Whether you’re just moving in or have long since settled into your home, it’s likely your windows will need some TLC at around their 20-year mark. But how much work is necessary to keep your home looking fresh and feeling comfortable? Determining whether you’re safe to refresh your windows or replace them instead is where some research can come in handy. We’ll weigh in on how each method is beneficial and under what conditions you should pursue one over the other below.
Refreshing Your Windows
Take a good look at your windows. What about them needs attention? If it’s something small, a simple refresh like a thorough cleaning or caulking could prove effective and extend your window’s effectiveness—though it won’t extend your window’s lifetime.
The Pros
- A window refresh can be a DIY project for a weekend afternoon. A quick fix could be as simple as adding some sturdy new curtains to address indoor heat loss from windows, but your best bet is addressing the actual problem.
- If your budget is tight, this could be the deciding factor. With a refresh, you’ll be able to make do until a full replacement is totally necessary (and save in the meantime).
The Cons
- Refreshes are a short-term fix, not a long-term solution. While you can repair a cracked pane of glass or address wood rot, this won’t make your window’s lifetime any longer.
- A window refresh involves some elbow grease. You’ll need to identify the problem, learn how to fix it and roll up your sleeves to get the job done. If you’re not a particularly handy person, this can present challenges in itself.
Replacing Your Windows
Window replacement may seem like a much bigger step than a comparatively simple refresh. However, if the problems are big enough or your ability to make repairs is in question, replacement may make more sense. In the long run, replacement has a lot of positives associated with it!
The Pros
- New replacement windows come with new energy-efficient advancements. This means your home will be more comfortable all year with less energy consumption. You may see the benefits of lowered energy use on upcoming energy bills!
- Replacing your windows adds new warranties, helping protect your investment should damage occur. With this, any future decisions on replacing vs. refreshing your windows are a lot simpler.
The Cons
- The upfront investment of window replacement is much more than the DIY costs of a window refresh. This is something to keep in mind—determining whether the cost is worth the benefits of newer energy-efficient windows is up to you and your budget. It’s worth noting that the overall cost does come with savings down the road! Plus, many replacement windows come with affordable pricing and flexible financing options.
- For older or historic homes, you may need to replace multiple windows to keep the style similar. While this isn’t necessarily a bad thing (many styles, from contemporary to traditional, are available), it does add onto the overall cost.
Inform Your Decision with the Facts
Overall, we recommend window replacement. Though it’s a higher cost investment, over time it makes more financial sense than putting off the inevitable. No window is made to last forever, but with replacement windows installed, you’ll have a new warranty in place as well as a more comfortable home due to lessened energy and heat loss associated with older windows. Still, the decision is up to you! If it makes more sense to preserve the windows you have and save up for replacement windows at a later date, the option is always on the table.
Ready to replace? Contact us today for a free estimate on replacement windows, doors or vinyl siding today!