Replacing windows isn’t always easy – but in many circumstances, it’s the best thing for your home. New windows can lower your heating and cooling costs, boost curb appeal, and help protect your home from moisture, pests, and inclement weather.

In this article, we’ve covered when to replace a window, what to consider when you’re replacing your window, and why certain circumstances make window replacement essential. Let’s dive right in:

Key Takeaways

  • You should replace your window when:
    • It’s difficult to open or close
    • It’s drafty
    • You’re hearing a lot of sound from outdoors
    • Your windows are damaged
    • There’s condensation forming inside your windows
    • Your pollen and other outdoor allergies are worse than usual while inside
    • The colours of fabrics, woods, and other materials in front of your window are fading
    • You want to change the look of your windows
  • Single-pane windows are not suited to Winnipeg; you need double-pane (better) or triple-pane (best) windows
  • At Nisby, we can replace your windows, including
    • The entire window frame
    • Changing the rough opening for a new style of window

8 Signs To Know When You Need To Replace A Window

1. It’s Difficult To Open

Your windows should open and close with relative ease. In some circumstances (like casement windows that are crank-opened), the problem may lie with the opening mechanism; replacing the crank might be sufficient.

With double-hung windows and sliding windows, however, difficulty opening or closing your windows can mean that warping has led to your windows becoming too tight. This may mean it’s time to replace your windows, as the pressure from the snug fit can cause problems down the line. Opening and closing your windows shouldn’t be a chore!

You might even be able to replace single-hung windows with double-hung windows that can be opened from the top or bottom. They dramatically improve airflow – and they’ll be much easier to open than your old, jammed windows.

2. The Drafts Are Uncomfortable

Drafty windows are a big problem no matter where you live, because it means your windows aren’t providing the level of insulation you need them to, and that there’s a gap in your building envelope.

Drafty windows are an especially big problem here in Winnipeg, where temperatures with the wind chill easily reach -40°C or lower every winter. That kind of cold means that your furnace will have to work overtime – and even with that extra heat, the drafty room might be uncomfortable. Drafts are a good sign that your windows need to be replaced.

3. Outdoor Noise Comes Through Much More Easily

Windows aren’t just barriers that stop heat from moving in and out of your house – they should also stop noise. When you have very loud neighbours, your windows might not block every sound, and sound-insulating window treatments like honeycomb shades can also help.

When even quiet noises are making it through your window, however, it’s a sign that there’s a gap; you’ll probably start feeling drafts soon enough, and your window won’t provide the insulation you need. When even crickets and whispers are keeping you up at night, it might be time for new windows.

4. The Windows Are Visibly Damaged

Visible damage is the most obvious sign that a window needs to be replaced. A small chip might not be the end of the world, but larger cracks can compromise your window’s structural integrity, increasing the risk that your window will shatter. These cracks can also lead to poor insulation, even in the double-pane and triple-pane windows that are so common in Winnipeg.

Broken windows can lead to air escaping or infiltrating your home, less protection from UV rays, and higher levels of pollen and smoke in your home. When your window is broken, get it replaced right away!

5. Condensation Forms On The Inside

Condensation on the inside of your windows means it’s probably time to get a window replacement.

Why? The answer lies in why condensation forms. Cold air holds less water than hot air, so when the air in your home touches a cold surface and cools, it deposits some of the moisture it was holding on that surface.

In other words, if condensation is forming on the inside of your windows when it’s cold outside, it means that the inside of your windows is notably colder than the air in your home. Windows should insulate your home against the cold; if they’re significantly cooler, it means they’re not working properly, and they need to be replaced.

Here in Winnipeg, it’s important to keep your home insulated. We love double-pane and triple-pane windows with features like argon gas to fill the spaces between the panes to provide better insulation and prevent interior condensation. Single-pane windows are an absolute no-go here; your home should not have them, but if, for some reason, it does, get your windows replaced right away.

6. Your Allergies Are Notably Worse

Pollen allergies are common, and they tend to get worse in the spring and fall. You might be affected by pollen allergies in your own home (an air purifier might help), but if you find that your pollen allergies are getting significantly worse, it might be time to check your windows for drafts.

Some years are worse for pollen than others, so comparing historical data about pollen in your area to this year’s pollen count can help you determine if the problem is pollen or your home’s insulation.

As always, if a window (or multiple windows) is the problem, you’ll want to look into replacement windows.

7. Exposed Carpets & Furniture Are Fading

Here’s one surprising problem with older windows – they can lead to fading colours in your carpets and furniture. This is caused by UV rays; older model windows lacked the coatings needed to block most UV radiation.

Modern windows feature low-emissivity (Low-E) coatings. These coatings are microscopic – smaller than the width of a human hair – and extremely effective at blocking the sun’s rays.

Aside from stopping the colours on your fabrics from fading, Low-E coatings also lower heat gain from radiant heating. This means that, in summertime, your air conditioner will have to work that much less to cool your home. You’ll save money through energy efficiency and through fewer replacements for your furniture, rugs, and carpets.

8. You’re Wanting To Increase Your Curb Appeal

Your windows might be perfectly functional. Crack-free, easy to open and close, insulating, and protecting your home and furniture from UV rays.

None of that may matter if you don’t like how they look.

There are so many options for windows, from gorgeous bay windows to modern double-hung windows. They come in an incredible array of styles, with different colours, grilles, rails, window frames, and more available.

At Nisby Home Renovations, we offer more than just replacement windows – we offer window replacement. The difference here is in what we can do. Instead of just swapping your existing windows for new energy-efficient windows, we can totally change your windows, modifying the rough opening to hold a totally new type of window.

That’s because we’re exterior renovation experts; if you’re tired of your old windows and you want to switch to an entirely new style, we can help.

Looking To Replace Your Windows?

We can assist. New windows can help you lower your energy costs, saving you money and lowering your carbon footprint. They can boost the value of your home by improving curb appeal and providing the buyer with greater energy efficiency.

Most importantly, new windows can help you feel better in your own home. We’re exterior renovation experts; if you’re looking for experts who have mastered window replacement in Winnipeg, we’re the team to turn to. No matter how old your windows are or what style of home you have, we can help with window replacements. Contact us for a free estimate on window replacement costs today!