Signs to Replace Your Windows

Are the windows at your Pittsburgh address starting to look worse for wear? It can be hard to tell if the signs of an aging window are just superficial or if they're an indicator that the performance is beginning to fade as well. Legacy Remodeling has been a trusted window contractor in Pittsburgh since 1987, so understanding old window warning signs is one of our areas of specialty.

When customers tell us they're unsure whether their current windows need to get replaced or if they still have a few good years left, we tell them to look for the following signs.

1. Your Windows are Visibly Damaged

There are many signs of damage that homeowners can spot just by glancing at their current windows. While some minor signs of damage, such as a few dents on the exterior from hail or something similar, may not have an affect on performance, there are more severe symptoms that could indicate they need replacing, including:

  • Chipped or Cracked Frames
  • Broken Glass Panes
  • Warped or Rotted Frames
  • Water Stains or Peeling Paint
  • Loosened Weather Stripping

2. You Feel a Draft Near Your Windows

One of the most surefire signs that you need to invest in a window replacement is air drafts. Stand near your window and see if you can notice a temperature change or a slight breeze. If you can, it means that your windows are no longer sufficiently sealed off from the elements outside. 

Sometimes, this issue can be fixed by getting new weather stripping or re-caulking around the window, but if you've noticed a rattle coming from your windows when it's windy, your frames and the rest of your window may have deteriorated to the point where it's best to get them replaced.

3. It's Difficult to Open and Close the Window

There are many different window styles available today, but one thing they all have in common is that they are easy to operate. Whether you have casement, double-hung, garden, egress or another window type, you should be able to open and close it without exerting much force. 

If your window has started resisting you when attempting to open or close it, you may need a replacement installed. First, double-check that the track is clear of dirt and debris. If your window is still sticking, you may be dealing with a harder-to-fix issue like:

  • Swollen Wood Frames from Moisture Damage
  • Warped Frame or Track from Excess Moisture
  • Misalignment from Humidity or Temperature Changes Over Time
  • Worn Out or Damaged Hardware

4. Condensation is Accumulating Between Panes

Have the views from your windows become blocked by a persistent fog or haze? Not only are foggy windows annoying, they're also not functioning correctly. Fog is a sign that condensation has started accumulating between glass panes, which is another symptom of seal failure, whether from recent damage or gradual wear and tear. 

5. Energy Bills are Higher than They Used to Be

When windows start wearing out, they begin losing their ability to adequately insulate your home against the weather outside. If you have been relying on your HVAC system more than usual lately or noticed steadily increasing utility bills each month, it's definitely time for a window replacement.

For improved functionality and a longer lifespan, consider getting an energy-efficient Pittsburgh window replacement. As an Energy Star partner, Legacy Remodeling is committed to helping homeowners reduce their energy usage and increase their savings by installing these impressively-insulating products that stop heat transfer from happening and keep interiors at comfortable indoor temperatures year-round.

Get in touch with our team today for more information on our products or services, and we'll give you a free estimate on a new window installation.