With the summer season winding down, now is the perfect time for North Bay homeowners to take stock of their home in order to identify last-minute home improvement projects to tackle before the winter season arrives. Window and door repair and replacements are two of the most important home improvement projects you may consider undertaking, as they will help to keep your home warm during the cooler months, save you money on utilities throughout the winter, and ensure that you and your family are safe and secure all year long. Northwood Window and Door Centre has identified some of the most common signs that you might need to replace your windows or doors this season.
1. Drafts are coming into your home or your home feels colder than usual
Drafts coming through your windows or doors are a primary indicator that you need to replace them quickly, especially with cooler months coming up. As your doors and windows age, their seals can become damaged or shrink due to everyday wear and tear, letting in cool or hot air and keeping your home from being comfortable during the summer and winter seasons. Not only can drafts in your windows or doors cause you and your family to be uncomfortable throughout the year, but they can also result in higher utility bills from heating or cooling your home.
2. You’ve noticed physical damage to windows or doors
Look for physical damage to your windows and doors. The most concerning types of physical damage to your doors or windows will include visible cracks, which can let in pests, drafts, and the elements. Decaying frames should also be looked for, as this is one of the most obvious signs that you will need to replace your door or window. A decayed frame will allow moisture, drafts, and outside noise into your home.
3. You’re having trouble operating doors or windows
This is another obvious sign that your windows or doors need to be replaced, or at least repaired. If they have become difficult or annoying to operate on a daily basis, then you may need to replace latches, handles, or anything else that you are having problems with. If your doors or windows do not open and close smoothly or require extra force every time you use them, then it may be time for you to replace them. Your windows and doors should operate effortlessly as this is how they’re designed to operate. Broken latches, hinges, or other hardware could cause extra damage to your windows and doors if not taken care of.
For minor things such as squeaky door hinges, check out this video – but wear gloves to apply the recommended grease. Your skin is less likely to benefit from lithium grease than your hinges!
4. You’re hearing a lot more outside noise from inside the house
One of the less discussed signs that you need a new window or door is when their soundproofing properties don’t seem to be doing the trick anymore. Old, drafty windows and doors tend to let in more outside noise than their more energy efficient and high-performing contemporaries, which do a much better job at masking these annoying noises and letting you relax inside your home.
5. They’re getting old and worn out
If your home is still equipped with old, outdated and worn out windows and doors, then it might be time for you to replace them – even if they don’t seem to have anything obviously wrong with them. Newer doors and windows are far more energy efficient than older models, meaning that not only will they keep your home the perfect temperature all year round and keep things like outside noises, drafts, and leaks outside, but they will also help you to save on utilities and give your home a refreshed and more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Contact the team at the Northwood Window and Door Centre to find out how our team of window and door experts can improve your home this season!