A renter will contact his or her landlord about maintenance issues in their property, but a homeowner will have to be their own landlord and keep an eye out for any maintenance issues in their house. After all, a modern house is a large and complex piece of hardware, and experts of all sorts may have to be called upon to fix it. This ranges from plumbers clearing clogged drains to roof repair experts fixing the roof tiles and preventing leaks. Meanwhile, even though it is mundane, installing windows is quite important, and commercial window installers can fit in brand new window models to refresh a house. The best window companies in the area may offer expert residential window replacement to great effect, and some of the best window companies can also offer door replacement services. This may be made clear on the company’s website. When is it time to hire the best window companies around, and why?
The Problem With Old Windows and Doors
Why are old windows and doors such an issue? Three major problems may present themselves where old hardware is concerned. The first is security, as old windows and doors are shabby and do not fit well in their frames. This makes them relatively easy for burglars to force their way through, and that’s a major security hazard. Burglars may need only a crowbar or their bare feet or hands to force entry through old windows and doors, and the problem is made worse if burglars can see valuable items in the house because there aren’t any curtains or drapes. Burglars want an easy target, and a house with weak doors or windows will be just that.
The second major issue involves the heating and cooling system (HVAC) and the electric bill. Most modern American houses have heating and cooling utilities in them, and these utilities may use up 55% of the home’s electricity alone for heating and cooling services. That’s a lot, and the electric bill will be driven up even higher if the home’s air is being disrupted with drafts coming from old windows or doors. Disrupted climate control overworks the HVAC system, using up expensive electricity the entire time. Old windows and doors fit badly in their frames, allowing cooled air to leak right out in summer, and cold air leaks in during winter. Similarly, bare windows allow hot sunlight to warm a room in summer, and bare windows allow warmth to escape through the glass (drafts or not).
The third issue is simple aesthetics. Old windows and doors are ugly to look at, due to chipped paint or termite-damaged wood, not to mention scratched or cloudy glass. All of this will make a bad impression on home buyers when the house is made available on the real estate market. Fortunately, the best window companies in the area can handle all of this and refresh the house.
Replace the Windows and Doors
An interested homeowner may look online to find the best window companies, and they can get references from the local hardware store’s staff, too. Doing this allows the homeowner to find those companies’ websites, where articles, videos, and photos can showcase their work. The homeowner will compare and contrast a few different companies and choose one to hire.
On site, work professionals will remove the old windows and doors, the measure the wall holes and offer the homeowner some new models to replace them. Some new windows are the Energy Star model, meaning they have double-paned glass that doesn’t easily leak warmth in winter. The homeowner will choose the models they like, and the crew will perform a test-fitting before fully installing those windows and doors.
New windows and doors are securely fit to prevent drafts, which eases strain on the HVAC system over time (and thus saves money). New hardware is tough and durable, and will be much more difficult for burglars to force their way through. Finally, new windows and doors are a form of remodeling, and this attractive hardware will appeal to home buyers when the property is up for sale. The homeowner may sell the property faster, and for a better price. Thus, window/door replacement can be a fine investment in the long run.