When your window is smashed or panes of glass are cracked it’s obvious that you need to replace your glass, but what other factors indicate that you should be replacing your glass? Here are 5 of the most common signs that it’s time to get new glass.
You can feel a draft coming through the window
It’s important to recognise the difference between a draft coming in through the window frame or pane. Why? Because a draft coming through the edges of the frame can be repaired by sealing them with weather stripping or caulking whereas a breeze coming through the actual pane indicates that the glass itself is compromised and it isn’t doing its job properly. You cannot repair this problem in most cases, and it needs to be replaced. You can pinpoint where the air is getting in by placing your hand on the pane and then the edges to feel for a draft. If left, you can expect higher energy bills until it’s fixed. Heating and cooling systems must work harder and normally must be used for longer to get the room to the desired temperature.
Opening your windows is difficult
If your windows are jammed and you are having to forcefully open them it can be dangerous especially if you slip and you hit the pane of glass. Sometimes you can repair the window frame without having to replace it entirely however if they are wood and it has rotted out completely or it has swollen that is a good sign that you need to replace it with a new one.
Windows that don’t block out any noise
Most of us don’t want to be hearing cars driving by or the neighbours talking when in our home. If you can, it’s likely your windows aren’t soundproof enough and when all your windows aren’t blocking sound efficiently you may find your house excessively noisy. You can try to repair the problem before replacing the panes altogether by sealing off any gaps. If this doesn’t help, you will likely need to replace the windows with thicker or different types of glass.
Your windows are old
Windows last around 15 years on average and if your home is an older make and still has its original windows, they won’t be up to today’s standards in most cases. If you don’t know how old your windows are you can check for a label with the date they were manufactured. They are normally located in a corner of the pane or in the track, some don’t have one. If they are more than 15-20 years old and worn, it is a good idea to replace them to ensure they are working to their full potential.
Moisture in the windows
If you have double glazed windows and see moisture between your window panes this is a sign that you may have what’s known as a ‘blown’ window. There are few potential causes for this including inferior installation, damaged seals or they may have simply aged. If it is just the seals that are damaged, the problem can usually be fixed by removing the old seal and replacing with a new one. If this doesn’t resolve the issue you will have to get your window replaced. Leaving it will result in moisture getting into the home which can cause an array of problems such as mould and rot.
Why should I replace my windows?
If your glass isn’t broken or cracked, it’s easy to leave them until you must get new ones but replacing old and inferior quality windows has many advantages that can save you money down the track.
Reduce your energy bills
One-third of a home’s heating and cooling escapes from the windows and doors so if the windows in your home and if your windows aren’t up to par, you’ll probably be getting expensive energy bills each quarter. Quality windows can save a significant amount of money, insulate the home to keep it at a comfortable temperature and they are also better for the environment.
Improve Safety
Your home’s windows play a vital role in keeping your family and belongings safe and secure. You also want to ensure they are safe to be around, especially if you have young children. Older panes are often just float/annealed glass, which break into large shards which can be extremely dangerous. Modern safety glass options are stronger and aren’t as susceptible to breaks. If they do break, they do so in a safer manner such as shattering in small relatively harmless pieces. Or will crack and hold in place.
Improve The Aesthetics Of Your Home
Old and weathered windows don’t look great. The right windows let in the perfect amount of light and can revamp a space to accentuate your home. Replacing old windows with new, energy-efficient alternatives can add value to your property. Most people are conscious of the ever-rising cost of energy, so they make a great selling point.
Speak With A Professional
There is no denying the benefits that replacing old and outdated glass can provide, however, if replacing all the windows in your home isn’t in your budget, consider making some simple repairs or replace them gradually. Your back pocket will thank you for it. If your windows are experiencing any of the issues mentioned above, get in touch with our experienced team of glaziers here at True Blue Glass to discuss your options.
