Is It Time for New Windows and Doors?

 

Many homeowners can’t remember the last time they replaced their windows and doors. Many more may have never replaced them or even considered it.

Advancements in the window and door design in the past 20 years have given homeowners the opportunity to substantially lower their energy costs while adding to the home’s value and curb appeal. Installing replacement windows is one of the most popular ways to improve a home’s energy efficiency. It requires minimal additional materials and installation time and minimizes both the cost and the mess.  With just this relatively simple improvement, homeowners can save hundreds of dollars per year in heating and cooling costs. 

 

If you’re unsure if your home needs new windows and doors, consider these warning signs:

They look old. Yes, that seems like a simple test, but if your windows and doors are looking worn and tired, they’re likely allowing cold and warm air into your home. If you’re considering selling your home in the future, replacing the windows and doors will be a necessity to get a top selling price.

Fading in flooring, furniture or drapes. Old windows do nothing to block harmful UV rays from entering your home, fading out valuable furniture and flooring. If you see distinct lines running across items near your windows, it’s time to update to double pane Low E glass windows that will block out most of those damaging UV rays.

Noise from the outside. Hearing a minimal amount of outside noise with your windows and doors closed is to be expected. However, if you can clearly hear outdoor conversations or traffic, you likely have large gaps around your trim that is allowing in that noise. New windows and doors will offer peace and quiet in the home.

Sky high energy bills. Do your energy bills seem out of whack, or have they increased recently? That’s a sign that your windows and doors lack the proper fit and insulation to keep out extreme temperatures.

Outdated hardware. Replacing outdated hardware on your windows and doors is one way to squeeze a bit more life out of them. But if you can’t find replacement parts, that’s a clear sign it’s time to update.

Difficulty in cleaning. New modern windows feature many advancements that make them easy to clean, including panes that are easily moved up, down, inside and out. If cleaning your windows is a struggle, upgrading will likely make you want to tackle this chore more often.

Age of your home. If your home was built before 1970, and it still has its original windows, you likely are living with single-pane glass. There is no more inefficient window than single pane. Today’s windows are made with two or even three panes for maximum efficiency.

Visible damage. Closely look at your current windows and doors. Do you spot damage to the frame, sills, or trim? All of these could be symptoms of much bigger issues that should be addressed immediately. 

Problems with opening and closing. If you have windows that are permanently closed or nearly impossible to open, that’s a sure sign that they no longer fit the opening or that the hardware is damaged beyond repair.

Whether you’re replacing windows or doors, remodeling a room, or building your dream home from the ground up, Carmody Construction, Inc. is here to help. We are a leading supplier and installer of windows and doors in Naperville, Oswego and the Fox Valley area.

We proudly work with high-quality window and door vendors like  Alliance Windows, Marvin Windows and Doors and Andersen. Additionally, vinyl and fiberglass windows are very low maintenance, so homeowners can benefit from their even greater value in terms of the costs and effort of upkeep.

Contact us today for a free window and door replacement consultation, or call 630-355-0002.