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Why Your Old Wooden Windows Need to Go
If you’re a resident of Western Massachusetts or even the greater New England region, then you’re more than likely familiar with old windows. You know the kind; they’re often covered in flaking paint, feel kind of soggy in that alarming way, and let you know just how windy it is outside (by way of a draft) without even getting off your couch.
While you might think your old wooden windows are a minor annoyance, we’re here to say they might be much more than that. We think it’s time for a window intervention.
Moisture & Wood Are a Bad Combination
Through the years, the regular moisture and humidity caused by New England weather will take its toll on your wooden windows. Eventually, they’ll fall victim to the moisture they might have been diligently keeping at bay. Once water begins the process of rotting your wood, it’s game over.
Wood rot will happen quickly once it starts. As your wood rots, you face some major structural issues, especially if you’re in an older home that relies on window air conditioning units. At this point, it’s only a matter of time before that rot impacts the frame or, even worse, gets into your walls.
Even a little moisture or humidity can impact your old wooden windows by way of warping. If you’ve ever struggled to open a window on a muggy day, then you know what we’re referring to.
Why go vinyl? Vinyl windows are resistant to warping and moisture.
As Wood Warps, It Gets Drafty
Warped wood will never return to its initial shape, so the first-time humidity and moisture impact your window, you’ll begin to lose energy efficiency. As the years go by, those small openings in your window will let in massive drafts. In the dead of a howling, New England winter, you’ll know if you have drafty windows; trust us.
Why go vinyl? As we mentioned previously, less warping means minimal draftiness. Our windows are energy efficient, so they’ll provide substantial savings for your home.
Wood Windows Are Often Full of Lead
Another New England staple for any homebuyer or renter is that dreaded Proposition 65 Warning. If you’re not familiar with it, it’s a piece of paper that tells potential buyers and renters that a home is full of lead paint; a sort of “enter at your own risk” situation.
In many cases, old windows are the culprit. It’s relatively simple to paint over lead paint and mitigate that hazard. However, lead paint on windows is much harder to cover; the constant drafts, as well as the opening and closing of the window, create microscopic lead dust, even if the window is painted over, and that dust will then fly around your room. It's not uncommon for children in homes with old windows to report a high or even hazardous amount of lead at a pediatrician visit.
Why go vinyl? Vinyl windows are lead-free, it's that simple. Crumple up that Prop 65 warning.
Modern Vinyl Windows Are Rot-Free, Warp-Resistant, & Healthy
A modern vinyl window can look just as attractive as an antique wooden window, even if the style is colonial or farmhouse. Today, vinyl windows come in all shapes, sizes, and styles, so you’ll always find a window that fits your home.
Vinyl windows repel moisture, stand up against warping, and they might even rid your home of hazardous lead paint and bring you peace of mind in the process.