Signs Your Windows or Doors Need Replacing
One of the biggest mistakes homeowners make is postponing necessary repairs. By putting off needed maintenance on your home, you may be costing yourself more in the long run. Minor problems have a way of compounding over time, especially when it comes to home repairs that may allow water to leak into your home, causing mold and mildew to thrive.
Postponing these kinds of repairs can eventually lead to the premature need for new windows and doors. In this post from the exterior remodeling contractors at Budget Exteriors, we’ll share some of the most common signs your doors or windows should be replaced. Here’s what you need to look out for.
Signs of Damaged Wood
If you notice damaged wood anywhere inside your home, it’s a good indicator that water is leaking in somewhere. This is especially common around the frames of your windows and doors. Water damage can lead to warping, expansion, or cracking in the wood structure. When left too long, the wood structure underneath can be compromised and even begin to rot or otherwise deteriorate. Damaged wood around the door or window frame means your windows or doors need to be replaced.
Signs of Insects
Insects inside your home can be more than just a minor nuisance. They can also be incredibly destructive to the safety and structure of your home. If you notice any signs of a possible termite infestation in your wood-lined windows and doors, address it immediately so the problem does not spread. What this looks like varies from infestation to infestation, but Terminix, a pest control company, covers a few notable signs here.
After dealing with the underlying pest issues, your window or door will most likely need to be replaced; it’s next to impossible to reclaim wood after termites have had their way with it.
Condensation
It’s normal for moisture to accumulate outside your window or even on the inside of your window. What you don’t want to see is signs of condensation or fogginess in between your window panes, which indicates that the insulating properties of the window have failed. The best fix for this is a window repair.
To learn more about window condensation, check out our blog that delves into the topic in more detail.
Rising Energy Bills
Windows and doors, when working right, keep your home’s interior air where it’s supposed to be: inside. But when they aren’t properly sealed or are otherwise ailing, your home becomes vulnerable to air leaks—when exterior air enters your home, or when interior air escapes. Not only is that a major money pit, but it can have serious repercussions for the comfort of your home and the health of your family. According to the United States Department of Energy, “Air leakage… can contribute to moisture problems that affect occupants’ health and the structure’s durability. Sealing cracks and openings reduces drafts and cold spots, improving comfort.”
When your energy bills start to rise, it can be a sign that it’s time to replace your windows and doors with newer, more energy-efficient models; the savings can be huge over the long term. According to ENERGY STAR, “Installing ENERGY STAR certified windows, doors, and skylights can shrink energy bills — and carbon footprints — by an average of 12 percent nationwide, compared to non-certified products.”
Your HVAC System Is Struggling
Have you noticed your furnace or A/C making strange noises lately? Have you needed to call a technician more often than usual for repairs? You could have an issue with your home’s windows and doors that might warrant replacement. The connection between that and your HVAC might seem a little hard to understand at first—so let us explain.
Remember those air leaks that we just talked about? Well, your HVAC doesn’t “know” they exist. It’s going to continue to try to heat and cool your home to the level it was before they occurred—which means that, since air leaks are actively making the process harder, the system will need to ramp up its efforts to compensate. Too much of this working overtime can lead to extensive repair needs and, eventually, system failure.
If you notice your HVAC system having a hard time, look into the state of yoru windows and doors. If they’re leaking air, replace them, and the problem will be tidily left in the past.
Schedule Your Minneapolis Replacement Windows Today
Replacing outdated windows and doors on your home is one of the best investments you can make in terms of exterior remodeling. Replacement windows can help to reduce your monthly energy costs and make your home more comfortable throughout the year. They also help to increase the overall value of your home.
At Budget Exteriors, our exterior remodeling professionals can help you assess the condition of your door and windows to help you decide if repairs or replacement are recommended. Give our Bloomington office a call at 952-887-1613 to connect with a member of our team or contact us online to get a free estimate on your new windows and doors today.