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Old house windows tend to look a little worn and deteriorated. However, their looks are not the main issue. Old windows, especially those made from wood, can present quite a few other issues for Dayton homeowners. The following are the key issues to look out for if your windows are nearing the end of their lifespan.
1. Drafts and Discomfort
When a window is new, the sash, which is the material that surrounds the glass, sits tightly against the glass. This keeps air from passing through the windows. However, as the windows age, the sash can start warping, deteriorating, and peeling away from the glass. Tiny gaps appear between the glass and the sash, and when wind blows the right way, the air can pass right through the gaps. The rooms with the most damaged house windows may feel colder than others, and you may feel drafts and chilly breezes when you walk past the damaged windows.
2. Faulty Locks and a Lack of Security
When the material around the locks and latches starts to deteriorate, the window may no longer be able to be latched or locked. This is a security risk. An unlocked or unlatching window is too easy for a potential intruder to open. Children may also open house windows that can’t be properly locked. New windows are safe windows.
3. Moisture Infiltration
Air is not the only thing that can pass through gaps created by aging window sashes. Moisture may also blow in, especially during rain storms and when the winter snow begins to melt. This moisture will accelerate the rate of deterioration of the windows. It may also drip down the windows, causing damage to walls and floors in the process. Moisture can even attract insects, like termites and carpenter ants, into your home.
4. Mold Growth
Moisture also imparts mold growth. You may begin to notice some black or gray fuzz, first on the windows and later on the materials surrounding your windows. Mold can cause itching, sneezing, and other allergy symptoms. You can clean it up with bleach and water, but this will only be a temporary solution if the area remains moist.
5. Increased Energy Bills
All of the cold air seeping in through damaged windows means that your heating bills will go up in the winter. The glass used in old windows was not designed to be very heat-resistant, either, which further contributes to increased energy use. As summer rolls in and you begin running the air conditioner, it will have to work harder to compensate for the warm air seeping in.
6. Lower Home Value
Old windows reduce the value of your home since potential buyers will not want to deal with them. Many buyers are looking specifically for energy-efficient Dayton homes, and a home with older, inefficient windows does not fit the bill. Investing in replacement windows is worthwhile because doing so will increase your home value and make the property more appealing to buyers.
Are old windows causing some or all of these problems in your Dayton home? Replacement windows from Renewal by Andersen can increase your energy-efficiency, improve your home values, and give you freedom from leaks and mold. Contact us to schedule a free, in-home consultation with our trained and knowledgeable technicians.