One of the most noticeable features of a home are the windows—both from inside and outside. Accordingly, window replacement is one of the most valuable home improvements you can make, with some estimates projecting a return on your investment of 70 percent or more. However, replacing your windows isn’t all about increasing the value of your home, and it’s not just about practicality. With better windows installed, your quality of life will increase—and in more ways than one.
The Process
First, it’s important to understand the process of window replacement, since there are a number of misconceptions about what actually takes place. There are many components that could collectively be referred to as your “window,” and not all of them are going to be replaced. There’s a jamb on the outside, followed by a stop, where the sashes of the window sit. The sashes are what are actually removed, completely, and replaced with new materials. New glass, better seals, and smoother mechanisms for opening and closing are all included.
An Aesthetic Boost
Just looking at newer windows can make you feel happier, whether you’re looking out from your bedroom or gazing at your house as you pull into your driveway after a long day at work. Any decay, rot, or other unsightly features will immediately disappear when your new windows go in, and you’ll be left with a fresher, newer looking outline. Depending on what type of window you get, you can customize your look entirely—for example, fiberglass windows look a little different than vinyl windows, and you can generally order the trim in any color you can think of. The color and quality you choose will factor into how much return you get on your investment, but first and foremost, it will give you a nicer, more welcoming place to live.
Easier Opening and Closing
Anybody who’s lived in a house with old windows knows how hard they can be to open. In the summertime, when you’re desperate for fresh air, it can be maddening when only a couple of your windows open to the outside world. In some cases, the ropes that were once used to open windows fray and decay. In others, the window will have warped out of shape. In still others, the windows have been painted shut by a previous owner. In any case, putting new windows in will allow you to open and close your windows with the touch of a finger, anytime you want, without worrying about any further damage or resistance.
Greater Security
Depending on what type of window you get, you’ll also have increased security features. Most older windows don’t have a secure locking mechanism or are easy to shake loose. Newer windows have tighter internal locking controls, and most also come with secondary latches that make it even more difficult to open your window from the outside. On top of that, the thicker, better-made glass makes it resistant to breakage, meaning you can rest assured that your house is safer from burglary and invasion.
Noise Reduction
Most modern windows are treated with argon gas, or a special coating that helps reduce the noise from outside. The seals around your window will be better, blocking out the majority of the noise, and the insulation from the double panes of glass (with charged gas between those layers) will filter out even more noise. For homes near roads, busy streets, or popular parts of town, this can be an enormous relief. You’ll be able to sleep easier, and enjoy your leisure time more thoroughly as a result.
Temperature Comfort
Of course, new windows are also known for their insulating capacity. The noise reduction benefit from insulation is just the first feature; you’ll also notice less air escaping from your home, which will make it easier to keep your house warm in winter and cool in summer. You’ll be able to notice a difference immediately, with your home being less prone to rapid temperature changes and better settled into a comfortable atmosphere.
Other Benefits
All the benefits we’ve listed so far have been purely about the lifestyle improvements that new windows can provide. Don’t forget that there are also logistical benefits to installing new windows:
Home value
As we mentioned before, window replacement is one of the highest-ROI home improvement projects you can tackle. The majority of your investment will appear as a direct increase to your home’s overall value, which you can claim back when it comes time to sell your house—even if that’s years away.
Market appeal
New windows don’t just look good to you—they also look good to potential sellers in the area. If you’re trying to sell your house quickly, or get more people to notice it, new windows are a good way to make a better first impression.
Energy bills
Higher thermal efficiency isn’t just about your own comfort. You’ll also see a major reduction in your energy bills, especially during heavy months in summer and winter.
Knowing When to Seek Window Replacement
There’s no single right or wrong time to seek window replacement, since every homeowner has different goals and different financial limitations. If your windows are so old that you can feel every gust of wind through them, or if they’re rotting and impossible to open, it’s time to consider new windows, no matter what. You may also consider replacing your windows if you know you’ll be selling the house in the next few years. Ultimately, it’s up to you and how badly you want the lifestyle improvements listed above.
If you’re tired of not being able to open your windows, or if you’re ready to enjoy one of the many other benefits replacement windows offer, reach out to us for a free quote. We’ll help you find the perfect windows for your home and set you up for a more comfortable life.
