Is It Time to Replace the Windows in Your Home or Cottage?

There are many benefits to getting new windows for the home, but due to cost and inconvenience, many homeowners put off replacing them. In fact, you may be wondering if it's really time to replace the windows in your home, or if you are simply tired of the ones in place. Here, we'll help distinguish the difference between 'wanting' new windows and 'needing' them.

There are three basic factors to consider when evaluating the windows in your home. They include energy efficiency, maintenance, and ease of use. Keeping these three things in mind, ask yourself the following questions:

Are my windows energy efficient?

To gauge the energy efficiency of your windows, consider the comfort level of your home. Is it difficult to maintain an even temperature during hot and cold months? Do you feel drafts around the window casings? Can you hear whistling through the window on a windy day? If so, it may be time to replace your windows with a more energy efficient set.

Windows that are certified as energy efficient can help regulate temperature, block sunlight, and control indoor humidity levels.

Do my windows require a lot of maintenance?

If you find that you spend a great deal of time and energy maintaining your windows, it may be worth the expense of replacing them. Maintenance may include, but is not limited to:

Removal of old paint – Painted windows require frequent scraping of old paint. Failure to remove it will result in wood rot.

Painting – When windows for the home are scraped of old paint, they need to repainted. If you spend a great deal of time on this chore, it may be time to replace them with easy-care vinyl or aluminum windows.

Operational adjustments – If you frequently have to force the windows open, replace hardware, or lubricate them often, they may need replaced.

Are my windows easy to use?

Can everyone in the household open and close the windows? If they refuse to open, stick in the up or down position, or won't swing in and out of place, it can pose a serious danger in the event of a fire. This, in itself, is a good reason to replace the windows in your home.

Additional signs that it's time to replace your windows:

Fogging – If your windows are frequently fogged between the panes, it's a sign that the glass needs replaced. If your windows are extremely old, it may be difficult (and costly) to find replacement glass.

Rot – Once the windows begin to rot, there's no stopping it. Rot can not only cause damage to the windows themselves, but to the area around it. Wet rot can attract termites, which can destroy a home.

Jennifer Wagner, Yahoo! Contributor Network
Mar 8, 2012

This entry was posted on May 21, 2016 by Jim and Iris

Words of Appreciation

“Thank you for the memorable sales and closing experience of finding the cottage of our dreams. A perfect fit for our needs.”

I & E – Lake Muskoka cottage buyers

“Jim and Iris Gardiner were both amazing to deal with. A truly professional team. They shared a great deal of knowledge with us and really shed important light regarding potential Island Cottage ownership – all the pros and cons. Not only did they sell our existing cottage in 24 hours for much higher than our asking price they helped us find our new slice of paradise on Lake Muskoka in a very tight market. We are thrilled with our new cottage and love being on Eilean Gowan Island! We would highly recommend either Jim or Iris for any of your Real Estate needs!”

J & D – Sold on Echo Lake and bought on Lake Muskoka

Jim did me a favor 20 years ago and I wanted to return the favor – I approached him and Iris at the cottage show and, even though I already had a real estate agent, he recommended a cottage property that I purchased and enjoyed for those 20 years. I therefore, tracked him down and had him be our agent in selling that property. Our priority was to find new owners that would be friendly and fit in well with the neighbors and Jim and Iris found the perfect couple Jim and Iris made the entire sale most enjoyable. The experience was so smooth and enjoyable that the sellers, the buyers and the real estate agents all got together for supper the following summer at our old cottage!

K & L – Lake Muskoka

It is with great pleasure and appreciation for me to recommend the services of Jim Gardiner and the entire Gardiner Team. Jim’s awareness of community by-laws and market related activities extracted incremental value for us when we were finalizing the purchasing agreement.

JB – Mirror Lake

Just want to tell you that you did a fine job for me on the cottage sale on Lake Muskoka. The sale has removed a huge load from my shoulders. Iris, just a note to thank you again. Money is in the bank!!!!!!

BJ – Lake Muskoka