Most homeowners know to clean their gutters and check the roof or HVAC system periodically to prevent deterioration. But many often neglect to keep an eye on one of the most important fixtures in the home — the windows. Windows help insulate your home and keep outdoor debris from getting in. If you neglect to inspect or replace them periodically, you may pay the price down the line. Here is a helpful guide to help you determine when your windows need to be replaced.
Durability of Home Windows
There is no set length of time that windows must be replaced because it all depends on the quality of the glass and the amount of erosion they have endured from outside forces. But a general rule of thumb is to consider replacing old windows every one to two decades. If you’ve lived in your current home for 15 years, and you’ve never replaced your windows, it may be time to consider an upgrade. Or you may choose to do it sooner if you have reason to believe it may be necessary.
You may be surprised to learn that glass is not a solid substance. It’s what you call an amorphous solid. That means it exists in a state halfway between solid and liquid and is in a constant state of motion. However, it moves very slowly, at a rate that is impossible to detect by looking at it. But this means it can deteriorate over time due to erosion and microscopic particles breaching the surface.
There are two major factors that can impact the durability of your windows: time and external pressures. If you live in a windy area, for example, you may want to replace your windows more frequently because there will be more dirt and debris attacking them on a regular basis. Time also weakens glass and leaves your windows more vulnerable to these external pressures.
There are other related factors that can impact the health of your windows, including weather phenomena, humidity, UV ray exposure, and random accidents. You should also take these into consideration when deciding whether or not it’s time to get them checked.
If you remember to inspect your windows every ten years and make replacements when necessary, you should be fine. But if you wait too long and they shatter or start to crack, you’ll wish you paid more attention.
Why Should You Replace Your Windows?
There are numerous key benefits to replacing your windows periodically. Windows are an essential feature of a home because they let in the necessary sunlight while trapping heat and keeping out harmful debris. If your windows start to deteriorate and fall apart, it’s going to be detrimental to your comfort level.
Strong, well-secured windows can reduce your monthly heating and cooling bills and increase the level of air quality. If there are cracks or gaps in your window panes, all the warm or cool air will be able to escape and let in air from outside, which ruins the interior air quality and makes it difficult to keep the home at a comfortable temperature.
Windows can also reduce the amount of noise from outside that gets into the home and increase your property values. No one wants to hear everything that’s going on in the neighborhood while they’re trying to relax or fall asleep. So whether you’re planning on staying in your home for the foreseeable future or moving in the next few years, think of periodic window replacement as an investment in the property. This will translate into a higher resale value when it comes time to sell.
What Is the Best Way to Replace Old Windows?
The best way to replace old windows is to hire a professional. It is possible for DIY home fixers to do it on their own, but it requires a variety of expensive tools and expertise to do it correctly. Windows are features you want to be installed correctly, or it will lead to bothersome leaks and air quality issues.
The smart thing for most people to do if they believe it’s time to replace their windows is to contact a window specialist and request an evaluation. An experienced technician will be able to analyze the situation and recommend the right course of action.
If you live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area, and you’re looking for an experienced glass technician to evaluate whether it’s time to replace your windows, contact Advance Auto Glass. We have years of experience in the business and offer an expansive list of glass services that range from car windshield replacement to skylight repair. Give us a call today if you need help inspecting or replacing the windows in your home.
