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Windows do not last forever, but they don’t have a defined expiration date, either. Higher-end windows may last 30 years or more, when lower-grade, contractor-quality windows might start failing after only a few years. To tell when your windows need to be replaced, you need to keep a close eye on them and on the building materials that surround them. Specifically, watch out for these five signs that the windows in your Dayton home are beginning to fail.
1. Cold Air is Seeping Through
As windows age, the sashes sometimes begin to warp — especially if the sashes are made from wood. The frames and sashes may also start to rot, which creates gaps between the window sashes and frames. Air starts leaking through these gaps and into your home. It is easiest to detect air leaks during the winter and spring when the outside air is cold. If you walk past the window and feel a draft or breeze, your windows are beginning to fail.
2. Your Energy Bills Are Rising
There are many possible causes of rising energy costs. Your furnace may be on the fritz, or you might be using your oven more lately. If you’ve ruled out other possible causes of increased energy bills, look to your windows. The air leaks referenced above make your home chilly and force your heater to work harder. In the warmer months, warm air leaks in and drives up your AC costs.
3. The Sills and Frames Are Rotting
Take a close look at the windows in your Dayton home. Are the sashes that surround the glass beginning to rot? Do you see areas where the wood looks sunken in? If you feel the wood, take note of whether it feels spongy or soggy. Rot does not just keep windows from sealing properly — it also begets mold, which is not healthy for you to breathe in.
4. There’s Moisture Between the Panes
When windows are brand new, the air between the panes is sealed in. It acts as an insulating barrier between the inside of your home and the great outdoors. As windows begin to fail, however, the panes become loose in the sash, and air can travel back and forth between the window panes. This can lead to condensation buildup between the panes of glass. Make no mistake about it; if there is condensation in your windows, they are failing to do their job.
5. You Can No Longer Open or Lock The Windows
When the window sashes and frames start to deteriorate, Dayton home owners often start having trouble opening and closing the windows. Double-hung windows might get hard to slide up and down, or the locks may not properly latch into place. Casement windows may no longer crank shut, or the hinges might start sagging since the rotting frame does not give them the support they need. Windows that do not open or lock properly are not just an inconvenience — they are unsafe. They make it easier for someone to break into your home, and if you need to get out in an emergency, you may not be able to get through the window.
If you’ve noticed any or all of the above signs of failing windows, contact Renewal by Andersen. We offer free, in-home consultations and will help you choose the best replacement windows for your Dayton home.