You must have seen signs up on the internet, on the streets, right out your window perhaps: Window replacement in Chicago! Get your windows replaced they say; Do you need to really? Can’t you just ‘pretty up’ them creaky and chipped windows with some artsy curtains and forget about it? One word to that: NO. Let’s find out why. Read on to understand the importance of replacing your windows.
Reason 1: Safety
Light streaming in through the windows on a bright beautiful day, a lovely breeze stirring in through the grates – yes that’s what windows are made for. Any window that lets anything other than the light and breeze in should and must be replaced! Old windows with rusty hinges and cracked glass are a burglar magnet. You may think it might not happen to you, but you’re not gonna want to wait till it happens, are you? Recently on local news, we heard of a mother and her 5 week baby who were injured as a melting block of ice fell from a neighboring building’s downspout and crashed through a basement window. CNN reports show that 5,000 kids a year are hurt in falls from windows, in the US alone! Laminated glass, windows with an auto-locking system and other options can increase the safety quotient by a LOT.
Reason 2: Increases the value of your home.
A Cost vs. Value report from The National Association of Realtors showed that replacement windows increase your home’s value by approximately 97% of the cost of the windows! With a wide range of window styles to choose from, replacing your windows can have a huge impact on the resale value of your home.
Reason 3: Energy factor
Energy efficiency is a vital factor to key in. The world’s economic situation has many people working on possible ways to save money, especially on energy costs. Home owners in Chicago are growing aware of the need to ensure that their homes are energy efficient. To top it all, you could also qualify for a $200-$500 federal tax credit on new windows and doors that are Energy Star-labeled!
Reason 4: Maintenance
Water tight and airtight windows is an absolute must. You don’t want to be vacuuming the dirt that gathers up your window tracts and scrubbing up the grimy leaks off your walls do you? Windows without an adequate proofing get ruined easily. Evaluate the replacement window based on its durability against air and water. The quality of windows can be ascertained based on insulation, sealing and anchoring. New windows minimizes dust and bugs owing to the tight seal. Apart from these reasons, there are also the more obvious indications that you need a window replacement – If you require tools to pry your window open for instance!
These then are the reasons why replacing your windows is so important. You better heed the ‘Window replacement in Chicago’ sign! Talk to us at Chicago Doors and Windows for the best options in replacement windows in Chicago.