Windows and doors replacement can seem like an extensive renovation project that is both time-consuming and expensive. But did you know that if you don’t replace those key elements when they get damaged, you risk compromising your home’s security and comfort? Well, our expert windows and doors contractors encourage you to think about this as a long-term investment. It can raise the curb appeal of your property, increasing its value and comfort. Read this article to discover how to tell it’s time to replace windows!

Do a draft test

The first thing you can do to discover whether it’s time to consider window replacement in the draft test. It is a simple method every homeowner can perform with little to no hassle. You’ll need a candle or a lighter, which you’ll have to move slowly around the edges of your window. If the flame flickers, chances are your windows don’t insulate your home correctly. Keep in mind that drafts can occur due to poor installation and hardware issues. So, requesting a professional assessment from a windows and doors contractor is more than necessary!

Check the exterior of your window.

Inspecting the caulking on the exterior can reveal valuable insights concerning the status of your windows. A broken seal can lead to heat loss and high energy bills. So, if you notice something off about energy consumption in your home, check the outer area around your windows. The caulking should run continuously all around the perimeter of your window. It is the first item that deteriorates when it comes to windows, and you might need a replacement for it. Still, if your windows show additional signs of damage, an experienced windows expert will suggest opting for installing new windows.

Check the status of the frames.

After inspecting the caulking, you should observe your window frames’ status both from the interior and the exterior. Temperature and weather fluctuations can take a toll on frames, making them inefficient in insulating your home. So, if window frames have noticeable damage, it might be time for you to replace them. Opting for a repair won’t do wonders, and it can even pose a safety risk for your family.

Assess the status of the glass

Many homeowners overlook the importance of the glass. But in case you didn’t know already, a telltale sign it’s time to replace windows is whether the glass is see-through. In time, it can lose its quality and get faded. As such, you’ll quickly notice there is hardly any natural light entering your home.

Final word

Every homeowner should think seriously about the importance of windows in any home. And, of course, when it’s time to replace those, opting for windows and doors replacement done by a professional is a must. Replacing both windows and doors can save you a lot of trouble, including water damage. So, make sure you perform regular maintenance and replace those key elements in your home as soon as you notice any damage.

Apart from being a part of the home facade, windows and doors serve functional purposes to keep the house safe and protected from the harsh weather. However, except they are in bad shape, many homeowners do not care for their windows and doors. Meanwhile, this article aims to show you the signs that you need to replace your windows to avoid exposing your home to hazards and retain your home’s exterior aesthetics. Here are the signs to look out for.

1. High Energy Bills

Windows and doors contribute immensely to the energy efficiency of a home in addition to the home’s insulation. However, one of the signs that you need to replace your window is that your energy bills will skyrocket. This is because the windows and doors have become so worn down that they let the cold or warm air outdoor filter into the house, making the HVAC work aggressively to maintain the temperature indoors. As a result, the HVAC uses mute energy than necessary, causing the energy bills to increase.

2. Difficult Window Operation

One of the signs that you need to replace your window is that it becomes too difficult to operate. To identify affected windows and doors, walk around the house and open and close each window to check how smoothly they open and close. Do not exert force to open or close your windows and doors. Those that are too difficult to operate need to be replaced as soon as possible.

3. Physical Damage

Check the physical condition of your windows and doors to see if they are in top shape. Decaying frames, warped windows, and doors, leaky windows, damaged mechanisms, etc. indicate that you should replace your windows and doors very soon to improve the level of comfort in the house.

4. Condensation

If you notice fog build up on your windows, especially between window panes, you unavoidably need to replace your windows. Condensation is an indication of compromised windows – they have lost their energy efficiency and should be replaced.

5. High Noise Level

One of the functions of windows and doors is to reduce the level of noise outdoor. However, if you now get disturbed by passing vehicles, the chances are high that your windows and doors have lost their soundproofing qualities, leaving your home to be disturbed by outdoor noise. Replacing your windows and doors will make your home quieter and peaceful.

Takeaway

The above are signs that you need to replace your window. Do not delay to ask a professional installer to install replacement windows and doors for you after noticing the signs above. You deserve to have peace and comfort in your home.

Landscape lighting is important in varying degrees, hence the upsurge of lightings in many houses in the country. If you want to join the trend, then you must do it right. Below are 3 tips on how to use lighting on your landscape. 

1. Conclude the purpose of your landscape lighting

Before you illuminate you outdoors, ask yourself why you want it. Numerous reasons exist for why homeowners install landscape lighting and these reasons determine what type of lighting they use. If you’re concerned only about security, then using bright lighting would be appropriate. You should prioritize motion-sensing flood Lights that are powered by a 120-volt current. You can get fancy but not too fancy. You want lighting that would easily spot out an intruder or burglar. Also, security lighting should be placed in high places to brighten larger areas of your landscape. 

On the other hand, you can be flexible with Aesthetic lighting. Softer lights with varying colors can be used to evoke specific tastes. 

2. Plan the layout

After you must have concluded on the purpose of your landscape lighting, it is time to plan the landscape layout. At this stage, you could draw a sketch and highlight the important and vital areas or focal points that need lighting. For example, if your lighting is for accessibility, you could plan your layout around the pathways and deck. Lighting in these areas provides illumination for walks. 

3. Installing your lighting

A good plan can be ruined by the wrong installation. Hence, the need to install right. Make sure the lighting is facing the right directions and not disturbing your eyes or bothering your neighbors. Therefore, do not use bright lights in areas that are not needed. For example, avoid dimensional bright lighting on your fences and pathways. If you’re being security conscious, then use casings for your light bulbs.

Also, you do not want to pay just too much for your light bills. To make sure you don’t, patronize energy-efficient lighting. An example is the motion-sensing lights which only light up when someone is around. With this, you never have to worry about switches or forgetting to turn off your landscape lighting during the day. 

Whatever you choose to do with your landscape, make sure you follow health and safety guidelines. Misplaced wires could harm someone unfamiliar with your landscape layout. So, make sure you in all your planning, keep your safety and that of others in mind.