Have you been planning to renovate parts of your home? Maybe you want to bring back life into your home, increase property value, or you’re preparing to age in place. When starting to plan a home remodel, people often overlook the windows. Windows are more than minor features, they add style, natural lighting, and functionality to a home’s design. Plus they help you save money on energy costs!
After spending so much time indoors at home due to COVID-19, the windows of our homes provide a safe way for us to still feel connected to the world around us. So why are windows usually an afterthought during a home remodel? When renovating, we generally focus on the interior design of each room first and curb appeal last. “Your home’s windows play a very important role in your life. The best windows provide natural lighting, increase air flow, and make your house look great from the inside out.” Renovate America
Let’s discuss opening the windows to your home! While in the process of renovating, it’s incredibly important to identify locations in need of the most improvements. When it comes to windows there are certain signs of damage that mark its time for a replacement. Brennan Corp shares 4 defects that indicate your windows are at the end of their lifespan:
- Drafty Windows: Feeling a little air around your windows isn’t uncommon but it shouldn’t be noticeable and it definitely shouldn’t noticeably rattle the windows. If you feel a slight draft around your windows you can try to seal the air leaks with caulk and weatherstripping but this isn’t a permanent solution.
- Water Intrusion: There could be many reasons for why there is water pooling around your window issues in the wall, roof, or upper floors. You’ll know there is an issue with the window itself there is a visible leak where the window sash meets the jamb or on the window frame. There could be many fixes to this but remember that too much water can lead to wood rot.
- Cracks or Rot: Cracks in your window frame can lead to several problems and the severity depends on the size of the crack and how long it exists before it is repaired. Some problems include air leaks, water leaks, and letting in small insects (or worse). Visible cracks also weaken the strength of your window in general, especially when moisture begins to seep into the frame.
- Condensation: Fogged glass is usually condensation trapped between the glass. What happens is windows expand and contract depending on the weather and this can cause the seal between the glass panels to fail. Windows with condensation between the glass are no longer operating at their maximum thermal performance.
Not sure if your windows need replacing vs fixing? Read this article!
Michael Gould shares a few key reasons why it may be time to renovate your windows, and why you’ll be glad you did!
Reduce Energy Costs: Windows with insulation issues will make it hard to maintain a comfortable atmosphere inside your home. Damnaged windows produce constant temperature battles and will put a strain on appliances. High energy bills are a strong indicator that your home might be letting air escape when appliances like the furnace struggle to maintain heat in the home during the winter, or the central air conditioner is unable to lower indoor temps during hot summer days. According to a study on the energy performance of residential windows, new windows reduce annual heating and cooling costs by 22%. These types of wasteful scenarios are bad news for your wallet as well as the environment.
Eco friendly weatherization tips, such as window replacements, can help reduce energy waste, as well as save your family a large sum of money each year. Which rooms in your home are in need of these simple weaterizations? Read about eco friendly home remodeling solutions and learn how you can conduct a home energy audit!
Flipping a Home with Minimal Renovations: Windows are proven to be a property booster. If you are considering placing your home on the market, simply adding stylish, functional new windows can increase the curb appeal and add to the property value! Imagine being greeted by big picture windows that have planter boxes filled with bright colorful tulips! Window boxes offer a fast, easy way to bring color and charm to your home’s curb appeal.
Curb appeal is the secret to selling your home for what it’s worth! A window update will give you an opportunity to make a great impression on your neighborhood and potential buyers. Read more about the benefits of remodeling your home!
Let The Sun Shine on Your Family: Natural light has been transforming people’s quality of life. The pandemic has us paying more attention to maintaining optimal mental and physical health at home. A common important factor has surfaced: natural lighting. Natural light plays a significant role in our general health. Most people – specially in Illinois – spend 90% of their days indoors, on both the coldest to the hottest days we seek shelter inside the comfort of our homes. Is your family soaking up enough sunshine?
“Exposure to natural light helps our bodies produce Vitamin D, improves our circadian rhythms and sleep patterns, helps us to focus, enables us to get more done, and even makes us happier.” Proper placement of windows will be a healthy, welcome addition to any home! Learn how Michael Gould’s home renovation projects are helping families around Illinois fight SAD (seasonal affective disorder).
Sleep at Night Knowing Your Family is Safe: Simply replacing old windows will greatly increase your family’s personal security, as well as protecting the items in your home. Installing functional windows will add another layer of protection and peace of mind by making sure the glass is unbreakable, the window fully closes, and locks properly. New home security systems grant homeowners access to seeing which windows are locked via an app on their phone.
“The right windows can keep your home better protected from intruders, and new film technology helps prevent injury should a window break. How? Modern glass panes are designed to splinter into small, tiny pieces, instead of shattering into large shards.” Learn how to burglar proof your windows here! Protecting your family or visitors from accidental injuries is important too. Old windows that don’t lock well can pose a danger to young children and the elderly.