The windows in your home play a very important role. It allows you to enjoy the landscape while also giving you comfort from the heat of summer or the chill of winter. Unfortunately, as the windows in your home start to get older the less and less they are able to keep jack frost outside during the winter. That’s when replacing your home’s windows with newer more energy efficient replacement windows in Ann Arbor Michigan is such as good idea but how do you know it’s time to replace them? In this article I’ll provide you some tips to help you better understand just what shape your current windows are in and if you need to have them replaced.
Is It Time to Update Your Home’s Windows in Ann Arbor Michigan?
One of the biggest problems of any window is that it doesn’t keep air from moving into and out of a home. Also the temperature transfer that can happen with windows is important. Just like the walls in your home, the windows in your home also have an insulation factor. It’s ability to keep that cold air out and the warm air in on a winter day. Once the insulation factor starts to degrade it means you’ll likely need to replace the windows in your home. It’s difficult to determine in some cases because it happens so gradually over time but there are some things you can look for. Here are some scenarios where you’ll likely need replacement windows in your Ann Arbor MI home.
Are Your Windows Single Pane Windows?
Many older homes were built with wooden windows that were only a single pane glass thick. Although the window may be performing as it should in every other way these are some of the least energy efficient windows available. Upgrading single pane windows to double or triple pane windows will have a major impact on your home’s energy consumption. There are vinyl replacement windows that look like wooden windows if you’re concerned about how they will look. Also, wooden windows may have sashes that have double or triple panes as well.
There are vinyl replacement windows that look like wooden windows if you’re concerned about how they will look. Also, wooden windows may have sashes that have double or triple panes as well.
Is the Sash in Your Windows ‘Blown’?
Although you may have double pane windows it doesn’t mean it’s performing as it should. One way window companies improve the insulation factor in windows is to insert pressurized gas between the window panes. However, once the seal break and the pressurized gas leaks out it’s known as being ‘blown’. This is common on older windows and when it happens the insulation factor isn’t as good. Also since the seal is broken it will allow condensation to start to form between the panes which can obscure the view through the window.
Check for Drafts Around Windows
If you open and close the windows in your home a lot you may have damages and wear on the tracks of your windows. Sometimes when this happens it can allow a draft in the window around the sashes where the track is worn. Be sure to check these areas for air coming in.
Unsafe Windows Need to Be Replaced
During an emergency is not the time to realize that your windows are painted shut or won’t open for some reason. Make sure the windows in your home that can be used to escape a fire can be opened and stay open. You’ll also want to ensure the locking mechanisms on windows are performing as they should as well. In case of a single window in a room it’s really important that it works and can be used to escape a fire if needed.
Be Aware of Window Energy Efficiency Ratings
All windows and doors sold today have an energy efficiency rating displayed on them. You’ll be able to determine just how energy efficient a window or door is by this rating and it can also help you better compare your choices when it comes to replacing your home’s windows.
Get a Free Estimate on New Windows for Your Home in Ann Arbor MI
Want to know more about getting replacement windows in Ann Arbor Michigan? Be sure to call Ann Arbor Remodeling Contractor for a free estimate on installing new replacement windows in your home.