Part Two: Do You Need Replacement Windows? – The Complete Beginner’s Guide to Replacement Windows

Part one of our series covered the three types of window replacements and their advantages. Today, we look at whether or not your home really can benefit from a replacement project.

Replacement windows offer many advantages, but are they truly necessary for your home? Tick off these boxes to determine the answer.

• Are your windows leaky? Loose glass or faulty sealing between the sash and the frame is the usual cause of leaky windows. Leaky windows, in turn, cause heat loss and gain, as well as admit drafts and wind-driven rain.

• Are there physical signs of damage? Cosmetic signs of damage such as peeling paint and rotting frames are not merely signs that your windows are aging; they also indicate that your windows may have lost much of their functionality.

• Have you observed any fading in your home’s furniture or artwork? Some windows admit glare or an overabundance of sunshine into your home, which can quickly ruin your furniture, artwork, and other interior elements.

• Can you operate your windows easily? If your window mechanisms for locking, sliding, and other functions are tough, noisy, or otherwise inconvenient to use, a replacement may well be in order.

• Is your home getting drafty? Extra air infiltration is another warning. Aged wood windows, in particular, can warp from excessive moisture. As a result, they can be too tight in some areas – while creating gaps in others.

Special Considerations When Replacing Windows

Just because you need a window replacement does not mean it can be done at any time, with any process. Mind these factors to make sure you gain the best results.

• Cold season. A window replacement during winter means possibly exposing the rest of your home to the elements. Make sure that the openings are properly sealed, and cold-weather application recommendations are followed. Insulation around the frames should also be adequate.

• Historical restorations. Replacing historical windows is a tough job, but it can be done. Specific product choices in glazing and arched framing, for instance, should be monitored. Also, the replacement window should match the home’s overall architectural style, as well as the original windows’ colors. Local building codes and recommendations from the Historic Preservation Office should also be followed.

If your home has some of the signs mentioned above, it stands to reason that you should have your old windows replaced. But, who should you call? We’ll find out in part three. Stay tuned.