Is It Time To Replace Your Old Windows?

NorthShield is a Winnipeg based windows and doors company, so we know how harsh the extreme Canadian seasons can be, and understand the effect this has on your home. Windows are often overlooked as important components of a secure home, and regularly don’t get the maintenance they need. You as a homeowner should familiarize yourself with the warning signs of degrading windows, and recognize when it is time for an upgrade.

Leaks

Discovering leaks near your window is a definite red flag, and an indicator that you need to take action in improving your home. Leaks are never a good sign, whether you find discoloured patches forming at the top, bottom, or where the frame meets your wall. When windows are exposed to and soaked with water, it can lead to mould and bacteria formations. This is especially true with wooden windows, as they absorb liquid easier than other materials. Having mould-infested windows can put the occupants of your house in danger, with many health risks linked to bacteria and mould exposure. It is wise to investigate even the smallest of leaks as quickly as possible, to ensure a healthy home environment. In some cases, window leaks can be caused by a poorly constructed or degrading home structure. With that said, replacing your old windows will allow an opportunity for inspection, to determine the root of the problem. Don’t wait until the damage is done, and consider replacing older windows, ASAP.

Determining Energy Efficiency

Winnipeg bears the brunt of cold Canadian winters, making it all the more important for residents to keep their homes secure, comfortable, and warm, with high-quality windows. Heat produced inside the home can be lost through poorly insulated windows, even without visible cracks, gaps, or leaks. This lowers the temperature inside, giving Canadians no escape from the cold. Cranking the heat higher will only raise your energy bills, costing you more money. Older windows designed with a single pane and no protective coating are even more vulnerable to heat loss. There is no safety in the summertime either, as harmful UV rays easily radiate through single paned windows. This can both damage furniture and raise in-home temperatures. This, again, costs you money in cranking your air conditioning to cool down your increasingly warmer house. Not only are older windows inconvenient and costly to homeowners, but they are also bad for the environment. All the overcompensating for in-home temperature control expends energy that should be retained for other use.

Upgrade from Wood to Vinyl

The material a window is made of is the most important factor to consider when upgrading from an older style. Vinyl windows offer the most value for their cost: they are affordable upon purchase, offer savings in energy bills, and need far less maintenance than wooden alternatives. Wooden windows tend to be more expensive up front, and don’t offer long-term cost-cutting solutions. Paint coatings peel and chip away, requiring frequent paint jobs to avoid a dingy-looking home. Wood as a material is more vulnerable to the elements, warping and rotting with exposure to water and snow. Older wooden windows are commonly found with a single pane separating the indoors and outdoors. The standard today is double, or triple paned windows, to ensure the preventionof leaks and to reduce heat loss.  Vinyl windows not only offer better value, but also can give your home an easy makeover, increasing curb appeal and upping the value of your home. Upgrading your windows is an easy way to secure your home from the harsh Canadian elements, and prevent damage to your home, your wallet, and your family.  

Call us: Winnipeg: (204) 272-3725Toronto/GTA: (905) 326-3444