To Repair or Replace Your Windows?

That is the Question

How do you know if you need to repair or replace the windows in your home or office?

Our natural inclination when something is not working in our homes or offices is to attempt to fix the problem. If the heating system is not working, we call in a heating specialist; if a water pipe springs a leak, we call a plumber. When our windows are not working, what do we do?

The simple answer is … that depends. The answer to these two simple question can usually determine if you should repair or replace your windows

• What’s the problem?
• How old are the windows?

The answers to these two questions will go a long way to helping you decide if you should spend the time, effort and money to attempt to fix the problem or if you should simply replace the windows.

What’s the problem with your windows?

The most common problems with windows include:

• Drafts are making you uncomfortable and are raising your heating and cooling bills
• Appearance
  • Fading. Vinyl, wood, metal or clad windows that have lost their original vibrant color
  • Peeling Paint. Requiring regular scraping and painting maintenance year after year
  • Curb appeal. They look “shabby” from the street or from inside, lowering the perceived resale value of your home
  • Aesthetics. They don’t match your home style or your personal style, inside or out
  • Dirty Glass that won’t come clean anymore
  • High Heating and Cooling Bills. Inefficient windows that are letting outside temperatures into your home are driving up your heating and cooling costs
  • Safety and Security. You windows won’t keep intruders out or are unsafe for you or your children
  • Maintenance. You regularly have to caulk and putty and paint the window frames
  • Operation. They don’t open and/or close smoothly (or at all)
  • Noise. Outside street noise disturbs your peace and quiet inside
  • Cracked glass
  • Broken hardware

Only the last two items on the list can be realistically and effectively repaired; all the others are best addressed by replacing your windows with new, energy efficient and up to date replacement windows. Attempts to remedy the others with repairs will only be temporary and can actually make the problems worse.

How old are your windows?

If your windows are more than 10 years old, you should probably replace them no matter what the problem is. Window technology has come a long way in the past 10 years, making your old windows inefficient by today’s standards.

Insultated Glass

New Insulated Glass technology has not only made windows more thermally efficient, but also more durable. The glass seals used in Renewal by Andersen windows today are far superior to anything that was available 10 years ago, ensuring that the windows stay insulated to keep outside temperatures out and inside temperatures in, reducing both your winter heating bills and your summer cooling bills.

New Glass Coatings

New glass coatings on some glass can not only also reduce heat gain in the summer months, but also make your windows stay clean longer and make them easier to clean.

New Construction Techniques

New construction techniques are far more durable and prevent drafts and air leakage, keeping your home more comfortable and your energy bills lower. No more raising the heat to combat cold air drafts.

Easier Operation

New windows are easier to operate. No matter what style of window you have – double-hung, casement, awning, slider, etc., today’s windows operate smoother and with less effort than ever before. You can open and close many windows with just your fingertips. They also seal tighter against the worst of Mother Nature’s elements, keeping you more comfortable and your home quieter than ever before.

New Frame Materials

New materials for the window frames, like Renewal by Andersen’s Fibrex composite, are not only more efficient than wood, vinyl, aluminum or other metals, but are very low maintenance. No more scraping and painting year-after-year.

Safer and More Secure

Today’s replacement windows feature safety and security features that were not available a few short years ago, keeping your family safer and more secure than ever before.

Appearance

Today’s windows come with a myriad of options to match your home, your style and your preference. From unique colors, both inside and out, to different shapes and window grilles, to blinds and shades built into the window glass, there’s something new for everyone. There are even new insect screen options for different levels of visibility and insect resistance. When you purchase the right windows for your home, you can even increase its resale value in addition to its energy efficiency.

If you’re unsure if your windows need repair or replacement, give the professionals at Renewal by Andersen of Central and Northern New Jersey a call at (866) 609-5033. Our replacement window experts will be happy take a look at your windows and let you know if they can be fixed or should be replaced and will provide you with a free price quote for your new windows.