Signs Your House is Due for Window Replacement

Author: nancyferdinand | Posted: 07.06.2012

There are more ways to tell that your windows are due for replacement than you might realize. Rather than looking out for pests, swelling (if your windows are wooden), or rusting and denting (if your windows are metallic), there are more practical signs that your windows need replacing. Once you have identified these signs, you may pick up the phone and get new windows.

If your home feels too cold in the winter or too hot in the summer, this means too much air from the outside is coming in. When this occurs even if your windows are shut tight, it could mean that your windows are already worn out, thus letting in unwanted heat or cold. These lead to higher energy bills since you inevitably turn up your air conditioning system more than you normally would.

In addition, windows need to be sturdy to withstand strong winds. This is particularly necessary in areas like Wisconsin that are close to the Great Lakes, where the winds can be pretty strong. Most homeowners in this region thus tend to keep their windows shut. However, if your windowpanes fog up or develop frost, the glass could need improvement.

Located in the north-central United States and bordering two of the five Great Lakes, Wisconsin has a typical humid continental climate, classified as Dfb, the warm summer subtype. The proximity to the Great Lakes gives the state a good amount of precipitation, i.e. rain and snow. The area also experiences occasional thunderstorms and hailstorms, so windows need to be strong to withstand all this.

Another way to tell if you need Wisconsin replacement windows is if your curtains billow even when your windows are closed. This means that breeze still enters your home, which is a disadvantage in winter. This also compels you to overuse your air conditioning system, resulting in higher utility bills.

If your windows are difficult to open or close, then it may be due to construction defects. This usually occurs with age, but improper installation can also be a factor. Certain types of Wisconsin replacement windows are lightweight but durable, and provide adequate protection from the elements. Made of expanded polymer composites, these replacement windows are stronger and more solid than polyvinyl chloride (vinyl).

Some windows today still require stepladders to clean them from outside. Luckily, newer types of Wisconsin windows are built in a way to make cleaning from every angle easier. These also reduce the risk of injury among homeowners or window cleaning professionals. For more information, see NFRC.org.

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