Know when to replace your windows

Sooner or later you will have to replace the windows in your home if you live their long enough or if you buy a older home. You can save yourself some pretty big headaches and damage costs if you know when to buy replacement windows for your home.

The points below will help you decide if your old wood framed or metal framed windows are neat the end of their life span. For remodeling tips on replacing windows go here.

If you windows are hard to open and close or sound like they are dragging. If air leaks in or out around the frame. Windows that fog up or condensation starts to collect between the glass panes. ( seals are gone)

Safety is a factor when windows are hard to open or jam or if they had to be nailed shut, this may prevent a safe escape during a fire.

Examine all around the frame and glass for chipping, deterioration and water stains. If you see water stains on the frame and wait too long, dry rot and mold could begin growing and then you have real problems.

If you are having maintenance problems and cleaning is a big hassle or replacement parts are hard to find or are non-existent, you should probably invest in new ones.

Tips on what you should look at in new replacement windows

Best value is low-e glass coatings. This helps reduce heat transfer and ultraviolet UV rays that can fade carpets, walls and furniture. It will also help to keep your home cooler in the summer.

Replace single pane windows with energy efficient double or triple glazed glass windows to reduce heating and cooling costs.

It is best to select brands that have earned the energy star distinction to insure you are get to grade.

If you are replacing siding at the same time install the replacement window before the siding so that the installer can fit the siding to the new windows better for a neater appearance.

If your window frames are still in excellent condition the easiest way to replace then is to remove the old sash and put new glass into the old frame. This allows the existing trim to remain in place. If the frame is damaged or worn replace the entire window unit.

After the installation it's time to choose a window covering

For window shutters you have these selections - Hurricane, Wood shutters, Interior shutter and outdoor shutters

Window Blinds come in these styles - Mini , Room Darkening, Vertical, Vinyl, Wooden, Faux Wood, Guide to buying blinds

For window shades select from - Pleated, Cellular, Fabric shades and Roller shades

Window treatments curtains - Bathroom curtains, Kitchen curtain, Swag curtains, tabtop curtains, curtain fabric selection, hardware and shower curtains.