Should You Replace All Your Windows at Once?
Are your windows damaged from a severe storm and need replacing? Are they older and drafty, no longer providing excellent insulation? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may wonder how the installation process works and whether you need to replace all your windows at once or separately.
Luckily, we’ve been installing residential replacement windows for decades with thousands of happy customers across Central Virginia – we’ve seen it all and have installed windows of all styles in various homes, both older and timeless and newer builds. Keep reading as we discuss whether you should replace all your windows at once or separately.
Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows
Before we discuss whether you should replace all your windows at once or separately, let’s go over some signs you need to replace your windows. It’s an investment that you want to make at the right time, not on a whim or carelessly. It takes research and experts to guide you in the right direction to get the best value for your home, so learning whether or not you need to replace them is the first step. Below are some signs you need to replace your windows:
1. They’re Drafty
Have you checked your windows for drafts? If not, here’s how to: hold a candle safely yet closely to the window frame and see if the flame flickers – if it does, you have a draft. You can also move your hand along the window frame and if you feel cool or warm air blowing at your hand, the window is drafty.
Drafty windows are dangerous, threatening your family’s health, and negatively affecting your heating and cooling bills and other home components. First, drafty windows will inevitably increase your heating and cooling bills. Because the window’s seal isn’t tight enough to block drafts, air from the home can escape while outdoor air can enter. Next, drafty windows threaten your family’s health because they allow pollens and mold to enter your home. Drafty windows can also lead to wood rot and insect infestations if not caught early enough.
2. They Condensate Inside
Have you ever seen your windows condensate from the inside? If so, it’s time to replace them. Condensation on the inside of windows occurs when warmer, humid air meets a cold window, often when humidity outdoors warms up the cool window. This results in wet, drippy windows that leave a wet mess on our windowsills.
While it might be fun for kids of all ages to draw in it, window condensation is a warning sign of drafty windows. Condensation on windows can result in the following: wood rot, structural damage, mold or mildew, allergens, insect infestation, and uncomfortable living situations. Window condensation often results in costly damage down the road, so be sure to replace your windows if you notice any condensation on the inside.
3. They’re Damaged
Windows can get damaged for many reasons, the most common being accidental hits to the window like a flying baseball or rocks during mowing, from severe weather, or closing them with too much force. Damage may appear as a tiny crack that goes unnoticed until it continues to crack along the window pane. If you notice damaged windows, it’s time to get them replaced before they cause other damage to your home.
4. They Aren’t Blocking/Dulling Sounds
While we adore our windows for giving us a direct view of the outdoors, we don’t always want to hear what’s happening outside. If you live on a busy street, near a school, or close to a construction site, you know how distracting outside noises can be while trying to work from home, lay the kids down for a nap, or take important phone calls.
Windows with excellent insulation should cancel out or dull most outdoor noises. If you notice that your windows are letting in more sound than they should, they probably need replacing.
5. They’re Leaking
Have your windows ever leaked? Older windows or windows with poor insulation and wear and tear can allow rain and snowmelt to enter the home. The weatherstripping and caulk may need replacing, but, most often, the entire window needs replacing. Leaky windows almost always occur from cracks and other damage, or common pitfalls in window installation.
Should You Replace All Your Windows at Once?
Are any of your windows exhibiting the warning signs above that it’s time to replace your windows? If so, replace them as soon as possible to save on your cooling bills this summer and heating bills this upcoming fall and winter. Now begs the question, should you replace all your windows at once? While it’s not necessary if some windows are in decent shape, it is recommended that you replace all the windows at once.
If you can financially, get all your residential windows replaced at once. This will give your home a more cohesive appearance when all windows match and are installed at once, plus it will allow you more cost savings down the road as it eliminates drafty windows. It’ll also add curb appeal to your home and save you money in the long run. If you can’t financially, it’s fine to replace your windows as needed, as long as you’re replacing the ones that are cracked and damaged before they can lead to wood rot and other issues.
Replacing Windows is Easy with One Stop Home Improvement Shop
Our window frame selection at One Stop Home Improvement Shop is the best in Lynchburg, offering a variety of styles to complement your home’s unique style while offering exceptional energy efficiency. Our MountainView Windows meet and exceed all ENERGY STAR® standards. With a multi-chambered frame design and premium glass packages and glass fills, there are plenty of options.
No matter your budget or style, we have replacement windows that perfectly fit your home and offer superior protection while eliminating drafts. Our MountainView replacement options are available in various styles, including slider, casement, awning, double-hung, and more to complement your home’s style. Whether you have a colonial, prairie, ranch, craftsman, or modern-style home, let us help you find the perfect windows to brighten your living spaces.
Our window replacement service is easy, starting with a free estimate. We’ll assess your current windows, offer suggestions for window replacement, and give you a detailed estimate based on your needs. Finding the perfect window fit is easy when hiring One Stop Home Improvement Shop.
One Stop Home Improvement Shop can help with all your home improvement needs, whether you need help with an insurance claim or a quote for installing a new roof or gutter system. We’re here to help every step of the way throughout the entire process. Contact us today for a free consultation!
