Along the east coast of the United States, especially the southeastern states, many of us as homeowners are familiar with the threat of weather patterns. Our homes are a valuable investment, and it can be worrisome each time that hurricane season rolls around. However, there are ways to keep ourselves and our properties better protected.
This may come as a surprise, but windows and doors are some of the most important parts of the home to replace both before a big storm and after (if there’s damage, of course). If you’re trying to make improvements, though, these can be some of the first options, and they can be quite effective!
Regardless of if you’re worried about these sorts of things or not, though, it can be worthwhile to get your windows or doors replaced if you haven’t in a long time. Today, we’ll be covering why that’s the case, but if you want some background information you can click here to get more information about it in the Boynton Beach area. Otherwise, let’s get started!
Why is Window Replacement Important?
When you think about a home, what are some of the first features that come to mind? Consider it in terms of when you’re drawing a house: there’s the square box of the foundation, the triangle of the roof, and then the windows and door come next! These are some of the most definitive and implicit parts of our properties.
It makes sense, then, that these important parts all need to be maintained properly. It’s easy to forget about the windows especially, but you’d be surprised by some of the important reasons why we might want to replace them.
Energy Efficiency
Whether you want to have an eco-friendly home or not, there’s no denying that energy efficiency is critical. This is especially true here in Florida, where the heat gets quite intense in the summer (to put it lightly). If there’s a way to save on the electricity bill in June, July, and August, why not take it?
Old windows can be a significant source of heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer, increasing your energy bills. However, new, energy-efficient windows can help reduce your energy consumption and save you money on your utility bills – so, making the switch makes sense for many homeowners.
Weatherization
Storms and heavy rain happen; it’s an inevitable part of living on the coast. There are ways that we can reduce the impact of them on our properties, though. New windows can help protect your home from harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, hail, and debris. Don’t forget that they can also reduce noise pollution by providing better soundproofing, as you can read about on this page: https://www.osti.gov/biblio/366506.
Improved Safety:
Older windows can become weak and brittle, making them prone to shattering or breaking. In contrast, new windows made from modern materials like vinyl or fiberglass are stronger and more resistant to breakage. It’s not hard to see why most folks would prefer the latter!
Increased Property Value
As we’ve mentioned, homes are an investment. Replacing old fixtures can increase your home’s curb appeal and overall value. These new fixtures can improve the overall aesthetic of your home, making it more attractive to potential buyers if you decide to sell. Even if you aren’t planning on selling, the added curb appeal is a bonus for your entire neighborhood!
Reduced Maintenance
Most new windows are designed to be low-maintenance, with features like easy-clean designs and durable materials that reduce the need for frequent repairs and replacements. You can always talk with contractors about your options as far as this goes as well, when you decide to install new ones!
Increased Security
A lot of new windows often come with advanced security features, such as multi-point locking systems and tempered glass, to prevent break-ins and improve overall safety. This may not seem like that big of a deal, but it’s always nice to have an extra layer of security, even when you live in a relatively safe area.
Warranty and Durability
For our final point in this section, it’s worth noting that newer installations tend to come with a warranty and are of higher durability than older fixtures. This ensures that you’re protected against defects and malfunctions for a set period. Modern materials like vinyl and fiberglass are also designed to be durable and long-lasting.
How Does Replacing Windows Work, though?
Now that we’ve covered some of the reasons to get window replacements, you may be wondering how the process actually works. Thankfully, it’s not overly complicated —at least if you’re hiring contractors to help ease things along the way! Unless you’re a professional, it’s not recommended to try to make a do-it-yourself project out of this sort of thing.
After all, it can be dangerous to climb ladders, work with glass, along with many of the other steps along the way. For most homeowners, the first thing they’ll want to do is research the contractors nearby. Thankfully, around Boynton Beach, there are many different options.
If you aren’t sure which to go with, you can always ask for recommendations from your friends or family members. Additionally, online reviews can be helpful to read, so long as you remember to take things with at least somewhat of a grain of salt.
From there, it’s mostly a matter of scheduling, establishing a budget, and figuring out a timeline. As the temperatures rise, it makes sense to want to get this done sooner rather than later, especially if you’re aiming to have energy-efficient windows installed!
Don’t forget that weatherization has been shown to work during hurricanes, and windows and doors truly are some of the most important aspects of that. If you have any concerns about it, simply check in with your contractor and see what options are available. Hopefully, the resources that we’ve provided can also help with that – there’s a lot involved in this process!
