In our previous post we talked about all the signs that your windows need to be repaired. If you didn’t get a chance to look at that, take a minute to read it. It may surprise you.
What we didn’t talk about was the difference between needing repairs and replacement. And we didn’t talk about the difference between single replacement and complete replacement. So that’s what we’ll talk about now.
When do windows need replacing?
The short answer is that windows need replacing whenever the damage is too extensive to repair. Of course, less honest salespeople will tell you that just about every situation requires complete replacement. How can you know for certain that you’re not being sold on something you don’t need?
While every situation is different, you may need complete window replacement when:
- Wood or drywall around the window is warped or damaged, or paint has started to peel – This is a sign that water is leaking around your window. While some leaks can be fixed easily with sealant and some patching, complete window replacement is sometimes the only way to completely eliminate the leak. In addition, a competent window replacement company will repair and replace the damaged area around the window. This should help improve home energy efficiency and eliminate the possibility of mold or other problems later on.
- Strong gusts of wind can be felt around the window – If you can feel the breeze outside, even with your window closed, replacement may be better than repair. While small gaps and holes can be repaired properly with intermediate steps like sealant and stripping, larger gaps indicate a problem with the window structure, function or surrounding area. Often, the only way to fix it completely is to replace the whole thing.
- The entire window is cloudy – A small amount of fog or clouding can be unsightly and indicates seal failure. However, if the fogging has covered the window you could face additional complications including loss of energy efficiency. Other problems can range from simply getting a little less light to the development of mold or mildew in or around your window.
Should I replace one window, or should I replace more?
While replacing a single window is cheaper than replacing multiple windows, there are some occasions in which replacing more windows may actually make more sense.
The most obvious example of this is style. While replacing windows you may find a new style that makes your house more attractive. In this case, replacing all your windows will create a more cohesive look to your house. It also adds resale value.
Even if you’re not looking to replace your windows with something more attractive, it’s not always possible to match modern window options to older models. So you may have to pick something new. And some homeowners prefer to update multiple windows at one time to maintain a cohesive look while improving energy efficiency. But if budget is a major concern, most window replacement companies should be able to get a very close match.
The most important reason to replace more than one window is, of course, efficiency. If a window leak had damaged your drywall, wood, or insulation, it could reduce efficiency of other windows. Only an in-depth inspection of the damage would reveal this, however.
If the windows in your home are older and less efficient than newer models, it also makes sense to consider replacing more than one window at a time. You’ll save money on your monthly energy bills. But you’ll also save money on the windows. Most companies will charge less to replace multiple windows at one time than they will to replace individual windows multiple times.
