When you invest in a new or recently constructed home, you expect its materials to be durable. Sadly, that isn’t always the situation—particularly when it comes to windows.
The problems homeowners run into with builder-grade windows are typically due to the low-quality window materials and poor installation techniques. When builder-grade windows are installed in your home, they may need to be replaced sooner than expected.
Why Builder-Grade Windows Need Replacing
1. Lack of Energy Efficiency
If moisture shows up between two panes of glass in your windows, it’s the result of a seal failure and will require glass replacement or entire window replacement to regain your home’s insulation.
2. Subpar Indoor Comfort Level
When you walk by your windows and experience a draft, your home’s comfort level isn’t what it should be. Builder-grade windows are made with low-quality weather stripping that doesn’t properly seal. Light may be visible around the edges of your window sashes, which is a clear sign your windows are drafty and hindering your home’s comfort level. When windows leak, your energy usage will increase and cause your utility bills to spike up.
3. Excessive Noise Infiltration
Builder-grade windows are so basic, they don’t minimize noise infiltration like replacement windows do. As a result, your home will not be as peaceful as you would like.
4. Poor Installation
In addition to subpar materials, builder-grade windows are usually not installed by an experienced window contractor. The windows may not be squared or leveled due to poor installation techniques. They often don’t have any added insulation, flashing, or caulking around the window opening to seal out drafts.
5. Short Lifespan
Builder-grade windows only last a short time compared to quality window materials. Their frame may start to degrade, or the hardware may fail after 5-10 years of use. Their locks may stop working, leaving you unprotected from theft, and their seals may break and cause outside air to enter your home easily.
6. Difficult to Clean
Builder-grade windows can be tough to clean because they don’t always fully open. They are usually single hung with a fixed upper sash, so you can’t open the top sash at all, making it super hard to clean any second-floor windows from the inside. You’ll need a ladder to reach the outside of your windows, and that creates a dangerous risk most homeowners prefer not to take.
7. Security Risk
While today’s replacement windows will boost your home’s security, builder-grade windows can compromise your protection. Theft can occur when a flimsy hardware system is all you have holding your home windows shut.
8. Difficult to Operate
While replacement windows are fully functional and easy to operate, builder-grade windows can be tough to maneuver regardless of their age. They are often installed in a hurry, and don’t function as they should.
9. Foggy Views
When you purchase a new or recently constructed home, you expect to see well out the windows, but often builder-grade windows will fog up and hinder your views of the outdoors.
10. No UV Protection
Your furniture, carpeting, and window treatments will all be at risk of fading or damage due to the lack of UV protection from most windows from new construction.
11. Limited Warranty Coverage
Builder-grade windows usually only come with a 10-year warranty. The warranty is often prorated, and you’re still going to need to repair or replace them in approximately 10 years.
How to Successfully Replace Builder-Grade Windows
The primary thing you need to know in order to replace your windows with optimal results is this: your installation team and window manufacturer make all the difference.
Installation Impacts Performance
To get the best long-term performance out of your new windows, a certified contractor should replace them.
Choose Premium Brand Windows for Optimal Results
- Sunrise Windows—Designed to create the home you’ve always dreamed of
- Restorations Windows—Enhance the comfort and beauty of your home
Get a Warranty that Gives You Peace of Mind
Replacement windows typically come with a 20-year warranty, so you can invest with confidence, knowing you are well covered for two decades.
Premium Vinyl Windows Deliver Optimal Insulation
When you choose Restorations Windows or Sunrise Windows, you get ENERGY STAR rated products that lower your monthly utilities bills. Get gas fills, two or three window panes, glass coatings, and more.
Enjoy Custom Window Sizing for Your Home
Windows come in all shapes and sizes, and premium Restorations Windows or Sunrise Windows will be customized to meet your needs perfectly.
Signs You Need Replacement Windows
Are your windows stuck closed? Do you feel a draft inside your home near them? Are they diminishing the amount of natural light in your home? Do they show signs of moisture penetration and wood rot? Have your utility bills increased and you’re not sure why? It’s important you understand the signs you need new windows:
- Are your window frames sagging, and making your home look bad?
- Has condensation been building up inside your windows?
- Does their glass feel hot in the summer or cold in the winter?
- Do they only have one pane in them, allowing outside temperatures to come in?
- Do they give you the security and protection you need from the possibility of theft?
- Did their once airtight seal break and cause outside air to leak in?
Increase Your Home Value with New Windows
Boost your home’s resale value by investing in window replacements.
At Kelly Window and Door, we assess your windows, check your climate concerns, and guide you toward the best custom window choice for your long-term needs.
Take a look at our windows photo gallery and imagine your home’s beauty and function with new windows.