Windows are like the eyes of your home. They allow you to gaze out onto the world, bringing in the sunlight and fresh air. Yet, much like eyes are the windows to the soul, windows are often the portal through which weather conditions and energy leaks creep on little cat feet, to paraphrase the immortal Carl Sandburg. If your abode’s ‘eyeballs’ are showing signs of ageing, it may be time to give them a good, hard look and possibly a new set altogether. Here are the unshuttered truths about your home’s portholes.
Drafts and Air Leaks are the Silent Sash Saboteurs
Feeling a bit of a breeze when you’re trying to relax after a long day? Air leaks are the home’s way of screaming, ‘My windows are too old for this!’ These leaks are more than just a nuisance; they’re a highway for money to escape during those chilly winter months. If your curtains are dancing when your windows are closed, it’s less a performance and more an indicator that you should seriously consider double-glazed window replacement.
When Damage is More Than Skin-Deep
Is your home’s exterior starting to look a little worse for wear? The same can likely be said for your windows. Whether it’s visible mould, decay, or moisture between the panes, damage can lead to larger structural issues. And no, they won’t heal themselves like a superhero. When left unaddressed, window damage can lead to further complications, like water damage and mould in your home’s structure. It’s time for a replacement – no plaster or spackle can oust these hidden adversaries.
Opening Your Windows Shouldn’t Feel Like a Heist
A window with stubborn hinges is like a friend who keeps borrowing your tools and not returning them – it’s time for that relationship to close. Difficulties with opening or closing your windows could signal warping or a misaligned sash, which can mean both less natural light and possible egress complications in the event of an emergency. It’s best to nip it in the bud before it becomes your nightly tussle with the ‘wind-up window workout.’
Your Wallet’s Got a Window-Sized Appetite
The energy bills that creep up on you can be scarier than a plot twist in a horror movie. Older windows lack the energy efficiency capabilities that newer models offer. By letting the warm or cool air you’re paying for escape, they’re essentially asking for a pay raise, year after year. In contrast, new windows can offer substantial savings, keeping your indoor climate at bay and your bank account from experiencing cold sweats.
Silence is Golden, but Thicker Glass is Better
A home should be a sanctuary, not an echo chamber for the outside world. Quality windows are your first line of defence against the cacophony of car alarms, construction, or your neighbour’s latest karaoke session. Upgrading can provide a peace that’s truly golden, offering better soundproofing and making sure what’s inside stays inside. It’s a symphony of silence that only new windows can conduct.
