11 Signs It’s Time to Install New Windows in Your Alexandria Home

Overhauling your home’s windows can be a daunting task. Depending on the size of your home, window upgrades can be costly. However, living with damaged or decaying windows can make your home drafty and send your utility bills skyrocketing. 

New windows can increase the value of your home, make you more comfortable, and save you money in the long run. Windows are known as the eyes of your home, and they create the atmosphere both inside and out. For your budget and comfort, replacing your windows when it’s time is always a good move. 

Here are eleven signs that it might be time to request a window installation for your NoVa home.

1. You Notice Broken Glass or Visible Damage

If your window breaks, you should replace it. Whether the glass is broken or the frame has started to crack. Sometimes, windows have hidden faults (and we’ll get to that, too), but if you can see the damage, then it’s time to swap out for a new window. 

If this damage comes at a time when you can afford to update all your windows, it might be best to go ahead and upgrade them all to prevent other windows from falling into the same state of disrepair. Other visible signs of damaged windows include warped glass or wood, foggy glass, peeling paint, and gaps or openings that don’t belong.

2. Your Windows Are Showing Signs of Weathering or Aging

Windows are the part of your home where the barrier from the outside to the inside is thinnest. Naturally, they’ll show signs of aging and weather damage over time. The exterior side of your windows isn’t climate-controlled like the inside of your home. Your windows face all sorts of natural elements, especially moisture. 

Water damage can sneak up on you, as the frames of your windows retain that moisture. This prolonged dampness can lead to rot and decay. If you notice your windows aging, it’s best to replace them before mold can develop.

3. You’re Concerned About Home Invasion

Having a home on the ground floor increases the unfortunate likelihood of a break-in. If you are worried that someone may force their way into your home, it might be worth investing in more substantial windows. Many window manufacturers offer advanced safety features like reinforced glass and sophisticated locks designed to keep you safe.

If safety is a crucial concern, NOVA Exteriors can help you select the right windows to protect your home and all the things you love inside of it.

4. Your Utility Bills Have Gone Up

Damaged windows or older windows with single panes make it more challenging to maintain a comfortable temperature inside your house. When your heat and air conditioning are escaping through insufficiently insulated windows, your HVAC unit has to work twice as hard to keep you cool or cozy. 

With all that extra work, your utility bills are going to soar while you waste energy trying to stay comfortable. Updated windows that provide quality insulation can save you hundreds of dollars each month when your electricity bill arrives. While it may be an investment up front, new windows will keep you from throwing money away regularly.

5. Your Windows Are an Eyesore

Given that windows are such a vital part of your home’s aesthetic, if they’re outdated or just plain ugly, they might spoil an otherwise beautiful property. Curb appeal is how attractive your home might look to an outsider on the street or a potential buyer if you decide to sell. 

Upgrading your windows with modern, beautiful designs can increase the value of your home, both in terms of homeownership and in the event of reselling. Besides, who doesn’t love coming home to a house that looks good? 

6. Your Windows Are Difficult to Open and Close

If you are struggling to operate your windows, the source of the problem could be several things. Whether it’s due to a buildup of grime and debris or broken mechanics and warped wood, windows that you can’t open or close aren’t very functional. 

Poor functionality could also indicate a problem with the way previous contractors installed your windows. With NOVA Exteriors, you’ll never have to wonder whether your windows were installed properly. If you can’t fully close your windows, then it might not be possible to lock them, increasing your risk for a home invasion.

7. You Want to Soundproof Your Home

Older, single-pane windows or windows that builders didn’t correctly install can also have limited soundproofing abilities. If you constantly hear noise from outside, you may want to invest in thicker windows that offer better insulation. 

Windows that block exterior sound (and keep sound inside) can be particularly beneficial to people who live in noisy areas or along high-traffic streets. The hustle and bustle of the world can make you lose sleep, break your concentration during essential tasks, and have a negative impact on your overall mental health. If these sounds are sneaking in through your windows, it’s time for an upgrade.

8. You Want to Upgrade Your Home

Getting new windows can be a simple way to update your home and immediately notice a big difference. If you want to increase the value of your home while reinvigorating its style, new windows might be the way to go. Having visually pleasing windows in each room helps you create a cohesive vision for your home. 

Choosing fresh colors and designs that fit your home can make a massive difference in resale value and personal pleasure. Whether you’re after a more traditional look or seeking something sleek and modern, an overhaul of your windows could be a game-changer.

9. Your Windows Hold on to Condensation

Sometimes, condensation builds on the outer parts of your window, and it’s no big deal. Condensation on the surface is generally just a sign of humidity levels or a big difference in the temperature inside and outside your home. However, if condensation has begun to gather between the panes of your windows, it could be a sign of damage. 

Moisture along the window’s interior surface can lead to your windows breaking down more quickly and create the possibility for mold and rot. If you see your windows holding condensation, or there’s a fog that you can’t wipe away, it’s time to go window shopping.

10. Your Home Is Drafty

Drafty windows are a big problem during the winter months and in colder climates. If you notice a draft coming through your windows, you may need to replace them. You’ll know your windows are allowing a breeze if you feel cool air moving through your windows even when they appear to be fully closed. You may also be able to hear a draft as the wind from outside forces its way through the tiny gaps in your window. 

Drafts can cause your energy bills to increase and generally make your home an uncomfortable environment, which is never good for the place you spend most of your time.

11. You Live in an Area with Severe Weather

Alexandria isn’t necessarily a danger zone, but summer thunderstorms, winter blizzards, and backlash during hurricane season can have an adverse effect on your home’s windows. If you live in an older home, your windows may not protect against the elements as well as newer options. 

Frequent storms can also increase the likelihood of your windows suffering from sudden and irreparable damage. Investing in windows with high durability can keep you safe and comfortable no matter what’s going on outside.

How Long Do Windows Last?

How long your windows will last naturally depends on several factors, including what materials make up your windows, the installation process, and what kind of weather tends to impact your home. With regular maintenance, you can expect your windows to last anywhere from 20 to 40 years, depending on the above factors. 

If your windows are more than 20 years old, it’s crucial to keep an eye on them for signs of age or damage. With proper installation and consistent care, your windows should last for many years.

Superior Window Installation in Alexandria, VA

If it’s time for you to replace your windows, you can’t go wrong with NOVA Exteriors. Our skilled team will help you select the right windows for your home and ensure that we install them correctly and efficiently. 

You can request a free in-home estimate here or give us a call at (703) 386-7949. During your in-home estimate, we’ll take a look at your space and discuss your vision and budget. Then, we’ll get to work on a custom plan that meets your home improvement needs. At NOVA Exteriors, we pride ourselves on providing peace of mind and affordable, high-quality service. 

NOVA Exteriors has been a trusted business in Alexandria for over 25 years. We’ll get you set up with windows that match your vision and your budget. Our comprehensive selection contains a range of styles and prices to fit your life.

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