You know that replacing your old windows with new, energy efficient ones could make your home more efficient and attractive. But you also know that reduced energy costs and increased curb appeal don’t appear out of thin air. You’ll have to invest some time, effort, and money up front.

The good news is that if you work with a team of knowledgeable professionals that have your interests in mind, and do some initial research before you buy, you can see amazing results. The bad news is that, with all the options and sales pitches out there, it can be hard to tell where to start.

North Georgia Replacement Windows has built our reputation in the window replacement industry on one thing: making homes energy efficient and beautiful. We love educated buyers, and we love to the be ones to educate them.

So, to help you down this path, here are some questions to ask yourself, and any company you decide to work with as you consider replacing your windows. This is just one part of a series of educational blog posts we hope you’ll review before making any decisions.

This article focuses on signs that you may need work done on your windows. Our next article will discuss ways to tell if you need complete window replacement.

Question 1- Do your windows even need to be replaced?

This question isn’t as clear cut as it may initially seem. Sure, there are some obvious cases that require immediate window replacement. If your windows are rotting, leaking, or showing light in places they shouldn’t be, you know something needs to be done right away.

But there are other ways to tell if you need to have your windows worked on. Note that not every situation below requires complete window replacement. That’s an issue we’ll get into later.

Condensation or fog appears between the panes of glass

While it isn’t necessarily true 100% of the time, fog or condensation can mean your windows need to be replaced. At a minimum, the glazing needs to be repaired. What’s certain is that the thermal seal in your window is no longer working. If the damage is extensive, window replacement is the only option.

Any chipping, bubbling, or small signs of water damage around the window area

Fixing chips and leaks around windows can be extremely difficult. But fixing the problem as soon as possible is vital to stopping any future damage not just to the window. Repairs can save the insulation and structure of the house, as well.

If water has been leaking through for long, wood is probably rotted and mold may be growing. In most cases, windows that show chips or signs of leaking need to be replaced. A responsible company will take extra care to look at any other damage caused by the leak.

Small cracks in the glass

People with double-paned glass or other efficient windows often feel that a small crack in one pane of glass isn’t worth fixing, and definitely isn’t worth replacing the entire window. And it’s true that many cracks can be fixed quickly and easily without replacing the entire window. But it isn’t true that small cracks can be left alone. The truth is that even small cracks mean your windows aren’t operating at peak efficiency.

Due to fluctuations in weather and sun, small cracks always get bigger over time. So the window will need fixing or replacement eventually. You might as well fix it now.

It fails the candle test

The candle test is an “old school” way of checking on your windows for big air leaks. To perform the test, you just put a candle in front of your window and watch. If the candle goes out, the window definitely needs to be replaced. This sort of test works best during a storm.

The test above is an extreme example of one way to test for a breeze coming through your window. Other ways to test include:

  • Standing next to the window in silence and listening for air coming through.
  • Taping some plastic or cling wrap to the frame and seeing if it moves with the wind.
  • If it’s cold outside, stand next to the window and just feel for a breeze.

A professional analysis

When contacting a team of professionals about window repairs or replacement, ask them for an analysis or estimate. Do not jump to telling them you want to fix or replace your windows.

Here are better phrases to use:

  • “I need you to look at some windows I think may need some work.”
  • “I’d like you to look at something that may be damage to my windows.”
  • “I don’t think my windows are performing very well, can you come take a look at them and tell me what you think?”

A team of quality professionals will give you a thorough analysis of the situation and explain a variety of options to you.

If you think you’d like us to see about fixing or replacing your windows, or if you have any questions not covered in this guide, please don’t hesitate to contact North Georgia Replacement Windows today!