We’re addressing the top five signs that it’s time to replace your windows. Some are obvious, but one or two might surprise you.
We’ve been in our Chicago home for for 13 years and we’re finally tackling some massive exterior projects this year! The siding will be replaced, the aging porches will be rebuilt and the front and rear stairs will get all new risers to accommodate the composite decking. It’s going to look like a completely new house! But first, it’s time to address the final few busted windows that we inherited from the previous owner.
As we’ve lived here for almost a decade and a half, we’ve replaced more than half of the home’s windows. We tend to renovate room-by-room, and we’ve swapped out windows as walls got reconfigured or any time it was necessary. That has left around 10 aging vinyl windows, all in various condition, to be replaced. Luckily, the crew from Window World Western Chicago is on site today replacing the final handful of windows once and for all!
We knew these remaining windows were due for replacement, but some of the telltale signs can be a little tricky to spot. Here are the top 5 signs that we looked for to determine which windows were in need or replacement. Which one surprises you the most?
In This Post
1| Drafts
Chicago is cold in the winter. Like, frigid, below zero, don’t go outside too long if you want to live cold. Because of this icy tundra that we experience every December through February, faulty windows often show obvious signs of disrepair. The first sign is that your windows are drafty. You might physically feel the cold air rushing in from outside. You might see condensation or even ice crystals on the window panes. This is sometimes a fairly obvious flaw to spot, but a tool like a thermal imaging gun can really help confirm your suspicions.
2| Fog Inside Glass
Did you know that modern windows are filled with gas? In most cases, Argon or Krypton gases is sealed between the panes of multi-pane windows. These gases are denser than air and help with insulation and noise reduction. As you can imagine, though, even the tiniest gap in the seal can allow this gas to escape. Luckily, both Argon and Krypton are completely harmless, but the absence of the intended gases allows air, condensation and moisture to collect inside the cavity between the panes. If you have persistent fog, mineral streaks or moisture inside the window, your seals are likely cooked and your windows are due for replacement.
3| Cracks
This one goes without saying. If the glass in your window is cracked or broken, it’s time for a replacement. Broken glass can be dangerous, it allows in the cold air and instantly breaks the gas seal. It’s time to get replacement quotes!
4| Difficult Operation
Windows should open, close and lock smoothly and easily. If they don’t, it could be a sign of a more significant issue. Sometimes, difficult operation can be remedied with a thorough cleaning of moving parts and contact surfaces. Follow this with silicone lubrication and you might have luck getting things moving smoothly again. If these tricks don’t work, it’s time to look into repairing or replacing your window. Simple things like broken latches and hardware can often be sourced from the manufacturer and there are dozens of universal part options online. We’re big fans of repairing before replacing, but if difficult operation is coupled with any other issues, replacement might be the most cost effective option.
5| Noise Pollution
This one might come as a surprise. Extensive exterior noise making its way inside your home can be a symptom of many of the issues above. Broken seals and cracked panes can both cause nearly invisible breaks in the window’s seal which can allow more outside noise inside. If your windows are closed and it seems like you’re hearing more exterior noise than usual, it may be time to have a closer look at seals and inspect for hairline cracks that you may not have noticed.
We hope this list is helpful! We personally experienced every one of these reasons prior to the team getting started on our home today. Luckily, our new windows will remedy all of the cracks, broken seals, air leaks and exterior noise we’re currently dealing with. When paired up with the upcoming whole home re-siding project, we’re hoping to see our energy bills decrease and our comfort levels increase this coming winter. We hope these tips help to keep your home cozy and efficient!
Looking for more window content? Here’s how we chose new windows for our Two Flat renovation, how we painted our Tree House windows black, how we clean and style vinyl windows, how we restore vintage window hardware and our advice on choosing window treatments.
Windows are basically giant designer holes punched into your insulation system. They look great, but they’re also excellent at inviting heat out in the winter and in during the summer. What’s the U-factor are your new windows? It’s important to install efficient glazing to save money on heating and cooling.
Absolutely! The windows we installed have a U-factor of .25!
This post is really helpful! I’ve never quite understand how you tell when a window is at its EOL but these are very concrete signals.