The age old dilemma: to repair or to replace windows? Whether it’s furniture, cars, appliances – whatever it might be, we’re always weighing the costs and benefits of whether we need to bite the bullet and buy new or fix whatever we’ve got. When it comes to window replacement, it’s not much different.
Today, we’re going to talk about some of the things you should look for when it comes to determining whether you’ll have to repair or replace your windows and whether it’s going to be time to call in a St Petersburg window contractor or not. Let’s jump right in!
Are you feeling a draft?
If you can feel air or cool air seeping through your windows, then air is likely leaking through your windows seal. This happens when the window or the frame of the window has shrunk, cracked or simply doesn’t close properly. And these leaks are a two-way street. While air may be coming in, it can also leave, which means your home HVAC can be working overtime to try to heat or cool your home, costing you more in energy costs. In some cases, you may be able to solve the issue with caulking or weatherstripping, but we’d certainly advise you to talk to an Oldsmar window contractor to get a proper diagnosis.
Cracks in the pane
Small cracks can lead to big problems. It will inevitably spread, allowing both hot and cold air to escape your home. It can also pose a safety threat as the glass can easily get broken and, well – no one wants to deal with broken glass. While there are some temporary fixes that will help you buy time, this is unfortunately something where there isn’t a simple fix and you’ll likely need to replace the window pane altogether.
Worn out or rotting frames
Especially in places like Florida, windows are exposed to some pretty wild elements and the added moisture and salt in the air can lead to rotting frames and more general wear and tear. This can also happen without the help of the elements. Sometimes people use the wrong paint or primer and that helps contribute to the deterioration. Whatever the culprit, you’ll need to figure out what to do.
When it comes to rot and wear and tear, the answer is pretty simple. If there’s only a few spots of rot, you might have something to work with and it’ll only require some simple repairs. However if the rot throughout the frame is pervasive, then it’s going to be time for a replacement.
The biggest thing to consider when trying to determine whether to repair or replace a window, is the cost-benefit of it all. Remember, that energy costs factor into all of this, so if a replacement saves you substantial amounts of money, that has to be factored into the decision. And as always, if you’re unsure, call a St Petersburg window contractor and have them come give an inspection and offer up a course of action. Hopefully today’s blog gave you a little bit clearer idea of what the right course of action is for you. Good luck!