seem because professionals almost always do it. The method of removing a window and adding a new one is something that most homeowners cannot do and should not attempt to do unless they want to make mistakes that open their windows to further damage.
Beyond damage, you should also pay attention to more subtle signs that your windows are compromised. For example, do your windows fog up at all during the day? That isn’t normal and indicates a problem with their structure. Likewise, windows that refuse to open or close are also suffering from structural damage and must be replaced. Though repairs are possible, the level of damage this typically indicates is usually high enough to make replacement necessary.
The Home is Looking Rough
Although most people replace their windows because they’re noticing issues with their construction, some people may want to get new ones if they don’t like their style. For example, you may have upgraded your siding, roofing, and doors to a more modern style but left the windows alone. This contrast between old and new can be attractive if done right but can also be distracting and confusing for some people to handle or tolerate.
This problem can impact many homes – aesthetics may not be as important as structural issues but shouldn’t be ignored. It would help if you were happy to live in your home and not look at any element of it with disdain. And if your windows don’t seem to fit in with your home or have a look that feels wrong and unappealing, it may be time for you to get new windows for your home. Doing so can help you out in many different and unique ways.
For example, you can use window replacement to increase the size of these portals and allow in more sunlight into your rooms. This step is wise because it can make a home brighter and more enjoyable. However, you can also pay attention mostly to the appearance of your windows, if you want. Don’t worry – you aren’t shallow if you’re concerned about the appearance of your house. Remember that your home’s appearance is a significant part of its overall value.
Storms Hit Your Area Recently
Lastly, you may want to replace your windows if you’ve experienced any storms in your area lately. Storms have a nasty way of wearing down the exterior of many homes and can cause complications that make them struggle to stay strong. For example, there’s a good chance that rain and even hail could wear down the frames or also cause problems with the glass.
As a result, window replacement may be necessary for this situation. You typically want to wait to see how damaged your windows are before you get them replaced. In many cases, it may be possible to get some simple repairs to the frames or even get a few panes repaired – after all, storms will come and go many times throughout a year.
So make sure to inspect the severity of the damage that may be impacting your windows to get an idea of whether or not you need to replace them. In many cases, it may be possible to get your windows upgraded without having to pay a lot of money. But replacement is still a good step because it can ensure that you get everything done right.
Don’t Let Your Windows Go Back
As you can see, we at Ideal Windows, Doors & Siding have a good hold on when you need new windows and when you can probably do without. So if you need window replacement in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, please contact us today to learn more. We’ll inspect your home and let you know if you need replacement or repair. And we’ll then come up with great window designs that will work for your needs and ensure that you get the high-quality home structure that you need.