High quality windows and doors can easily last for 20+ years, but there is no set time as to when your windows and doors need to be replaced. Instead, they begin to give us signs when something is not right. If your windows and doors are more than 10 – 15 years old, pay close attention and you will notice the indicators that can let you know when they need to be replaced.

Here are some of the signs to look out for:

A Broken or Damaged Window or Door

In some cases, a damaged window or door can be repaired, however when the damage is more major in nature like a deformed frame, cracked or shattered glass or cracked frame, the only option is to replace it. Damaged window and door frames are not only unsightly, but they can severely reduce the performance of your windows and doors. Small rodents and insects can gain access through the gaps and burglars may view this as an easy entrance point. If your windows and doors are damaged, it is a major sign that they should be replaced.

Condensation and Fog in the Glass

Condensation build up on the inside or outside of your windows in most cases is normal, but if you have condensation or fog buildup in between your glass panes, this is a sign of a major issue. In energy efficient windows, the space between your window panes is filled with gas, if there is condensation and fog in between your panes it is an indicator that your window seals are damaged and this gas has escaped. This means your windows have lost their efficiency and you may begin to notice cold and warm spots around that window. Unfortunately, window seals cannot be replaced, so the entire window in this case needs to be replaced.

Issues opening and closing

If the door or window does not open or close properly, it may be due to a warped frame or a shift in the sash or door. In some cases, if there is only a small amount of friction when trying to open or close your windows and doors, small adjustments can be made to correct the issue. If this is not the case, you will need to replace the door or window in order to have a fully operational window or door.

Increased Energy Costs

Cooling and heating your house accounts for a significant amount of your recurring household expenditures (about 44% on average). If you have noticed an increase in your energy consumption, it could be that your windows and doors are the issue. Older windows can allow air to pass in and out around the frames and non-energy efficient windows and doors may allow for more heat gain and loss over time. With these issues, your HVAC system will need to work harder to maintain a constant temperature in your home, causing a spike in your energy consumption.

Drafts

You should not be able to feel air coming into your home from around your windows and doors when they are closed, if you do, it is a telltale sign that there is an issue with your windows and doors. If you do, it can be due to several different reasons, they are not sealing properly, the frames are warped or damaged, or there is damage to the window or door itself amongst others.

Your windows and doors will provide you with signs that let you know that there are issues, as these signs begin to increase or intensify, the higher the potential for damage to occur to your home and the cost associated with keeping your home comfortable will increase exponentially. Pay attention to your windows and doors, and catch these signs early on to prevent the above issues.

What Are the Benefits of Energy Efficient Windows and Doors?

Increased energy efficiency has been a popular term in the home renovation business over the past several years. Reducing energy consumption is the environmentally friendly approach that saves you money as well. When something is considered energy efficient it implies that it utilizes less power to accomplish the same work as other similar products, in other words it reduces energy loss. But, how do energy-efficient windows and doors really benefit you as a homeowner?

In this article, we are going to explain the top benefits of energy-efficient windows and doors.

Reduce Utility Costs

An advantage that every homeowner would appreciate with energy efficient windows and doors, is savings on monthly energy bills. The installation of the Energy Star approved windows and doors reduces the load your heating and air conditioning systems need to bare to keep your home warm and cooled as you use less energy with more energy-efficient windows and doors.

Increased Comfort

A chilly draft or heat resonating through your windows and entering your home can create fluctuating temperatures throughout your home. With high efficiency windows and doors you are able to maintain a steady temperature throughout your home, making it more comfortable without having to add on layers of clothing in the winter and strip off clothing in the summer.

UV Protected

With energy efficient glass, your windows have a coating that blocks UV from entering your home. A benefit of this is that the sun’s rays do not have a drastic effect on your belongings. No need to worry about your carpet or sofa discolouration due to their placement. UV from direct sunlight is reflected away by the energy efficient glass.

Environmentally Friendly

With the increased focus on being environmentally conscious, everyone has a part to play in reducing their carbon footprint. With energy efficient windows and doors, you will be doing your part in a small way by reducing your energy consumption, which in turn reduces your carbon footprint.

These are just some of the benefits of utilizing energy efficient windows and doors in your home but not all of them, you also benefit from additional soundproofing for example. Energy efficient windows and doors reduce overall heat transfer allowing you to enjoy a more comfortable environment within your home, save money on utilities and do your part to help the environment.

If you are considering upgrading your windows and doors to a more energy efficient one, give us a call at 519-669-3872 to schedule a free estimate. At Southfield Windows and doors we service Kitchener, Waterloo and all surrounding townships.

5 Tips to Choose the Right Contractor for Windows and Doors

The quality of materials is important in any home renovation project, but the installation of these materials dictates how well they work. Installing windows and doors is no exception as even the highest quality windows and doors will underperform if not installed correctly. Drafts, reduced energy efficiency, inability to open properly and water leaks are all signs of poor installation. To avoid having to deal with these issues and countless others, hire an experienced windows and doors contractor for your next window and door replacement project.

To help you choose the right windows and doors contractor, our team has compiled the below 5 tips.

Ask for Recommendations

A good windows and doors installer will not be very difficult to find, start by asking your friends and family for recommendations. If they have had their windows and doors replaced recently and are happy with the results or know a contractor they trust enough to recommend, you can trust that the contractor is worth speaking with.

Look into Potential Contractors

A quick Google search is probably all that is needed to find reviews and customer testimonials for potential contractors. Take a look at the company’s website to see what products and services they offer and are experienced with. Confirm that the contact information you have matches what they have online, this ensures you are looking at and contacting the right contractor.

Checking Past Performance

Taking the time to look at past projects the contractor completed gives you a great opportunity to understand what type of work to expect. Ask the contractor if they can provide you with a portfolio of previous jobs or even if they can provide addresses of recently completed jobs.

Make Certain They Are Fully Insured

If the contractor has employee compensation and liability insurance, it protects you as the homeowner from being held responsible for any accident that leads to an injury or damaged property. Asking for proof of insurance is not overstepping, it is protecting yourself, so don’t hesitate to ask.

Do They Offer the Products You are Looking For?

Taking all this time to complete your due diligence is important in selecting a contractor you are comfortable with and trust. However, if you don’t ask if they offer the exact style windows and doors you are interested in for your replacements, you may end up selecting a contractor that can’t provide exactly what you are looking for. Make sure to review their products and services during your initial consultation and don’t forget to get a written estimate for the project.

Finding a windows and doors contractor is not difficult, finding the right one for your project however, will take some time and work, but when you stand back and look at an amazing installation that increases your home’s appeal, it’s energy-efficiency and it’s comfort level, it will all be worth it.