3 Reasons to Replace or Repair Your Windows


Renovations / Monday, July 30th, 2018

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul and the same holds true for your home; windows lend personality to your abode, creating an inviting exterior aesthetic, and offering a peek to the décor inside. However, rather than just being decorative, windows play a very important role in your home’s energy efficiency, and should be routinely checked and repaired if necessary. Here are three reasons window replacement or repairs are a great homeowner investment.

Improve Your Home’s Insulation

Canadian winters can be harsh on your home, and its windows and walls are the first line of defense against the cold. With older homes, a draft can cost hundreds to thousands of extra dollars in heating costs, so upgraded windows can drastically reduce this bill. Invest in high quality windows that can help insulate heat and keep moisture out.

Double-pane or double-glazed windows have two layers of glass which help slow drafts and reduce leaks. These windows will obviously cost more than single-pane windows, sometimes between 30 to 50 percent more, but the reduce utility cost will give the homeowner a great return in the long run – this is especially helpful for those buying in Canada’s chilliest cities, such as homes for sale in London, Ontario, or the Ottawa real estate market.

Reduce Outdoor Noise

If you feel a draft coming through your old windows, you likely also hear buses and trucks passing by your street every morning. Old windows have a hard time providing the noise reduction needed in modern city living. Vinyl windows, however, have a higher number of air chambers, which help keep sound isolated and outside. Similarly to insulation, the more layers your window has, the better it will be at keeping sound out. Triple-paned windows can absorb sounds waves more efficiently, reducing it by up to 45 decibels.

Update Your Curb Appeal

You’ll probably spend at least some time gazing out of your windows, so it doesn’t hurt to make them as visually appealing as possible. An easy way to liven up their aesthetic is to remove old, dingy fixings, and invest in modern finishings such as frame treatments and shutters. This can improve your home’s overall curb appeal and even increase its resale value.

Can’t Afford Replacement? Repairs Are Effective, Too

Outright replacing windows can be a hefty cost that not every homeowner can immediately afford; however, simple repairs to your pre-existing windows are much more affordable and can help dramatically reduce drafts and improve efficiency. The most common places you will find drafts is seals that have started to crack, so replacing those is a must. They don’t cost a lot and are available at most home improvement stores.

If your windows have bigger problems than cracked seals, consider a storm window; this type of window is significantly cheaper than replacing the entire window while still providing improved protection and reduced air gaps from the harsh winters.

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