There are many different reasons to replace a home’s windows. Modern window technology uses vinyl windows that slide open and closed like traditional windows, but tilt for cleaning. Easier to maintain than traditional ones, replacement vinyl windows can be rinsed from the outside with a garden hose once or twice a year to keep them looking fresh. Sometimes it is difficult to determine when windows need to be replaced. As a result, people often let their windows deteriorate until safety issues present themselves or utility bills from heating and air conditioning bills force a change. Here are a few clues that it is time to put in replacement windows in a Virginia home.

Stuck Shut

When windows are stuck shut and will not open no matter what is done to them, it is time to invest in replacement windows in Williamsburg. They are supposed to open and close with ease. Ventilation is a key reason to have a working window. When they have been painted shut or the wooden frames are so swollen from heat and moisture that they no longer open, this is a sure sign that these windows are no longer doing their job.

Mold and Mildew

When mold and/or mildew are present on the windows, sashes or windowsills, they need to be replaced. This is especially true for households who have members with mold allergies. Mold can make people sick without it ever being seen. For example, some types can have serious effects on the respiratory system. Mold and mildew are difficult to get rid of permanently and replacing the entire unit will help to remedy the problem.

Rotting Frames

When the wood in and around a window begins to rot, it is time for replacement windows. The deterioration may be due to moisture or insect damage. It might also just be worn from years of exposure to the Williamsburg elements. Glazing that is cracked and falling off is another telltale sign that a change should be made. Peeling paint or a bubbling surface is another clue. If the current frames will not prevent a prowler from entering the home, this is a sure sign that the old windows need to go.

Cracked or Broken Glass

When one or several panes of glass are broken, it is probably time to replace the whole unit. If the glass has been broken or cracked for several years, it is definitely time. If broken window panes are frequent appearance, consider changing the type and style of window presently in place in the Williamsburg, Virginia home. If this is a rare or one-time thing, consider the appearance of the rest of the window and test to see if it is air tight, energy efficient and safe.