Home & Design

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Patio Windows and Doors

Keeping your home at a comfortable temperature is expensive. 

But did you know you could be losing 25-35% of energy spent on air conditioning through poorly insulated windows and doors? That adds up, especially during the summer and winter months. 

Energy-efficient patio windows and doors can cut down on this cost significantly, while at the same time giving your house a makeover. Not to mention, a whole new set of patio doors and windows will add value to older homes with outdated fixtures. 

How do you know when it’s time for an upgrade? Here we outline the signs to look for.  

Visible Damage

This is the most obvious sign that your patio doors and windows need to be replaced. Broken glass is a no-brainer. You’ve probably already noticed it—along with all of your neighbors, most likely.

But there are other types of damage you’ll need to look a little closer for:

Cracks and Water Damage

Over time, the seals around your windows and doors wear down. This is due to weathering from the elements, like rain, snow, hail—even excess humidity and sea spray, depending on where you live.

This can also be caused by materials expanding and contracting when the temperature changes. These fluctuations will warp the fixtures over time. 

Look for cracks, especially where water has already started coming through. Catching it early will prevent more extensive damage from rot, mold, and mildew. 

Locking Mechanisms Broken

Broken locks are another sign it’s time to replace a window or door. A malfunctioning lock leaves your house vulnerable. Replacing them will help keep you and your family safe and give you peace of mind. 

Off Its Hinges or Not Sliding Properly

Are you having difficulty opening your patio windows or sliding doors? It could be that the tracks are dirty and need cleaning.

But if you find they’re still not sliding smoothly, it could be that the tracks are worn down and need to be replaced. 

If you’ve got a French-style patio door, check that it’s not sagging in on its hinges. Over time, this will cause the free end of the door to catch on the floor, scraping and damaging it.  

Reduced Energy Efficiency

Have you noticed your energy use has gone up significantly in the last few years?

If you’ve kept a close eye on your energy use and know your habits haven’t changed, it may be that your outdated doors and windows are losing efficiency.

Not only that, but increased energy use is bad for the environment. The EPA recommends replacing your appliances with energy-efficient alternatives. That includes updating glass windows and doors.  

How can you tell if your windows not operating efficiently? There are a few ways to check. 

Look For Drafts

Go through the windows and doors of your house feeling for drafts. You can do this by holding the back of your hand up to the window.

If you’ve got old, single-paned windows, you’ll feel them radiating heat or cold, depending on the outside temp. 

You can also use a lighter or small candle flame and hold it near the seals of windows or doors. If it’s not a tight seal you’ll see the air moving the flame. 

Condensation on or Between Panes

You’re probably already familiar with this phenomenon from when your windshield fogs up in your car, but it can happen in your home too.

The difference in temperature between the outside and inside of your house makes the glass “sweat” as moisture clings to the surface of the glass. 

Normally, double-paned glass prevents this. The air buffer between the panes has been removed of moisture during the manufacturing process. That buffer acts as insulation to keep your interior regulated.

However, when the panes become compromised, moisture seeps in and will form condensation. This is a sign that your double-paned glass is not operating as efficiently as it should and should be replaced. 

Outdated Style

Another reason to replace your patio doors and windows is to give your home a more modern, cohesive look.

This is a simple way to beautify your home, as well as add to the resale value if you’ll looking to put it on the market.

Original Fixtures from Older Home

Updating the original fixtures is a great way to give new life to an older home without having to do a major renovation. 

And going back to the topic of energy use: Depending on the age of your home, the original fixtures may be incredibly inefficient. You could be losing up to 53% of the energy you’re spending to heat or cool the interior. 

While your fixtures may not be that inefficient, they could still be unnecessarily racking up the bills.

Consider getting evaluated by a professional to see just home much you can save. You can find a San Diego window replacement specialist here

Patio Windows and Doors Don’t Match 

You may have a couple of mismatched doors and windows from old repairs. Or the previous owners of the house weren’t putting much thought into the look of the exterior when making updates. 

Replacing the windows and doors to match will lend an overall cohesion. This will not only look more harmonious but will also be more appealing to buyers and increase your house’s market value. 

Save Money and Energy

If you notice any of these signs listed above, it’s time to replace your patio windows and doors. Doing so will reduce your environmental impact by lowering your energy use—which is also good for your bank account. 

Looking for more homeowning tips? Check out our Home & Design section for more helpful posts.  

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