Reasons for Updating to New Windows | Fort Worth, TX
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When many Fort Worth, TX homeowners decide to buy new windows, they usually do so because their current windows are dated and aren’t functioning well. However, there are many advantages to buying windows before they become so old that you’re forced to do so. Here are some of the many reasons to update your windows today:
Save Money
In most cases, you can save more money by buying new windows instead of dealing with older ones. Windows that have been around for a while usually experience issues with drafts. Drafts are notorious for increasing energy usage unnecessarily, whether you live in Forth Worth, TX or another area, resulting in inflated energy bills. Here are some reasons why these drafts can cause you to lose money:
• Age – you’re obviously going to experience more issues with older windows. From losing the ability to close properly or completely, to the growth of mold and more, older windows can sometimes be more of a headache than they’re worth.
• Caulking wear and tear – caulking doesn’t last forever, especially in cases where the proper type of caulking wasn’t used initially. Cracks in worn caulking can allow air to escape, which, of course, results in the loss of energy.
• Poor installation – windows that do not fit properly will obviously allow air to escape. Whether you installed the windows yourself, or you had them professionally installed, it might cost more money to rectify the problem than to have them replaced.
• Poor seals – seal failure can be caused by a number of issues. One main reason is due to exposure to rain and other types of precipitation and weather conditions. You might feel it’s more economical to simply try to re-seal older windows than to replace them, but in many cases it can be more of a hassle as well as more costly.
Increase the Value of Your Home
Imagine the difference in the appearance of your home with old, dirty, dated windows vs brand new, modern and attractive ones. You don’t have to exceed your budget in order to buy brand new windows. Many Fort Worth, TX homeowners forget about curb appeal, but this is extremely important. This is especially true if you’re looking to sell your home in the future. Shiny, new, modernized windows are going to look a lot more attractive to prospective buyers.
Even if you don’t plan on selling your Fort Worth, TX home any time soon, what homeowner wouldn’t want their home to look more striking? If you’re not convinced that simply replacing your windows will increase the value of your home, you might want to do some research on before and after appraisals on homes. You will then see the dramatic increase in value after windows have been installed.
Noise Reduction
If you live on a busy street in Fort Worth, TX and excessive outside noise interferes with your ability to fully enjoy your home, you should definitely consider replacing your windows. Just like new windows can seal out moisture and seal in air, preventing you from losing energy, they can also seal out sound. This is true whether you live near an airport and you’re tired of being interrupted by the sound of planes, or you live near a busy highway. Depending on the windows that you opt to buy, you can block out as much as 50% of outdoor sounds. You will want to be sure to mention the need for noise reduction so your window salesperson can recommend the appropriate window choices.
UV Protection
This may sound ridiculous, as you might be wondering why a house would need protection from the sun’s rays. Besides, many people love opening their curtains and blinds in order to allow in beautiful, bright sunlight. However, the sun’s ray can be just as damaging to your home’s interior as it can be to your skin. Too much sun can cause fading inside your home. This fading can affect your walls, furniture and floors. By replacing your current windows with windows that contain a built-in sun defense such as low-E, or low emissivity. Low-E windows contain a microscopic coating that effectively blocks out damaging UV. By opting for low-E windows, you can block more than 90% of the sun’s ultra violet rays while continuing to enjoy increased sunlight in your home.
Easier Maintenance
Nothing can be more frustrating than trying to open a window and experiencing difficulty doing so. This can be due to the fact that the window is simply stuck, or has some type of dated mechanism that makes it a pain to open. In addition to increasing frustration levels, opening old windows can sometimes result in injury, especially if the window is stuck for whatever reason. Replacing your windows can make opening and closing them effortless, and it can also make maintaining them a cinch, as well. In fact, new windows can be easier to clean, which can also decrease allergy and asthma flare-ups in sensitive individuals.
Of course, you will have to do more than simply clean your windows in order to properly preserve them, but new windows will require less maintenance. The exact type of windows that you choose will dictate the amount of maintenance required. Fiberglass and vinyl windows often require the lowest amount of maintenance, as there is often less chipping and fading, but all types of new windows require less care than old ones. Keep in mind that opting for wood windows might require the highest amount of care, as they will require regular repainting and staining to maintain the integrity of the color.
Buying new windows for your Fort Worth, TX home can seem like a major task, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many advantages to purchasing new windows as opposed to repairing old, problematic ones. Studies show that by purchasing new energy-efficient windows, homeowners can save an average of 30% in energy costs. By investing in new windows, you will not only save a great deal of money, but you can increase the value of your home and even enhance its overall appearance.