Replacing your home’s windows can add a lot of value to a home’s resale price — 73 percent for vinyl and 72 percent for wood window replacement, according to data from Remodeling Magazine.
Those percentages of the costs of an upscale window replacement are the national averages for the project cost that’s recouped if the home is sold within a year.
If you’re not selling your home soon, you may not be in a rush to replace its old windows. But your home may be giving you signs anyway that it’s time to replace them. Here are four to look out for, especially if your windows are more than 20 years old:
Damaged windows
A drafty window, or one that fogs up or sticks when you try to open or close it can be worth replacing.
More minor issues, such as needing new hardware or weatherstripping, can be done with a repair. But if your window won’t stay open, then it may be time to replace it.
High energy bill
If your winter heating bill has gone up, drafty windows could be the culprit. Caulking and weatherstripping can reduce some air leakage, but the best solution may be to get new windows. Dual-pane windows can keep out heat in the summer, reducing home cooling bills.
Windows with Energy Star designations can save a typical home the equivalent of 51 to 317 gallons of gasoline per year when replacing single-pane windows, according to the Energy Star website. The average annual savings is highest in the northern zone of the United States, at $366 by replacing single-pane windows.
A severe storm just hit
If you live in a hurricane zone or other area where severe weather is common, your windows may be damaged by high winds or from corrosion from sea salt. If you live in a coastal city, your windows will probably need to be replaced more often than they would if you lived inland.
Look for windows made of fiberglass that have thick glass, and are made not to crack, dent, chip or peel.
A historic home
Vinyl windows can change the overall look of a historic home and can detract from its charm.
An historic home can look a lot better with historically accurate replacement windows, which can be custom-made and still provide durability and protection from the elements.
Inspect your home’s windows at least once a year, and hire a professional to look at them if you suspect any problems. You don’t want to discover that a window is damaged just as a major storm arrives.
I hope you found this information helpful. Contact me for your real estate needs today!
