Seeing that you have found your way to this page, you must have thought of replacing your windows. Perhaps some of your windows have suffered damage, or the wear and tear over the years have left them looking old and worn. This article will help you understand how to determine if you should replace all your windows in one go e or have them completed in phases instead.
The first consideration to make here is the age of your windows. If they’re still relatively new, say 10 years or less, chances are you have most of them in good condition and they could still serve their purpose for a few more years. If you’re talking of 20-year-old windows, the wear is likely to be extensive, calling for a complete replacement. The cost of the project is of concern too. You may be considering replacing the windows in stages to save on costs but will it really save you money? In the long run, you could end up spending more. Consider the economy of scale: more pieces means lower cost per unit. We’ll delve deeper into the cost analysis later.
As a general rule, partial replacements are recommended when it’s necessary. Maybe you have broken panes, or some windows do not open and close properly. Here, you can change only the affected windows. Otherwise, you’re better off planning for a complete replacement job. This guide should help you decide if your window installation needs a complete or a partial project. There’s no blueprint here really. Your circumstances should help you determine which option works best for you.
How to Determine If Your Windows Need to Be Replaced
If your San Diego home is more than 20 years old, chances are your windows are due for replacement. They may need to be replaced sooner though. With basic inspection, you should be in a position to determine when a window needs to be replaced. The state of the room could also be an indicator that your windows are performing below par.
Look out for the following signs:
1. Draft
You may be a rookie when it comes to window inspection or the inspection of anything for that matter, but this one is hard not to notice. If you feel a breeze that wafts into the room even when the windows are closed, it’s a draft problem. Here,you’re likely to be dealing with faulty seals or an overall poor installation. If you want to identify exactly where the breeze is coming in, take a tissue around the window near the frame and notice where it quivers. As a short-term measure, you can have that point sealed. Ultimately, you’ll need to have that window replaced. Sometimes you’ll have light seeping in through the gaps in the window frame. It’s a definitive sign that they’re coming apart.
Along with the discomfort that poor sealing brings, such windows increase the energy bill a great deal. Drafty windows during winter mean more energy to heat the house. Similarly, you’ll need extra power to deal with the heat that comes in during the summer. The HVAC system is put under immense pressure dealing with fluctuating temperatures, increasing its chances of malfunctioning. If your energy bill has been consistently rising while your utilities remain the same, or if your HVAC system has been showing signs of overworking, faulty windows could be the culprit.
2. Troublesome Operation
If a task as simple as opening, closing, or locking a window gets daunting, then you have a problem. Windows should open and close effortlessly. Forcing them to work means that the wear and tear have left them imbalanced or the frame is damaged.
Wooden and PVC frames are prone to warping. The constant expansions during hot weather and contractions when the temperature drops cause them to twist out of shape. Wooden frames also absorb moisture which causes swelling. Such defects prevent the smooth operation of windows. Remember, apart from the normal airing of the house, windows provide a crucial escape route in case of an emergency. A stuck window can block your exit when you need it the most, so you’re better off having it replaced.
3. Visible Damage
The most conspicuous signs of damage appear on the frame, particularly wooden frames which absorb water. This then leads to swelling and eventually rotting. Once the rotting process has started, a window replacement is inevitable. Know the condition of your window panes and watch out for the following signs:
Do note that the condensation we’re talking about here is not the usual mist that forms on the exterior of the window panes on chilly mornings and then dries up as soon as the sun is out. We’re referring to the moisture that seeps in between the panes in those double/triple glazed windows, making them foggy. Such defects make the windows dull and unappealing, ruining the aesthetics of an otherwise beautiful home. They lose their sheen, bring in less light than they used to, and no longer provide a clear view of the outdoors. The moisture also gets into contact with the frame, worsening the damage. All these are signs of a window wilting right before your eyes.
♦ Cracks
♦ Scratches
♦ Chips
♦ Gaps
♦ Leaks
♦ Condensation
4. Poor soundproofing
If you live in a busy neighborhood, soundproof windows preserve your peace and quiet. Try this: stand next to an open window and listen to the sound of people/cars/machines outside. Now shut the window and notice the difference. If you can still hear the sound clearly, your window isn’t properly sealed anymore. Going for double or triple pane windows would be a good idea as they do a better job of making sure the outside noise stays outside.
Once you notice the signs mentioned above, a replacement should be a priority. We have discussed in the previous sections some of the things you need to consider when deciding whether to have your windows replaced all at once or you’ll have it done in stages. Next, we’ll elaborate on the pros and cons of each method.
What are the Advantages of
Replacing Windows All At Once?
1. Reduced Replacement Costs
If you have twenty windows that need to be replaced and you replace five at a time, you will spend more in the long run compared to opting to have them all replaced at once. Buying in bulk reduces the cost per unit. The transport costs are reduced too; you can have all the windows plus the window installation materials transported in a single trip. The labor costs are also economical. Besides, the new windows are durable and the maintenance costs in the following years will be minimal. Factor in inflation as well. More often than not, the cost of materials goes up every year,making the project even more expensive. Budget and save for a complete replacement, it’ll work to your advantage in the long run.
Remember there’s also an emotional cost of having a team of window installers in your house. No matter how efficient and professional they are, you won’t be able to go through your daily routine as usual. You have to shift items from their usual positions, restrict children/pets from getting in their way, and so on. When you choose to have all your windows replaced at the same time, you will not have to experience such disruptions every couple of months/years. You will be inconvenienced for a week or so, the approximate duration of the window installation, and then you can resume your normal routine. Some installations only take a few days or as low as 1 day if there are only a few products being installed during a phased or low item installation.
2. Reduced Energy Costs
Modern windows are made of materials that improve the energy efficiency of your San Diego home, such as:
These materials enhance insulation, so your windows retain the warmth during winter and keep out the heat during summer more efficiently. If you change all the windows at once, you get maximum energy saving and your energy bill drops significantly. The cost of the entire window replacement project makes even more sense with the reduced electricity bill from that moment on.
♦ Fiberglass
♦ Aluminum
♦ Vinyl
♦ Fibrex
♦ PVC
♦ Composites
The HVAC system is also favored by decreased heating/cooling needs. You know how HVAC systems can be; even a seemingly minor repair can cost you a tidy sum. You can eliminate or at least reduce such costs, in addition to extending the lifespan of your system.
3. Improved Aesthetics
If you plan for a complete window replacement job, you can decide the style, colors, and materials to achieve your desired look. You can engage a designer to come up with a lovely, cohesive look. If you decide to go for a partial replacement and wait a couple of years before the next phase, there’s a chance that the materials/model/styles of windows from the first batch aren’t available anymore. You will then be forced to go for a different style that may not fit well with the previous one. The condition of the windows will also be uneven. By the time you’re installing the last batch, the first ones could be showing signs of wear already. Your home will end up with a mismatched look which will work against you if you’re selling. A complete window replacement is the only way to ensure maximum visual appeal for your home.
4. Comfort
Let’s start with the mental comfort, that peace of mind when you know the job is all done and you can now shift your focus to other matters. You’re now certain that your family is secure and no longer have to worry about who or what could crawl in through that faulty window. You now have good quality windows that offer isolation, shut out loud noise, and possibly prevent damaging UV rays from damaging your upholstery. This one project will make your house comfy, and cozy, and a safe haven to relax after a long day.
5. Increased Value
If you’re planning to sell your house, a new set of modern windows will significantly increase its appeal and ultimately its price. According to real estate experts, a window replacement project can return up to 70% of its value upon resale. New windows affect the aesthetics of the house internally and externally. Not only will you improve the curb appeal, but your house will also have the sparkle that comes from abundant natural light. Along with the comfort of your home, a potential buyer will also be enticed by the reduced energy needs. Homebuyers are ready to pay more for houses with lower recurring costs.
What are The Disadvantages of Replacing Windows All At Once?
Can anything go wrong when you replace all your windows at once? Apparently. It turns out this mode of window installation has its downsides too.
1. Cost
We stated earlier that the cost of a comprehensive window replacement is lower compared to replacing them in shifts. That part still stands. However, the replacement project will not come cheap. For most people, it takes months or even years of planning and budgeting. During this time, they have to withstand faulty windows that compromise their safety and comfort. Worse still, they’re subjected to high energy bills, consuming the very money they’re trying to save for a replacement. If your budget is on the lower side, you could end up with low-quality windows which will weigh you down with constant repairs. Unless you’re planning to sell your house, the cost of the project will set you back a tidy sum, so you need to ask yourself if you’re ready for such an expense.
2. Static Style
Once the job is done and dusted, it’ll be a good while before you can replace your windows again. During that time, new designs come up every other day. Wouldn’t you want a piece of these new developments in your house? You’ll be like a patron in a restaurant, peeping at the neighboring tables and wishing for a piece of whatever is on their plate. If you replace your windows in bits, you can incorporate emerging trends. With some expert input, it is possible to have different designs blend and complement each other.
3. Higher Risks
If the quality of your windows and their installation turn out underwhelming, you have more to lose. Your hard-earned money is just about down the drain and your comfort and safety are compromised. If you’re replacing just a few windows, you can cut your losses by engaging a different window replacement contractor in the next phase. The lessons you learn from one project make the next one smoother. In the former instance, the lessons are a project too late.
There you have it, the pros and cons of replacing all your windows at once. We believe you’re now well informed and in a position to make an informed decision.
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