How do I know it’s time to replace my windows?

It’s time to open up the house which is also a good time to evaluate your windows. Window replacement is an important part of keeping up the home, especially in Minnesota. Your windows let in sunshine and fresh air, express your home’s personality and help conserve energy. Windows hang in there (pun intended) for you! So it’s a good idea to return the favor.

Here are two reasons why you may consider replacing your windows.

1. My windows just aren’t doing their job.

Because windows stand between you and the elements, they sustain damage over time. Watch for these telltale signs that it’s time to replace one or more windows in your home:

• Do you notice that certain rooms are hotter or colder than others? Your windows may be leaking air through cracks and gaps.
• Do you dread every time you need to open or close a window? Is it something more than something WD40 can fix?
• Seeing fog when it’s a clear day? If you have double-paned glass, you may have a crack in the seal between panes causing moisture buildup.
• Is mold taking hold of your frames? Mold can cause skin and eye irritations, breathing problems, and cause allergic reactions.
• Are you seeing the effects of weathering? Check for warped or cracked frames, peeling paint, and evidence of storm damage.

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2. New windows would reset and elevate the design.

Many of us live in the house of our dreams—except for that one set of windows from the wrong era. It’s like a salesman in the 1970s sold windows to everyone on your block. It dates your home and confuses the design. Window replacement can bring your home’s design back into alignment. If you have original windows in other areas of the house, use them as a guide to match the materials, the number of panes in each window, and the overall style.

Here are a few tips:

• Consider whether this is your opportunity to boost the original design in a way that still fits the era. For example, you might add a bay window in a dining room. Or perhaps it’s time to commission a unique stained glass window that expresses your family’s story.
• One thing to keep in mind is the domino effect. If you replace windows in one room, how will that affect the overall look and experience from both the inside and exterior of the house?
• If your budget is tight, focus on the windows that will give you the most bang for your buck in terms of design. If you can replace more windows at one time, consider doing all the windows that face the street, then work your way to other areas of the house.

New windows can elevate the design and improve energy efficiency. And remember, you don’t have to do it all at once.

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