Four benefits of replacing your old windows

Repairing or replacing your old windows can be a tedious task. In addition, there's a lot of information a buyer should know before making the final purchase. For example, replacement windows are different from new construction windows because you will use pre-existing window openings.

So when it comes to shopping for new windows, you can choose from two options: replacement windows or new construction windows. Each type is best suited for a specific situation, so you should determine which one is most appropriate as a homeowner.

Replacement Windows

They are often used to replace the existing windows. This means that these windows are made so that the installer no longer needs to remove the exterior siding to install it.

Replacement windows are less intrusive; therefore, they do not result in a lot of damage to the existing structure, which makes it less labour-intensive and less costly.

New Construction Windows

On the other hand, new construction windows are designed to be used when the house is built. So the windows are to be installed for the first time. In addition, these windows are designed to use fins or flanges to be attached to the home's framing.

Once these windows have been installed, the house's exterior can finally go through finishing. Although new construction windows are cheaper than replacement windows, it's quite a labour-intensive process, increasing the overall cost.

Benefits of Having New Windows

There are several benefits to replacing old and worn-out windows, such as better comfort and home security, improved energy efficiency, reduced noise pollution and increased resale value. Let's dive deeper into each one below.

Better Comfort and Home Security

Having new windows can provide better comfort by allowing more natural light and improving the ventilation in your home. In addition, some windows offer features that can increase home security. For example, some windows come with pins and advanced locking mechanisms that prevent them from being unlocked outside.

Other windows also have built-in contact sensors that can send alerts when opened. There are also windows made of impact-resistant glass that are virtually impenetrable.

Improved Energy Efficiency

One of the most significant advantages of switching your old or worn-out windows to new ones is improved energy efficiency. Drafts, air leaks and undesirable condensation make it more costly to keep the entire home cool during the warm season or hot during the cold season.

Therefore, having energy-efficient windows is essential if a homeowner wants to save energy costs and bills. In addition, some windows have an energy-efficient coating which allows more natural light to enter the home, reducing the need for artificial light.

Reduced Noise Pollution

Windows can block outside noise based on their thickness. Nowadays, single, double and triple-pane glass are available in the market. However, checking the noise-stopping ability of windows can only be done by checking its rating on a sound transmission class (STC) scale.

Windows with higher numbers on the scale mean that they offer more noise-reduction. On average, single-pane windows have an STC value of 27, and double and triple-pane windows have a higher rating.

But, if you prefer soundproof windows, you have to choose one that offers an STC rating of 48 to 54 because these windows can block as much as 95% of noise outside.

Increased Resale Value

If a home offers better energy efficiency, home security, and noise reduction, it can increase its resale value. However, how much of an increase will still depend on several factors. These factors include the size of the home, the number of windows you had replaced and the quality of the replacement windows.

There are also some drawbacks to replacing windows, such as the time and cost involved. Investing in new windows can be costly and time-consuming, but aside from these, the benefits outweigh these disadvantages once the replacement is completed.

Additional Tips

If you are experiencing higher energy bills and you've noticed that a room in your home feels a bit drafty even when windows are closed. You may want first to check the seals and insulation. Take note that failed seals can also result in condensation or fog, which will lead to a leaky window in the future.

If your windows are constructed of wood, and you notice that it's already breaking down or decaying, you may want to check them for termite damage or mould and mildew growth. If you confirm that there are termites, you may want to contact a termite treatment company to help you out. If mould and mildew have grown, have them replaced as soon as possible to prevent health and hygiene concerns.

When your windows become difficult to open or close, this may compromise your entire home's security. So it would be better to perform regular check-ups and maintenance to ensure that the windows are not swollen, rusted or rotten. If you confirm that they are already starting to break down, prepare to have them replaced as soon as possible.

Are you currently planning on repairing or replacing your current windows and want a more accurate estimate of how much the entire thing would cost? You can find an online window repair cost estimator to help you figure out the budget needed.