How to Tell When Windows Need Replacing

People generally take windows for granted until there is evidence that the window is no longer functioning as it is supposed to function. Years of use can wear windows out, causing them to cease to operate properly, to let in drafts, and to glaze over. Sometimes it is difficult to know when to make minor repairs to the current windows and when it is time to replace them with custom windows Walnut Creek.

When to replace windows

Before considering getting new windows, it is important to know what can be repaired to make the current windows more energy efficient:

Windows need to be thoroughly inspected for decay. Jammed sashes, broken parts, and rot may be able to be repaired by a window specialist. Look for signs that water has come in under the frame, check the sashes to see if they stick, and check for condensation between layers of insulated glass, which will appear as fogginess in the glass. Check the caulking and weather stripping to see if repairs are needed.

There are also indicators that older windows need replacing:

· Opening or closing a window is a struggle, requiring excess energy just to get it to move a little bit.

· There are air leaks either in one area or all around the window, reducing the home’s energy efficiency.

· Windows have inadvertently gotten painted shut.

· The windows have chipping of the frames around the panes of glass.

· There are water stains on the frames around the panes, or around the window itself.

· Replacement parts are difficult to find or may not even be made any longer.

· Windows on one side of the house have deteriorated more than the ones elsewhere.

· With severe storms, water comes in the window.

Things to keep in mind when getting custom windows in Walnut Creek

Getting custom windows installed can add considerably to the value of a home, but there are several considerations when having custom windows installed in Walnut Creek:

· Matching the old windows with new windows in the type of style, and the glass perfectly is not always possible, but quite often there are close matches that work well.

· Window installation professionals recommend that all the windows on one side of a house be replaced in order to keep a consistent look to the exterior of the house. An alternative with a two-story house is to replace all the windows on the lower level.

· With extensive home improvements when siding is being replaced also, it is important to replace the windows before replacing the siding.

· To keep interior furnishings from fading when they are consistently in sunlight, Low-E, which stands for low emissivity, glass coatings can reduce ultraviolet light that tends to fade furnishings like carpet, furniture, and wall paper.

· Opting for the energy efficiency of double or triple pane glazing rather than single-pane windows can reduce both heating and cooling costs tremendously.

· Another good choice in selecting replacement windows is opting for windows that are designated by the Department of Energy’s ENERGY STAR® rating, as they have been deemed to offer substantial savings when it comes to heating and cooling costs.