Homes will always need new windows eventually. Windows slowly become outdated and start to break down, making them ineffective. Homes recently purchased may have outdated windows that need to be replaced as soon as possible. To determine whether you need to replace the windows in your LA home, it’s crucial to know the signs to watch out for. These are the most common signs your LA home needs new windows.
1. Decayed Frames
Wooden window frames are often chosen for their aesthetic appeal, but these will need replacing sooner than their vinyl counterparts. Window frames are consistently exposed to the harsh elements outdoors, including snow and rain. Over time, the wood frame will begin to rot. If not replaced, this can lead to water getting inside the walls, which will cause mold.
2. High Energy Bills
A sudden increase in energy bills is a sign that it’s time to consider new windows. Windows help keep homes comfortable by ensuring the hot or cold air outside doesn’t get inside. When windows are outdated, they don’t function as well, leading to higher energy bills. Luckily, Energy Star windows can save homeowners an average of $126-465 yearly on energy bills!
3. Poor Operation
Windows should open and close smoothly. Every feature on the window, including the lock, should function properly. A great way to test this is to check the features of every window in the house. Open and close the windows. Then, double-check the locks and other features. If most of your windows don’t function properly, it means that it’s time to start replacing them.
4. Leaking Windows
Windows that are leaking indicate that your LA home needs new windows as soon as possible. This may be due to faulty installation, but it’s often because the window is malfunctioning. For example, condensation may build up on the window and leak inside. Putting a new seal on windows often fails to fix the problem because the water leaks down the inside of the wall, causing mold. Instead, it’s time for a replacement.
5. They’re Outdated
According to This Old House, windows typically last 15-30 years. If you’ve owned your house for a long time and not replaced the windows, that’s a surefire sign that your LA home needs new windows. If you don’t want to replace them immediately, consider contacting a local company that installs windows for an inspection. They can tell you if you need to replace your windows. Remember, it’s always better to replace them before problems start, such as mold.
6. Too Much Noise
A common reason to replace windows in LA is to help soundproof your house. LA is a busy city at all hours of the day and night. While many people love the non-stop action, it can mean less productivity when working at home and not getting a good night’s sleep. If you’re trying to soundproof your house to drown out the constant noise, window replacement can help.
7. They’re Ugly
Homeowners that have windows with little or no aesthetic appeal often consider replacing them if they plan on selling their house in the future. That’s because curb appeal plays a major role in the sale price and how fast a home sells. Most potential buyers will decide whether they want a house within thirty seconds. Most of that time is spent walking up to the house. That makes curb appeal necessary for any homeowner considering selling.
Global Market Insights states the global window and door market is over $153 billion. That’s because more people are realizing the benefits of new windows and learning the signs that they need window replacement. Keep these signs in mind to help you determine when it’s time to replace your windows.
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