When is the Right Time to Replace Old Windows?

How do you know when to replace old windows in your home? There are few better updates for your house. If you’re wondering when to replace old windows, here are some questions to consider:

• Are your windows stylish, up-to-date, and in excellent condition?
• Do your windows ventilate air properly (but remain airtight when closed)?
• Do your windows open and close smoothly, without extra effort?
• Are your windows accessible and easy to clean?

If you answered no to any of these questions, then chances are you’re less than satisfied with the current windows in your house. If it’s time to replace old windows, Weather Tight is here to help.

 Time to Replace Old Windows in a West Allis Bungalow

New windows add beauty and value to your home and increase safety, security, and energy efficiency, making them an excellent investment. When you work with Weather Tight to replace your existing windows, you can rest assured that your new windows will last. Plus, new windows increase the value of your home and beautify your living space.

We’ve been in the window business since 1986—the window experts at Weather Tight know how to help our Southeastern Wisconsin customers with every step of window replacement. Our high-quality products, smooth installation, and phenomenal customer service are guaranteed to make you extremely happy with your decision to upgrade and replace old windows within your home.

Our customers know that Weather Tight shines above the rest when it comes to window replacement. We recently worked on a 75-year-old bungalow-style house in West Allis. This was a perfect example of a home desperately needing brand-new windows. Typical of the age and style, the home featured a large picture window with two surrounding double-hung windows in wood frames. While the look of the windows fit the home, the old windows presented several issues for the homeowners.

Winter’s Chill: Signs It’s Time to Replace Old Windows

One of the main issues was air infiltration from the leaky windows in the winter. We all know midwestern winters can mean drafty windows and cold air leaks. As is often the case, the homeowners saw condensation and cloudiness between the glass panes in the windows. It’s a common problem and a clear sign that older windows need to be replaced.

Like many Wisconsin homeowners, these folks relied on plastic shrink wrap covering their windows in an attempt to solve their leaky window problem. This temporary window fix is popular in cold winter months but leaves residents with more disruption than satisfaction. The unsightly plastic wrap on windows is hard to apply and rarely creates a tight seal—the plastic blocks outside views, sun exposure, and warmth. Plus, there’s still a draft, and often it doesn’t lower your energy costs at all.

Perhaps the most frustrating part is that the eyesore plastic wrap on the windows must be replaced every season (so windows can be cleaned and opened in the summer months). This means more wrestling with a blow dryer and double-sided tape for a winter window solution that’s both ugly and ineffective. Not to mention the damage double-stick tape can do to beautiful woodwork on the inside of your window. When we arrived at the bungalow, we could see it was definitely time to replace old windows and improve everyday life for this family.

Weather Tight experts quickly identified ventilation as the biggest issue in this case. As indicated by the moisture between the panes and the drafts, the air was getting in despite the homeowner’s best efforts. The smartest option was replacing the old windows with three beautiful new double-hung ones. The new windows blended perfectly with the home’s historic style, increasing curb appeal and adding value to the property.

Best of all, the new windows allowed the homeowners to better control the temperature of their space all year long. No more drafty winters, plus excellent cooling airflow during the dog days of summer! Your air conditioner won’t need to work overtime. Installing windows with double ventilation capabilities from both the top and bottom was the best fit for this home and would serve the client with energy savings and comfort for years to come.

With so many window options out there, window selection may seem overwhelming. Trust experts familiar with the unique needs of Wisconsin homeowners so you can find the best option for your house. You want the highest quality windows to beautify and protect your home and fit your property’s look and style.

Protecting Woodwork During Window Installation

With this West Allis home, the right window installation process was particularly important, especially due to the unique woodwork surrounding their windows. As with many beautiful bungalows, flats, and cottages in Southeastern WI, the craftsmanship is second to none. Preserving woodwork and brickwork is an integral part of the window replacement process.

Due to Weather Tight’s experience with the historic and beautiful architecture of Southeastern WI homes, we know how to protect craftsman features. We ensure our new windows enhance the look and function of the home rather than detract. The result is seamless, efficient, and a substantial improvement that compliments the craftsmanship.

We decided on a pocket install for our West Allis bungalow windows for the new window installation. Pocket installation is a simple process in which the existing window frame is left intact. New windows are measured to fit within the given space perfectly. This procedure leaves the wood trim and features untouched and preserves the finish.

New Windows Vent in the Summer and Stop Drafts in the Winter

Another big concern for our West Allis family was that their old windows didn’t open easily to let in the fresh air. Sometimes, this can be a sign of water damage or simply age.

Older wooden windows become sticky and stubborn. As the seal and pane erode over time, the window shifts and no longer opens with ease. Often, the glass either becomes loose in the pane or the window requires brute force to open. The result is a window that’s tough, loud, and frustrating. Wrestling to open the window is more trouble than it’s worth, and of course, windows that won’t open, stick in the open position or feature loose glass are a major safety concern.

The double-hung replacement windows selected for the bungalow open with ease. These modern windows feature screens, which provide ventilation from both sides. In the summertime, a natural breeze will easily flow into the house, giving it an open, airy feel. Of course, the screens efficiently block any outside bugs and serve as a protective shield for the room without sacrificing airflow.

While a cool summer breeze is important, protecting against drafts and heat loss in the winter is essential. After a careful installation and a lot of precision, the new windows are insulated around the edges to ensure all surfaces are airtight. Using the latest in window sealing and insulation technology, Weather Tight windows ensure no cold airflow in the wintertime. Our windows are equipped with a maintenance-free exterior and fuel-efficient glass.

Fuel-efficient glass is ideal for many different reasons. According to the Department of Energy, replacing old windows with energy-efficient glass is imperative because of the significant impact on both heat gain and heat loss throughout your home. Windows are accountable for 25% to 30% of the temperature energy. Replacing old windows with new energy-efficient windows with fuel-efficient glass will result in a lower heating and energy bill.

New windows let in plenty of natural light while keeping outside air out and standing up to weather conditions. In a historic home, we can replace windows while keeping the look of the original windows, so you get the best of both worlds–beauty and comfort.

Beautiful Replacement Windows & Happy Customers

The last part of the window replacement process is installing brand-new trim on the outside area surrounding the new windows. We take a great deal of pride in the appearance of our windows, always adding top-quality aluminum trim to the finish.

With the West Allis bungalow project, our team installed new siding to complete their home makeover. The window trim was added to the final siding process, giving the home a polished update with plenty of curb appeal!

Maintaining their new, beautiful home windows won’t be a problem for this West Allis family. The cleaning process is simple with Weather Tight installations. Keeping your windows sparkling is never a concern for our customers!

Our windows are engineered to tilt inside. This ingenious feature allows homeowners to clean both the inside and out easily (without climbing a ladder). Simply open the window to the inside and shine them from the comfort of your own home. Cleaning your home’s windows is so simple you just might enjoy it.

Our expertise has made us Wisconsin’s most recommended window installer and remodeler. We’re constantly striving to please our customers and give them the home improvements of their dreams. Windows are a sound investment and an important way to update your home. Now is the perfect time to replace old windows with new and improved windows from Weather Tight.

Window updates are surprisingly affordable. Visit our Weather Tight contact page and fill out the online form to receive a free consultation and no-obligation quote. Schedule an appointment with a window specialist who will come to your home and assess your needs! The best time to replace old windows is as soon as you notice signs of seal failure. You’ll avoid high energy bills and boost your home’s value.