Aging is a fact of life, just as replacement windows are a part of home improvement.
Everything ages; there’s no way around it. People age, furniture ages, and houses are right up there. Aging happens. Take a drive through the country on a sunny afternoon. See that barn over there? It’s the one ready to collapse at any moment.
What about that house, the one that’s morphed into a shack with foggy and broken windows?
The owners have since moved on and left the poor house to fend for itself. Where’s the love? But let’s not judge too harshly. Maybe they didn’t know they could replace those rickety windows. Who knows, perhaps they thought they couldn’t afford it.
Some things you can and should replace. Where are the new windows that could have saved that house?
What about your windows? Have you looked at them lately? Anyone who moves to a new house knows the crack in the wall. If you don’t know this theory, here it is: you notice a crack in the wall over the fireplace when you move in.
“I’ll have that fixed,” you say. And before you know it, you don’t see the crack anymore. Then weeks turn into months, and sometimes into years.
It’s still there, big as day, but you’ve looked at it so many times, you no longer see it, and it is no longer a priority.
But let’s say your house is valuable to you. Let’s ask some of the hard questions:
- How old is your home?
- What is it you want from your windows?
- Has it been a while since you inspected them?
Should you replace your windows?
The Age of Your Home
When was your home born? Is it relatively young? Is it a senior? Older than the Temple of Maltas?
Some people love to restore old homes. Maybe your house belonged to your parents or grandparents and was handed down through the generations. It’s your heritage.
If your home is ancient, you’ve undoubtedly taken a good look at the floorboards, the carpeting, the plumbing, and the windows. If not, then it’s past time. Go ahead, zero in on the details.
Your home is as good as the love you give it. New windows will have an impact on everyone in and around your house.
What Do You Want from Your Windows?
- We all need more light and more vitamin D. More sunshine equals more energy.
Did you know that productivity in the workplace increases when workers have natural light? If you don’t believe it, sit in a cubicle and work all day. Do you feel sluggish?
Now pull that computer out of the corner and sit in front of a picture window. See the difference?
- Installing new windows can increase curb appeal. Drive around your neighborhood. Which homes grab your attention? Chances are the ones with the view.
Even if you are not looking to sell your home soon, you can enjoy your upgrade. Then when it’s time to sell, you’re all set.
- In Houston, the importance of sturdy windows is worth stressing. When hurricane winds come roaring, you want windows that stand up to the force. It’s all about safety for you and your loved ones.
Inspecting Your Windows
Like anything that matters, we need to look at it, not just ignore it. If we treat everything like that crack in the wall, we’ll end up with a bigger crack.
How do you know which windows need replacement? You can look for some things before you call in the experts. Here are a few:
- Is there a draft? If air is coming into the house where it shouldn’t, it’s a telltale sign. Sometimes you can feel it with your hand; other times, you might need to camp out next to the window for a while.
- Cha-ching! Where does the dough go? Are single-pane windows eating your money? Are you aware that your air conditioner works harder with single-paned windows? It might be time for more energy-efficient windows, such as double- or triple-pane.
- Are the frames cracking? Decaying or moisture on the glass panels means your windows aren’t doing their job.
- Do your windows whistle? It might be windy outside, but you shouldn’t be able to hear it through the windows.
- Is it impossible to open and shut the windows? If so, that’s a definite safety issue. Build-up from years of painting can act like glue. You should be able to get out in an emergency.
If something’s telling you it’s time for new windows; then maybe it’s time to listen to your gut. Hurricane-force winds, flooding, and supercell thunderstorms are all guilty of dumping damaging winds and water, leaving your home vulnerable.
Luckily, Mr. Windows has sliding patio doors and storm windows that can protect your property and your family. Let us work with you to find the best options for your home that you can enjoy for years to come. Give us a call today.
And while you are at it, check us out on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/mrwindowstx.
