The Window Shoppe October 28, 2020 No Comment
WINDOW REPLACEMENT VS REPAIR – WHICH ONE SHOULD YOU GO WITH?
Good quality windows are an important factor in both new constructions as well as existing homes. When deciding on whether you should replace your current windows with brand new energy-efficient ones, or to simply repair your current set of windows, it is important to consider a couple of things.
First, what is your goal in updating your windows, is it to reduce our energy costs? Improve the look of your home? Or is it to fix an ongoing problem that you may have with your window?
Second, you need to figure out whether repairing the windows will be more cost-efficient. Most times if your windows are older and are having an ongoing issue, it will be far more affordable to simply replace the windows and guarantee longer usability.
When Should You Decide To Repair?
There are a few instances in which the repair of a current set of windows makes more sense than replacement. If your windows are in generally good condition but may need a few updates, it would save you money to repair the window that may need to be updated. If only one of your windows is causing an issue, it may be best to either partially replace the problematic window or to repair the ongoing issue on that window alone, rather than spending the money to replace all windows. If the glass is broken on one of the windows due to an accident, it makes the most sense to replace the glass on that window alone, rather than replacing a whole set.
Those are all reasonable instances in which repairing a window could save time and money, yet, if the issues with your windows are ongoing, there is a chance that whatever happened to the singular window, will happen to all the remaining ones in time.
When Should I Replace?
The general rule of thumb is to replace any windows that are damaged, have an ongoing issue, or are simply old and do not serve their purpose efficiently.
If your energy bill is high due to your windows not being able to keep the cold air out during the winter and in during the summer, it is time to update your current set of windows to newer more energy-efficient ones.
If your current windows are made out of wood, there are a few signs that or show you need to upgrade your windows. If the wood surrounding the glass begins to rot, whether it is because of water exposure or other environmental factors, it is time to replace your windows. Replacing the wooden framing can oftentimes cost as much if not more than replacing the whole window with a new model.
Broken seals are another indicator that your windows need replacement. It is common wear and tear and can cause cracks and tears. Broken seals are typically irreversible problems and the pane is usually unable to be salvaged. The most efficient response is to replace the window entirely.
Before deciding on whether you should repair or replace your windows, you should consult a professional. They will be able to inform you whether repairing your current set of windows makes sense in the long run, or if they will cause you further problems in the future, making replacement of them inevitable.