Not-So-Obvious Signs that It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

You may think that just because your windows aren't drafty that there's no obvious reason to replace them. But that isn't the only tell-tale sign that it's time for your windows to get a much-needed upgrade.

Here are some not-so-obvious signs that your windows are no longer doing their job, courtesy of our friends at Bay State Window & Door:

1) Things in your home are faded. The sun's damaging UV rays can harm more than just our skin. When your window isn't equipped to allow natural light in while keeping damaging ultraviolet rays out, there's a good chance that your upholstery, carpets, and wall decor will pay the price. If your materials have faded, become discolored, or are literally falling apart because of direct sunlight, it's a sign that it's time to replace your windows.

All of the brands Bay State Window & Door carries, including Diamond, Kas-Kel, Alside, and Harvey can be ordered with Low-E technology. These windows have low thermal emissivity (Low-E) technology built into the glass panes to allow natural light in without all of the bad stuff. Low-E windows' thin layer of coating also keeps reflective out, making your home cooler in the hot summer months.

2) You have difficulty opening and closing your windows. Not being able to close a window in your home creates two obvious problems. First, a window that doesn't close correctly is not doing you any favors when it comes to your heating bills. Not only do they allow the cool drafts to come into your home, but they are letting heat escape, as well, creating a spike in your home’s heating costs. Secondly, a window that doesn't close properly is likely not locking properly, either. If your troublesome window is on ground-level, your home becomes more vulnerable to a break-in by being easily accessible to intruders.

Replacement windows can quickly be installed in as little as one day, making your faulty windows a thing of the past. Bay State Window & Door products are ENERGY-Star qualified and can achieve a U-Factor of .30 or better. They also have interlocking rails combined with double locks to not only provide additional security for your home but also help to achieve a proper seal. Dual night latches prevent the window from opening more than a few inches allowing fresh air into your home with the security of a “locked” window.

3) You hear a lot of noise through closed windows.  If you have been working from home for the past few weeks, you may have noticed that you can clearly hear every dog bark, lawnmower, passing car, and even the mail carrier opening your mailbox. If the noise level made you second guess whether or not you had an open window somewhere, it may be time to update them. Old single-pane windows allow noise to pass through the glass, around the pane, and through the window sash. On top of that, your noise can also be coming from insufficient window calking and foam insulation from a poor window installation job.

Bay State Window & Door offers a variety of styles for your new construction and replacement window project.  These windows have insulated glass, Low-E technology, and argon built-in to allow for energy efficiency.  Brands like Diamond automatically offer double-thick glass to cut down on noise even more than standard thick window glass if you need added sound reduction.  Bay State Window brands also come with jamb wrapped foam insulation or they hand stuff insulation into the cavity of the wall for a perfect, insulated fit.

If you've noticed any of the above things about the windows in your home, now is the time to update them.  For a quote on your replacement window, door or screen project, call Michelle at 508-992-8847 to schedule a consultation with Bay State Window & Door, Inc. of New Bedford, MA. Bay State Window & Door proudly carries Diamond Windows & Doors, KasKel, Harvey, Alside, Therma-Tru, and CustomBuilt widow and door brands.