Windows are a vital part of any home because they provide natural light, ventilation, and insulation. Yet, windows can become damaged, outdated, or inefficient over time. When this occurs, homeowners must make a difficult choice: whether to repair or replace windows.
In this article, we’ll explore when you should repair vs replace windows, so you can make an informed decision about what’s best for your home.
Repair Or Replace Old Windows?
When you begin looking for new windows, you should consider what can be changed or done to make the windows you already have more energy efficient. Of course, replacing old windows with new ones can lower your energy expenses/. But the thousands you’ll spend on new windows and installation will take years to recoup. Here are some pointers as to when to repair vs replace your windows.
Can A Window Be Repaired?
Cracked Or Broken Glass
When the glass in a window is broken, the decision to replace it is influenced by safety and optical acuity. Single-pane windows can be repaired effectively and affordably by the homeowner or a glazier. If a multi-pane window is broken or cracked, consider a sash replacement. But, if you have been putting up with window difficulties for a long time, this could be an excellent reason to replace the complete window.
Broken Muntins Or Mullions
Muntins and mullions that have rotted or split must be rebuilt in single-pane windows. Those with missing or brittle putty between the glass panes can be easily repaired. After removing the glass and cleaning the area, apply new putty and fasten the glass with new glazier points.
Balky Or Stuck Sashes
Upper or lower sashes that are unable to move are common issues with older windows. This could be due to numerous layers of paint holding the sash and frame together. Maybe the sash could have gotten off track.
When sashes are difficult to raise, the most common problem is damaged cords on sash weights. For spring-type sashes, the spring may have failed or become loose, which can be repaired.
Missing Or Rotting Drip Cap
The outer shield at the top of the window is the drip cap. This is a simple window repair that most do-it-yourselfers can complete. Aluminum drip caps that are rot-free and rust-free can be obtained at almost any hardware store, fastened into place, and then caulked.
Poor Exterior Window Casing
The outside casing that is loose, broken, rotting, or missing is unsightly and can cause window damage. Window replacement is not required simply because the casing is damaged.
Most hardware stores sell primed wood exterior casing. Homeowners can replace the current casing with the new casing. Keep in mind that primed wood is not weatherproof. It should be coated with exterior-grade paint as soon as possible following installation. For this use, low-maintenance vinyl and PVC products are also available.
Minor Water Leakage
When internal water is discovered near a window, it is frequently coming from around the window rather than through the window. Water can be forced into windows by poorly draining gutters and drainpipes. Window seals are designed to keep water out, but not water with such force. Reroute your drainage system and see the results.
Signs It’s Time To Replace Your Windows
Foggy Windows
Water condensing inside your window’s double-pane or triple-pane insulated glass unit (IGU) causes foggy windows. These self-sufficient IGUs are incorporated into today’s windows. Hence, unlike traditional multi-paned windows, which had the glass placed in place by a glazier, IGUs are sealed and permanent.
An IGU cannot be disassembled and rebuilt by a do-it-yourselfer or even a competent window technician. The only alternative is removal and replacement. This means that IGUs are often an all-or-nothing project for the owner of fogged-up windows. Individual IGU window panes can be ordered and replaced from a glass business in some situations.
Can A Foggy Window Be Fixed?
A specialized company can repair foggy windows by drilling tiny holes in the glass, extracting the damp air within the IGU, and then resealing the glass. However, because there are so few companies that do this, it is more practical to replace the sash or window.
Structural Problems
When the outer construction of the window fails, it’s time to replace it. In rare circumstances, the studs, house sheathing, siding, and insulation around the window may also be in bad condition. This necessitates both the replacement of the window and the reconstruction of portions of the wall. In this situation, a new-construction window will be used rather than a replacement window.
Major Water Leakage
Significant water infiltration around the window could indicate a problem with the outer window casing. This isn’t so much a window problem as it is a problem with your entire façade. But, if water does come in through the window, it is usually time to start looking for new windows.
Broken Faux Muntins Or Mullions In IGUs
Muntins and mullions are wood pieces that separate glass panes. If these are merely decorative muntins and mullions inserted between two panes of glass, they cannot be replaced. The good news is that they will not interfere with the operation of your window.
The Two Main Elements To Consider When Choosing Windows
When you think of windows for your home, you may envision the models depicted in some articles, furniture blogs, and industry magazines. What strikes you most often is the harmony of the shapes, the value that the fixtures add to the overall design, and the ability to adequately illuminate indoor environments.
The first aspect to consider is aesthetics. Windows, like furnishings and wall colors, decorate the rooms and improve their structural characteristics with effects of continuity and harmony, or contrast and complementarity.
In terms of the second factor, selecting the best windows for your home involves energy efficiency. This is important because the frame, lenses, and seals are the distinguishing factors between a medium-low quality product and one with high standards.
Energy-Efficient Window Replacement Options
Wood and PVC are by far the most effective components, as they provide a high thermo-acoustic insulation index. They are aesthetically beautiful, and, when paired with double glazing, help to build windows that are both time and weather resistant.
However, it is important to note that a high-end product should always be installed by qualified and expert professionals who are capable of performing state-of-the-art installation. Otherwise, even the best windows risk being irreversibly damaged.
The figures relating to transmittance will be very beneficial in judging the degree of insulation of a fixture. Presented numerically, they represent the level of heat that traverses a surface of 1 square meter and translate into the quantity of heat diffused between the interior and exterior.
The lower the transmittance, the greater the window’s capacity to keep the heat (or cold) inside. This translates into excellent thermal insulation, which is connected with energy savings, lower expenditures for refrigeration or space heating, and lower consumption.
From a modern perspective, oriented toward intelligent solutions, both with smart home automation and in connection to structural elements such as doors and windows, the best windows have a lower environmental impact. This is because they allow less energy to be needed for interior air cooling.
Security And How To Open Windows
The level of security of the windows is critical in order to provide appropriate peace of mind to the residents of the house against break-ins and unwanted entry. The ideal windows for your home, particularly if you live in an independent solution or on lower floors in an urban context, are those with a reinforced steel profile. They have unique safety mechanisms, such as anti-burglary strikers positioned on the steel reinforcements.
These elements give more protection against attempts by thieves and ill-intentioned individuals to unhinge the fixtures with professional tools. When combined with video cameras and sound alarms, these windows act as a deterrent for criminals, who would take a long time to get inside.
The manner of opening and shutting impacts the security level of the windows. In general, the hinged mechanism is the most capable of defending against break-ins, although sliding or bottom-hung openings, particularly with PVC products, can also provide excellent protection.
In the event of particularly big rooms, you can install one, two, or three-sash windows depending on the size of the aperture for the fittings.
For larger locations, ad hoc designs are available, in which every part of the windows may be customized. This ranges from the material to the number of doors, passing through the opening mode and the manual or motorized shutter control system.
Latest Window Replacement Trends And Technology
The most modern smart home automation systems allow you to operate rolling shutters and blinds using an electric command as well as your smartphone. There is a dedicated app that allows you to operate the moving parts with just a few taps, even if you are in another room. To take advantage of these services, it is essential to have a stable wireless network and to rely on expert professionals who are constantly updated in the selection and installation of wands.
Should I Replace The Original Windows In An Old House?
A house’s windows can be one of the characteristics that determine the overall identity of both the front and the inside. As a result, these windows are one of the primary features that contribute to the high market value of residences in this category.
If something is wrong with the windows in your historic home, first identify whether the issue is with a pane of glass, a frame, or a sash. For the latter, assess whether the issue is limited to a single location or if it affects the entire window. If the problem is limited to a single region, ask if that portion can be replaced with a stylistic match before proceeding with a full replacement.
If you need to replace a set of windows in an older home, attempt to acquire an exact stylistic match to the pre-existing set of windows to help keep the home’s market value.
Of course, you may not wish to resell the house or may simply want to tweak certain architectural aspects. In any case, you may want to consult with a conservation commission in your area for additional information.
Window Maintenance And Upkeep Advice – How Often Should You Replace Windows?
How long do windows last? As long as you maintain your windows properly, they should last at least a quarter-century and give comfort and insulation to your home.
The average lifespan of a home window is 15-20 years. Once they reach this age, the seals begin to deteriorate or fail, leaving you vulnerable to drafts and water seepage. Also, single-pane windows were the norm 15 years ago.
You can use the following method to check for drafts in your windows:
- Place your hand between the window sash and the frame
- If you feel a draft, you have the traditional draft, which causes you to lose heat
- Another option is to take a piece of paper and place it on the frame before closing the window
- If you can easily remove the sheet after it has been closed, the window is not properly sealed and has draft issues
Choosing whether to repair or replace your windows can be a challenging decision. There are many factors to consider, including cost, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. Ultimately, the best decision will depend on your specific situation and needs.
Whether you decide to repair or replace home windows, make sure to work with a reputable professional and choose high-quality materials to ensure that your windows will be a long-lasting and valuable investment for your home.