The windows of a home have the potential to fully transform the atmosphere of the structure. Both in the interior and on the exterior, windows play a major role in the efficiency, comfortableness, and aesthetic of a home in the Atlanta area.
Unfortunately, over time windows can become worn, ineffective, or damaged. As a homeowner or someone who renovates and flips properties, you’re faced with the decision of whether to repair or replace these windows.
The reality of replacing windows is that it’s an investment in the property. It can cost upwards of a few thousand dollars. However, there are times when you can get away with repairing windows without shelling out this cash.
By the end of this article, you’ll know in which instances you can repair your windows and when you should replace them.
When to Repair Your Windows
As we mentioned above, repairing your windows is often a more cost-effective solution. However, there are only a handful of instances when you can repair them to ensure they’re still functional and safe to have in your home.
Broken or Cracked Glass Panes
We’ve all watched those scenes in a movie where a baseball comes flying through a window and breaks the glass. While it’s a literally shattering experience, it doesn’t require you to replace the entire window as you may have previously thought.
You can simply replace the broken or cracked glass pane without removing and replacing the entire window. Of course, you’ll want this done as quickly as possible due to the dangers of the sharp-cut glass and the risk of your energy bill increasing from the poor insulation.
Drafty Windows
A properly functioning set of windows will keep your home insulated from the cold air outside. However, there are times where you may experience a drafty window letting in a frigid breeze. This can be very uncomfortable and create a spike in your heating bill.
There are often three types of issues that cause a drafty window:
- Gaps between the window and your home
- Decaying weatherstripping
- Cracks or gaps in the caulking
These are fairly easy repairs to make – some you may even be able to do on your own. However, it’s always a good idea to get a professional to look at a drafty window to find the best solution.
Water Leaks
Water getting into your property through faulty windows can cause expensive damages, including rotting and molding wood and flooring. Usually, these leaks happen from poorly sealed windows or ineffective gutters and drainpipes.
If you’re experiencing leaky windows, be sure to reseal them and check for outside causes. It could be an issue with the structure of your draining system.
Warped Window Panels
If your windows are made of wood, they can become warped due to the high humidity in Atlanta. This can cause them to become disfigured and not fit in the structure properly.
While it is possible to repair warped window panels, it isn’t necessarily the best solution. It’s only a temporary fix and will require more attention later on as they become warped yet again. The best solution is to replace the window entirely and consider using another material, such as vinyl.
When to Replace Your Windows
Now you know when you can repair your windows, let’s dive into when you should replace them entirely.
Older Windows
When purchasing an older property, especially if it’s built before the mid-1970s, you’ll want to look into replacing the windows. Not only are they probably on their last leg structurally, but they could potentially have lead paint in them, which is harmful to children and pregnant women. Even though it was banned in 1978, older homes could still have it present.
Structural Issues
There is only so much you can do about structural issues with your windows. If they are falling out of the property, have rotting wood, or simply are in terrible shape, the best thing to do is to replace them.
While you may believe it’s salvageable, your most effective option to keep the property looking nice, staying insulated, and remaining intact for years is to replace the windows.
Foggy Windows
If you notice there is fog in your windows, it’s time to replace them. Water condensation between the window panes insulated glass unit (IGU) causes fog to occur.
Many people try to take the IGU apart and fix it themselves, but this proves to be difficult and almost never effective to keep the condensation out. As we mentioned earlier, water can be very damaging if it finds its way into your property and sits in one place for a period of time.
Is it Better to Repair or Replace Windows?
This is the age-old question, isn’t it? While there isn’t an exact answer because it depends on individual situations. However, if you’re looking to create longevity for your property and you have the budget, replacing your windows is the best decision.
If you’re a contractor or property investor who is renovating or flipping a property and are trying to decide whether to repair or replace the windows, it’s always better to replace them. This will provide better insulation, a better aesthetic, and increase the property’s value.
Replace Your Windows with Halcyon Remodeling
It’s a big decision to replace the windows in your property, whether it’s your home or an investment project. One way to help you make the decision easier is to work with Atlanta’s most reliable remodeling company, Halcyon Remodeling.
Our trained and professional team is dedicated to working with our clients to understand exactly what they’re looking for in their renovation or improvement project. From replacing windows to planning a full interior renovation, you can trust Halcyon Remodeling to handle the project.
Contact us to see how we can help improve the look (and value!) of your Atlanta property today!