ealing with windows can be a messy business. Many of us don't consider ourselves particularly “handy,” and therefore when a problem arises in the house, our first instinct is to simply chuck whatever it is that is broken.
This may or may not be necessary. Fortunately, for the many laymen among us, there are simple steps that we can take to determine what we need to do when our windows become damaged. In some cases, yes, new ones will be called for. But not in every case. The key lies in determining the type and extent of the problem.
Basic questions to start with
Before you start getting into the details of your window issues, a good place to start is with a few basic questions. This will help you lay a basis for further investigation:
- How old are your windows?
- What type of damage do they have (water damage, cracks, holes, etc)?
- Is the damage extensive enough that it would exceed the cost of new windows?
The last question is obviously the most important, but there are further steps that you can take to better determine costs. Your decision will also depend on what type of windows you are dealing with, you could be looking for hung windows, replacement casement windows, tilt and turn, or many other styles.
Types of problems to look for
There are many different issues that windows can have. They undergo a lot of abuse, after all, particularly in homes that are in harsh environments. The following are the most common types of problems that people encounter with their windows:
- Basic operational problems. Windows can get stuck for a variety of reasons. Changes in weather can cause them to swell, for example. They could have dirt or debris stuck in them. A buildup of paint could cause them to become clogged in one spot.
- Drafts. If you live in a cold environment, even small leaks can cause major drafts in your house. Different types of damage, including materials that have degraded, cracks from aggressive opening and shutting, degraded sealant, or other causes could cause drafts.
- Clear condensation on windows or fogginess. If you notice fogginess in between the panes of multi-pane windows, or condensation buildup, it could either mean that your sealant has become faulty or you have cracks.
- Rotting frames. Wood can certainly start to rot over time. If your frames start to rot, you will need to thoroughly investigate the extent of the problem.
- Changes in noise level from the outside. If you start to notice more noise coming in from the outside, it is likely due to a crack or deterioration in your windows.
Determining whether to repair or replace
Once you determine what your basic issues are, the next step is to figure out the extent of the damage and decide whether repairing your windows will actually be worth it or if it would be better to look for window replacement. While we can't speak to every situation, here are a few basic rules you can go by:
- If your frames are still in relatively good shape, focus on the glass. You might just need extra sealant, although if the glass damage is significant, you can replace the panes but keep the frames.
- If you have an issue with a lock, crank, or other accessory to a window, you can often just repair it.
- If air leaks are minor, simply replacing the weatherstripping or getting better caulking can often do an excellent job of stopping the leakage.
- Once frames get to the point where they are rotting or getting soft, it is time to replace them as this kind of thing can't be undone.
- When condensation starts to build up between your panes and efforts to fix cracks fail, you should think about replacing.
- If your windows are consistently hard to open and close, even after clearing dirt and paint buildup, your frames have probably warped and it is time for a replacement.
- If your leaks are so bad that your energy bills are going up significantly, you could save money by simply buying new ones.
- In general, if your frames are over 20 years old and you are having problems, it is probably time for an upgrade anyway.
It's not all bad news
Even if you do have to upgrade, the good news is that upgrading has many benefits. You will be increasing the value of your home by investing in newer windows. You will be bringing your energy bills down. If you buy the right kind of energy-efficient windows, you might even get tax credits from the government (you can look into this as you shop around).
Beyond this, you will be making your home look nicer, possibly even with a style change. So it is ultimately a win-win. Just be sure to do your homework, and make a smart decision about what you buy as there are a lot of options out there now.
