Handyman Services Denton: Is it Time to Replace your Windows?

Handyman Services Denton: Here are some tips from your friendly neighborhood Denton Handyman on window replacement.

This article was written by Keith Paul, President of HandyPro Handyman Services. I hope you enjoy this article which provides some great insight on window replacement, to increase home heating and cooling efficiency as well as the value of your property.

Dear Keith,
How do you know is it time for new windows?
-Charles, Ann Arbor

Hi Charles,

There are many signs to watch out for that will let you know when it is time to replace your windows. It is easy to determine this yourself in simple tests. Windows have a big impact on your home’s value as well as heating and cooling bills.

Terry Burke, owner of Northwest Construction of Dearborn, says the top three signs to use to determine when it is time to replace windows are energy efficiency, performance and appearance.

Burke believes energy efficiency is the most important part of the assessment. “The first sign would be the energy efficiency aspect. Whether the windows are drafty, if frost forms in the winter or if furniture is fading because of UV rays,” says Burke. Any of these signs show that you’re losing heat in the winter or gaining heat in the summer.

If your windows have frost or condensation buildup, it means the windows are not insulating your house properly. The extra moisture that forms inside the home can cause a lot of damage to any wood or trim around the window. The buildup can create mold or make the wood rot. If the area by your windows either feels colder in the winter or warmer in the summer, then they are letting in the outdoor temperatures. This will ultimately affect your heating and electrical bills.

An easy trick that I’ve used successfully to determine if there is a draft or an under maintained window is the flickering candle trick. Hold a lit candle and move slowly around windows -- if you have a draft the flame will flicker.

An obvious sign is operation failure. When windows begin to stick or you are no longer able to open and close them, it is time to replace. This can be caused by wood warping or the failure of hardware within the window. If you have just one window with these problems, short term solutions may include lubricating the gliding window tracks or hardware or simply replacing simple pieces of hardware that get broken overtime because of regular use.

I’ve seen many windows replaced when it was truly not necessary and was due to deteriorating caulk. Throughout the life of your windows maintenance is needed. Caulk needs to be replaced to ensure airtight fit in the wall; it also helps keep out water. When caulk is dry and cracked, it should be completely removed and replaced with new caulk. Windows need to be cleaned, inside and out, including the hardware to contribute to better performance.

Right now is a great time to replace your windows and take advantage of the Federal tax credits for energy efficiency. Windows are included and you can receive 30 percent, of the cost, up to $1,500, for replacing old windows with Energy Star windows. Requirements include the U-factor, which measures how well a window prevents heat from escaping, and Solar Heat Gain Coefficient that measures how well a window blocks heat from sunlight. Both must be less than .30 to qualify -- the lower the rating the more efficient the window.

Keith Paul is a State of Michigan Licensed Builder. Paul serves as President and founding member of nationally franchised HandyPro Handyman Service, servicing Washtenaw, Wayne and Oakland Counties.

HandyPro Handyman Services is a locally-owned franchise company offering home repairs and remodeling. We provide free estimates and all work is guaranteed for one year. Our technicians arrive within one our of your scheduled appointment time, equipped and prepared to handle your to-do list as they move from one job to the next. All service contractors are licensed and bonded. HandyPro is a member of the Better Business Bureau with 0 complaints and a BBB Rating of A+ on a scale from A+ to F.

Keith Osterman own HandyPro Handyman Services in Denton, Maryland. Keith Osterman takes pride in his work and strives for nothing less than 100% customer satisfaction. Keith enjoys creating and building trusting relationships with his customers who give him the honor of trusting him with their home. Keith and his service technicians provide high-quality service at a reasonable price.

See how the Handyman Easton is contributing to the Aging in Place Community with Home Modification Easton Services.

HandyPro Handyman Services of Delmarva is happy to serve homeowners and businesses in Talbot, Caroline, Queen Anne and Sussex Counties, Denton, Easton, St. Michaels, Centerville, Queenstown, Harrington, Seaford, 21629, 21601, 21663, 21617, 21658, and neighboring cities and communities.