The windows on your home aren’t typically something you give much thought to. The good news for homeowners is that they tend to be one of the longest-lasting things on your home, as the typical lifespan is 15-30 years. But simply waiting out the lifespan of the window isn’t usually recommended as there are signs to watch for that will signal the window needs attention. So is it time to replace your windows? Here are some important signs to watch for:

The Window is Damaged

There are multiple ways your windows can be damaged, whether something has hit it or fallen on it, or it develops pressure or stress cracks over time. Depending on what kind of damage your window has, it may not need a full replacement. If the window just has small stress cracks, which tend to start at the frame edge, then it may be repairable. Pressure cracks and window breakage will require replacement.

You Notice a Draft

Here’s another issue that can develop over time and should act as a red flag. If you notice air coming in around the window frame, it means they are no longer performing as they should. This means you don’t have an airtight seal, so you’re losing heat/cool air and there may even be a chance of them leaking if the cracks are big enough.

You Have a Hard Time Opening/Closing the Windows

Have you found it increasingly difficult to open and close your windows as of late? It could be that the opening mechanism or the locking mechanism is no longer working properly. Not only is this frustrating but it can pose a safety risk. Your windows need to be accessible should you need them to escape. As well, you need to know you can lock them and secure them to keep intruders out.

Are Your Windows Single-Pane?

If you have an older home, there is a chance you may have single-pane windows. This was the norm with older homes and unfortunately, they don’t do a good job in terms of energy efficiency. If you touch single pane windows in the winter they will be very cold, and then very hot in the summer. Another disadvantage with single-pane is that they do a poor job of blocking out sound from the outdoors.

You See Condensation Between the Panes of Glass

Now for those with double-pane windows, a red flag you’ll want to look for is condensation that builds between the two layers of glass. This condensation may be sporadic or appear regularly. If enough moisture starts to build, you may even see water build up around the frame in the interior. This typically indicates that the seal is cracked.

Keeping the Windows in Tip Top Shape

So while the windows aren’t necessarily an exciting home project, the fact is that they need to be kept in tip-top shape so your home remains air-tight, energy-efficient, safe and secure. Knowing the signs to look for will help you do just that.