Window replacement is an overwhelming thought for many homeowners, but it can make a big difference in your home. If you’ve had your current windows for a while and notice that they aren’t functioning as well as they used to, it may be time for new ones. New windows can improve comfort, boost energy efficiency, and enhance your home’s overall appearance.
It’s easy not to think about the age of your windows. However, when you purchase a new home, you must learn when the windows were last replaced. Windows generally last for 15 to 30 years, depending on the materials, the climate, and if you’ve kept up with maintenance. Some window frames can last up to 50 years when maintained effectively, but even the best window glass has a lifespan of about 20 years. The more extreme the climate you live in, the quicker your windows degrade. If you are in this window of time, especially if you have concerns about your windows’ ability to insulate against temperature, replacement may be the best option.
Windows need to keep your home feeling comfortable. If your house feels chilly and dry in cold weather and overheated and humid in hot weather, your windows may be to blame. But there are other indicators that your windows aren’t functioning well. If your windows are challenging to open and close, are difficult to clean, or are beginning to sag, it may be time for a replacement. Windows that don’t function well aren’t just eyesores; they can be a safety hazard. In an emergency, you need to count on your windows functioning well.
The biggest difference most homeowners feel after window replacement is how much more efficient their windows are. New windows make a big difference in maintaining the temperature of your home. If you feel as though your windows are drafty or that your home struggles to maintain its temperature during summer or winter, testing your energy efficiency can be an eye-opener. While there are many companies you can hire to test your energy performance, it’s easy to do on your own. You can do a candle or smoke test to see where the smoke is pulled, a thermometer test to check for the temperature around your windows, or even an infrared camera to see where heat is escaping. If your window efficiency has broken down, you’ll know.
There are many benefits to replacing your windows. However, if your windows aren’t too old and your concerns are minor, you may be able to buy a few years before replacement becomes necessary. For example, if the glass is cracked or chipped, but the rest of the window is in good condition, you may be able to replace the glass panes. If the hardware, like a lock or latch, is damaged or broken, this can be replaced at a fraction of the cost of a new window. Replacing weather stripping that may have been damaged in a storm can also be an option if the windows are still in good condition. However, if your concerns are that your windows are drafty, not functioning well, have rotting wood in the frames, or are fogging between the panes of glass, replacement is the better option, especially if your windows are over 15-20 years old. Unless the repairs are minor or confined to only one or two windows, the savings aren’t significant enough to buy only a year or two before replacement is necessary.
Do you have to replace all your windows at once? Probably not. Should you replace all your windows at once? That’s a different question. No matter how closely you try to match your new windows to the old, there will be a difference in appearance, as newer energy-efficient glass looks different from older, clear glass, and newer vinyl windows will look different from older wooden options. However, some homeowners will opt to do the project in two phases, which is possible if planned well. Some homeowners choose to do one floor at a time for a two-story house, while others will do windows at the front of the house first and the back second. Your contractor will review the options with you at your initial meeting and can make suggestions for moving forward with your project. If you have a larger window, like a bay or garden window, that will be more expensive and time-consuming to replace, you may want to do that separately.
Window replacement can be expensive, especially if replacing a whole house of windows at once. The average cost for each window, including installation, is around $500, so a whole house of windows can cost between $5,000 to $10,000 and even more. However, several options can fit within most budgets. In addition, your contractor may offer financing options that allow you to spread out the cost over time. The cost of your windows will depend on several factors, the most important being the material you select. Standard vinyl windows with energy-efficient double-paned glass are generally the most affordable option and still provide good quality. However, custom sizing, glazing, and other concerns, like repairs that may need to be done before installation, may increase the price. Talk to your contractor about your budget for new windows, the best way to balance cost and quality, and if they offer any financing options.
With the right contractor by your side, a window replacement project doesn’t need to be overwhelming. While it may not be a small investment in your home maintenance, it will make a big difference in your home’s comfort, efficiency, and safety. If you have concerns that your windows are at the end of their lifespan, talk to a trusted window replacement contractor.
If your windows show signs of age, damage, or inefficiency, it’s time to take the next step. Contact All-Nu Construction today to schedule a consultation and get experienced guidance on the best window replacement options for your home.