You don’t need to be an expert to recognize the warning signs of a window in need of replacing. If you look hard enough you’ll find the evidence is all around—in rising energy bills, declining comfort, even the faded colours of your furniture.
For help deciding when to replace windows, consider these common issues and warning signs:
Trouble Opening
If you have trouble opening your windows it could indicate a warped sash or frame, or a problem with the window’s hardware. Not only does this impede air circulation and comfort, it represents a fire hazard.
Stubborn windows are also difficult to clean. One of the advantages of our sliding and hung windows is their inward-tilting sashes, which provide easy access for cleaning of both the interior and exterior.
Air Draft / Poor Performance
Drafty windows can be a sign of a poor product or poor installation. Whatever the cause, the effect is unpleasant and potentially costly if it pushes your heating and cooling bill higher as you try to compensate.
Over time, the seal between a window’s frame and its sash can start to fail. This may also result in air leakage, and in some cases water will accumulate in and around the window, leading to mold.
Mold and Condensation
Mold is not only unsightly, it can lead to serious health complications such as child asthma and general respiratory illness. Condensation is a common cause of mold growth in and around windows, indicating either a lack of insulation or a poor installation job.
At Vinyl-Pro we use the warm-edge Super Spacer to resist condensation in all of our windows. In addition to improving thermal efficiency, this dual-seal system acts as a moisture vapour seal along the edge of the glass, which is the area most susceptible to heating and cooling loss. Over time that transfer of air can produce condensation and, ultimately, mold.
We also fusion weld the corners of our windows to create a watertight and airtight surface.
Rising Energy Costs
Look no further than your energy bill for help recognizing when to replace your windows. If rising heating or cooling costs can’t be explained by a rise in rates, the issue might stem from poorly insulated or installed windows.
Among other benefits, energy efficient windows reduce the rate of heat transfer, keeping warm air where you need it. Not only does this help maintain a more comfortable environment, it reduces strain on your heating system.
Noise Pollution
Most people don’t associate energy-efficient windows with quiet, but a well-insulated window can dramatically reduce noise in your home. With a poorly insulated product, noise is allowed to travel freely through the glass or the frame itself.
We manufacture our windows with a high number of internal air chambers to impede air flow and dampen noise. For added soundproofing we offer dual- and triple-paned windows with airtight seals.
Single-Pane Windows
If your home still uses single-pane windows, you could experience a significant increase in energy efficiency and interior comfort by switching to dual- or triple-glazed models. Adding an extra pane of glass boosts insulation, reducing the flow of air and noise. This buffer can be further insulated with argon or krypton gas. When it’s time to replace your windows, consider upgrading to triple-glazed windows to see the biggest boost in performance.
Faded Furniture and Carpeting
Although natural light is one of the main benefits of having windows, prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can result in fading of furniture, carpet, artwork and other organic materials. You’ll know it’s time to replace your windows when items begin to appear less vivid, which indicates a breakdown of the material’s chemical bonds.
Low-E (low emissivity) glass not only improves comfort and reduces solar heat gain, it can dramatically reduce fading by blocking the sun’s harmful UV rays. At Vinyl-Pro we manufacture all of our Low-E windows with Cardinal CG glass—a superior product that blocks up to 95% of UV rays. Even with the added protection, this specially engineered coating still transmits high levels of visible light to offer an unspoiled view of the outdoors.
Regular Maintenance
As a low-maintenance window material, vinyl removes the expensive and time-consuming work of refinishing and repainting that comes with other types of windows. We use a special uPVC (unplasticized polyvinyl) compound that stands up to UV rays and the elements without cracking, blistering or warping. Its high level of resistance to impact and discoloration makes for a virtually maintenance-free window.
If you find yourself investing time and money into maintaining your windows year after year, it could be time to make the switch.
Ultimately it’s up to you to decide when to replace your windows. But if you’d like to learn more about what new windows can do for your home, speak to a trusted Vinyl-Pro dealer today.