If your windows could talk, what would they say about you?
Would they yawn and say “ho-hum,” or beg for mercy curtains to hide the truth about their sorry existence?
According to Google, the average retirement age is 64 for a work-life of about 42 years. That’s a lot of time out of a person’s life. When you think about it, there’s a reason there’s a retirement age.
After 42 years, it’s only natural that people tend to slow down. Of course, retirement is not for everyone; some people keep on going. But most people look forward to retirement; it’s a rite of passage. It’s a way of starting over, a time to refresh.
So, considering your windows, if your work life spans approximately 42 years, why should you expect your windows to work longer than you do? And if you work until you wear yourself to the nubs, then it only makes sense that your windows can only work so long. Eventually, they will fall apart.
What is it you want from your windows? First, let’s look at the things our windows do for us.
Windows Are the Most Important Home Improvement – Here’s Why
- Light: Windows provide light and can make a room feel less confined while boosting your energy and mood.
- Ventilation: Windows can help keep a home cross-ventilated and fresh. Opening a window and smelling the sweet, fresh air is a breath of sunshine.
- Beauty: Not only can windows add beauty to a home, but they allow beauty to pass through – nothing is more refreshing than opening the shades on a sunny morning and letting the rays shine through the room.
- Sound: Windows can allow sound to pass through if you want them to. They can also keep noise out.
- Vitamin D: Natural light from windows is a great source of Vitamin D.
- Views: Windows can provide views of the property and beyond.
- Energy efficiency: New windows can help save money on energy bills.
- Resale value: Upgrading windows can increase a home’s curb appeal and resale value.
- Security: New windows can provide security benefits.
- Interior design: Windows can set the stage for a home’s interior design.
- Mood: Windows can affect the mood of a home.
Older Windows Versus Newer Windows
If you live in an older home, it’s easy to see that windows in homes built 100 years ago differ from today’s windows in several ways, including:
- Panes: Most older homes have single-pane windows, which lack insulation and don’t provide energy efficiency or sound dampening. Newer windows are often double- or triple-pane.
- Sash: Early windows had a single moveable sash that was supported by a pin. Modern windows have two sashes that move in vertical tracks and are counterbalanced by weights.
- Glass: Glass technology in the past didn’t allow it to be as strong as glass is today. Until 1900, all glass was handblown, and large pieces were costly.
- Wood: Old-growth wood has ten times the rings per inch as new-growth wood does, so it expands and contracts less in varying weather conditions. Modern homes and windows are usually constructed from quickly raised, softer farm wood.
Is it time to give your windows a little TLC.? Some windows can be revised; all they need is a good bath. Others have reached that retirement age and need to be replaced; that’s where Mr. Windows comes in.
Perhaps you’re not sure; that’s okay. There’s a lot of nostalgia that goes along with antiques. But if your windows no longer seem like they are doing the job, it might be time to take a good look.
When Should You Replace Your Windows?
Here are some signs that it might be time to replace your windows:
- If you notice condensation between the panes of glass or on the inside of the window, it means your seal is failing. Condensation can cause decay and water damage to window frames.
- High energy bills. If you notice chilly drafts or unwelcome bursts of warm air, your windows may not be functioning properly.
- Difficulty opening and closing. If your windows are difficult to open or close, it could be caused by rotting, rusting, or improper installation.
- Excessive noise. If you can hear your neighborhood and street traffic clearly inside your home, it might be time for a window replacement.
- Your windows are visibly damaged.
- Your windows are drafty.
- Your carpet and furniture around your windows are faded.
It’s a decision, but you don’t have to make it alone. Mr. Windows will be there every step of the way. We can help you choose the best look for your home, one that will give you that “wow” factor and brighten your living space with the joy of a sunny day. Your windows will be installed professionally, and we will work with you to create a payment plan that is right for you.
Take a look around. Are your windows ready to retire? Call Mr. Windows today for a free estimate, and then sit back and enjoy the view.
