When Is It Time To Replace Sliding Windows
If you have sliding windows that have fallen into a state of disrepair, you may be considering window replacement as an option. If you notice cracked glass, rotting windowsills or frames, large gaps, or the putty holding the glass in place coming off, your windows definitely need care, if not replacement. The material your current windows are made from makes a difference as to how long they will last, and some materials are more difficult to effectively repair than others.
Why New Sliding Windows Are Not The Only Option
Many homes built around the turn of the last century or even before have their original wooden windows in place and operable. Window companies spread the idea that windows should be replaced every 20 years. In recent years it has become fashionable to get vinyl window replacements, believing they will save money and energy, and be maintenance free. This is rarely, if ever the case, since new windows can cost up to $20,000 for a building with a lot of windows, and even if the sliding windows cost less, the energy savings tends to not rise above $150 annually. The amount of energy saved by installing new windows can also be saved by making improvements to existing windows, such as caulking gaps that let in drafts, getting heavy curtains, and applying the correct film or tint for your climate to the glass.
Sales of replacement sliding windows and other styles have boomed, but in reality, some vinyl replacement windows manufactured shoddily will only last 15-20 years. Vinyl is now touted as a maintenance free option that looks like wood, but the finish will still shine and look different than a wood window, especially if it is next to actual wood on the house. If you live in a historic area, it may be disallowed to replace windows with sliding windows of non-traditional materials and styles.
Since vinyl-sliding windows do not require paint, they need less upkeep, but they do still warp and become misshapen over time with exposure to weather conditions. They are less repairable than wood or metal windows, so if you have vinyl-sliding windows that do not open correctly, or do not fit into the window opening because of warping, you may be left with no option but to replace the windows.
When Replacing Sliding Windows The Better Choice
Replacing sliding windows or other types of windows is usually not a cost effective solution and should be avoided if the issues you are facing with your windows can be handled in any other way. If the panes of glass in a window are broken, it may be time to replace that window. Double paned windows may have the space between the panes filled with argon or another gas, which will leak out in the event that one of the panes is broken. If one of the panes of glass is destroyed, chances are, the seal around the new piece of glass will not be as tight, and will let in air. Sliding windows with broken glass should be replaced rather than repaired for best results.
Old wooden windows that have not been maintained are subject to rot, and depending on the extent of the rot, may make it necessary to get new sliding windows. If only some of the boards around the window are rotted, repairs with new wood can be made; if the whole frame and sill are decayed, it may be time to replace the window. Water can seep into the wall around the window opening and cause rot if a window is improperly installed, so in the case of a rotting window, be sure to fix this problem as well before installing the new one, or else the internal rotting may continue.
Why New Sliding Windows Are Not The Only Option
Many homes built around the turn of the last century or even before have their original wooden windows in place and operable. Window companies spread the idea that windows should be replaced every 20 years. In recent years it has become fashionable to get vinyl window replacements, believing they will save money and energy, and be maintenance free. This is rarely, if ever the case, since new windows can cost up to $20,000 for a building with a lot of windows, and even if the sliding windows cost less, the energy savings tends to not rise above $150 annually. The amount of energy saved by installing new windows can also be saved by making improvements to existing windows, such as caulking gaps that let in drafts, getting heavy curtains, and applying the correct film or tint for your climate to the glass.
Sales of replacement sliding windows and other styles have boomed, but in reality, some vinyl replacement windows manufactured shoddily will only last 15-20 years. Vinyl is now touted as a maintenance free option that looks like wood, but the finish will still shine and look different than a wood window, especially if it is next to actual wood on the house. If you live in a historic area, it may be disallowed to replace windows with sliding windows of non-traditional materials and styles.
Since vinyl-sliding windows do not require paint, they need less upkeep, but they do still warp and become misshapen over time with exposure to weather conditions. They are less repairable than wood or metal windows, so if you have vinyl-sliding windows that do not open correctly, or do not fit into the window opening because of warping, you may be left with no option but to replace the windows.
When Replacing Sliding Windows The Better Choice
Replacing sliding windows or other types of windows is usually not a cost effective solution and should be avoided if the issues you are facing with your windows can be handled in any other way. If the panes of glass in a window are broken, it may be time to replace that window. Double paned windows may have the space between the panes filled with argon or another gas, which will leak out in the event that one of the panes is broken. If one of the panes of glass is destroyed, chances are, the seal around the new piece of glass will not be as tight, and will let in air. Sliding windows with broken glass should be replaced rather than repaired for best results.
Old wooden windows that have not been maintained are subject to rot, and depending on the extent of the rot, may make it necessary to get new sliding windows. If only some of the boards around the window are rotted, repairs with new wood can be made; if the whole frame and sill are decayed, it may be time to replace the window. Water can seep into the wall around the window opening and cause rot if a window is improperly installed, so in the case of a rotting window, be sure to fix this problem as well before installing the new one, or else the internal rotting may continue.
