If you live in an older home, or you manage an older building, you are all too familiar with the process of replacing worn-down systems for newer, better-performing ones. From rusted pipes to warped roof shingles, all materials eventually break down and need to be swapped out.

One key consideration in older buildings is the state of the windows. As technology improves, there are windows on the market that might offer a tighter air seal and more UV filtration. However, you might notice that one of the key features of older buildings that stands the test of time is often the original windows. So, when is the right time to replace them? As we will see, there are clear signs that will alert you to degrading windows. However, let’s discuss other creative solutions to total replacement which could save you time and money.

When To Replace Your Windows

In short, the only time that a full window replacement is necessary or advisable is in the case of extreme weathering and damage.

If the wooden frames of the old windows have been battered by enough moisture to cause rotting, and the structural integrity of the window is therefore compromised, it’s time to replace them. Any mold or mildew buildup could also impact the air quality of your home, so degradation of this kind is a clear sign that the windows should be replaced.

If the main issue is air leakage, however, there are often better solutions than full replacement. Window replacement is extremely costly and could sideline the use of the space for days, even weeks during the installation. The plastic sheeting that hangs in your windows during this time will block some sunlight and create an eyesore as well. As the installation crew tackles the project, you may need to relocate or reschedule activities that were to be held in the space.

Larger venues such as schools, performance halls, or conference centers with hundreds of windows will entail a weeks- or months-long project carried out in several stages. This will entail a nearly constant presence of window installation professionals and dozens of phone calls and/or emails in order to liaise with the project manager.

These professionals also generally bill by the hour for their time, which amounts to an altogether prohibitive cost of replacement.

According to recent quotes, a standard window replacement costs an average of $200-$500 per window in materials alone. Larger or more intricate windows can run into the thousands. Installation (labor) costs can rival the costs of the windows themselves as well, depending on the materials and number of professionals needed to complete the job. For this reason, replacing old windows in a larger building often totals in the tens of thousands of dollars.

In most cases, if the window frames are not catastrophically damaged, replacement is not the best solution. Creating a tighter air seal to prevent cold drafts can be managed with other window treatments while maintaining the character of your original older windows.

A Better Solution: Climate Seal

If your window frames are in decent shape, we suggest a much more affordable and simple option to drafty windows: Climate Seal Window Inserts. These easily installable inserts will upgrade the condition and insulation of your existing windows without the headache and cost of purchasing and installing new windows. Climate Seal inserts are custom-manufactured to fit within or over the window cavity and are virtually invisible once installed.

Offered in a vast array of sizes, colors, and window shapes, Climate Seal inserts are customizable to the precise measurements of your windows. Designed to be effective without being overbearing, these thermal inserts work to boost the R-value of the window by over 100 percent, bolstering the insulation of your building in a simple, non-invasive way.

Our inserts magnetically snap into place, providing an airtight seal in a matter of seconds so you can continue using your space without a hitch. The time investment of replacing your windows altogether simply doesn’t compare.

While some add-on window treatments like film overlays last a single season, Climate Seal inserts are guaranteed to keep clear and refrain from yellowing for at least 10 years. With an impact test rating 17x higher than standard glass, they are also extremely durable.

In summary, the vast majority of the time, your existing windows don’t need replacing. Many historic buildings around the country retain their 100-year-old windows, using only Climate Seal inserts as a supplement for air and UV concerns.

Upgrade Your Existing Windows with Climate Seal

At Climate Seal, we strive to provide a unique and universal solution to common climate issues that occur within all types of buildings. Our customized window inserts combat high gas and electric prices, cold drafts, disturbance from outside noise, and UV ray damage. At Climate Seal, we build our window inserts to last with quality that speaks for itself. Our strong reputation for craftsmanship and a superior product keeps us dedicated to bringing our customers versatile and effective window solutions. Get in touch with a Climate Seal technician today and explore the entire line of products at our website: https://www.climateseal.com/.

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