signs-new-pittsburgh-windows.jpgHave you been thinking about new windows for your Pittsburgh home, but are unsure if the time is really right? Here are five clear warning signs that your windows are ready to be replaced.

One: Major Drafts

If you feel drafts coming through your windows, it’s time to replace them. Letting outside air in during harsh Western PA winters is like throwing money out your windows. Poor window performance can lead to major spikes in your energy costs. Plus, if air is getting through, so is water, which can lead to rotting frames, mold and mildew.

Energy efficient windows will cut the cost of heating and cooling your home, in addition to protecting your walls, flooring and furniture from UV damage and fading. These improvements to your monthly and yearly costs are well worth the investment of replacing your windows.

Two: Your Windows Simply Look Old or Damaged

Do your windows make your house look better or do they take away from the overall look? It may seem superficial, but curb appeal ultimately raises the value of your home and piques the interest of potential of prospective buyers if you ever put your house on the market. The Pittsburgh housing market is competitive, and having a house with great curb appeal is important when it comes to attracting buyers and getting top dollar in a sale.

Three: Your Windows Have Hit Retirement Age

Historic Pittsburgh homes are gorgeous, and many homeowners want to keep as many original features as possible. However, old, single-pane windows usually mean poor efficiency, poor sealing, hard-to-open windows, or windows that do not lock properly. You can maintain the historic look and feel of your home while adding value and improving efficiency with the right set of replacement windows.

Four: The Maintenance Never Ends

If you are constantly adding window projects to your to-do list like painting and sealing, it’s time to replace them. When your windows have reached a certain age, the maintenance costs are counter-productive. New windows will eliminate the time and the money you spend worrying about rot, insulation, drafts, condensation and other issues.

Five: Your Windows Won’t Open

Do you have windows that are difficult to open or that don’t open at all? Do you have to prop windows open in spring and summer because they fall down? These are all examples of serious security and safety hazards that require the windows to be replaced. In the event of a fire or other disaster, you don’t want to be trapped inside because your windows do not open.

Many Pittsburgh homeowners put off replacing their windows because of the expense. The up-front costs can be high, but there are many ways to finance windows, and you can work with a professional who will help you get the most bang for your buck. The money you spend today will help you save on energy costs, will increase the value of your home, and will keep your family safe and secure in the long run. If you have been kicking around the idea of replacing your windows but are still on the fence, we encourage you to talk to a professional who can help you make the right decision. The window team at Legacy Remodeling in Pittsburgh can evaluate your current window situation, and we can help you select the right replacement windows for your home, and your budget.