If you're a new homeowner or simply looking to make some home improvements, the windows are a perfect area to concentrate on. This is because windows that go unrepaired or don't hold enough protection can cost you in the long run. You want your windows to last you as long as possible while providing you with the most protection. The following includes a few ways you can begin to upgrade your windows to last longer and work better.
Upgrade to Double-Pane
One of the ways that home builders reduce material cost is by installing cheap single-pane windows. Although they pass inspection, they don't offer the best protection and are much more likely to cause you problems in the short term, especially when it comes to energy conservation. Therefore, upgrading to double-pane windows is highly recommended if you wish to obtain further protection from the elements and have windows that are going to go the distance.
Add Exterior Shutters
Sometimes it is not an improvement to the window itself that can make it last longer but an addition. That is why the first item on this list includes exterior shutters. Adding shutters to your windows provides you with a variety of benefits that include everything from protecting your windows during strong thunderstorms to shading them during those hot summer days where UV rays are blasting down onto your home.
Sealing/Caulking
The number one way to ensure that your utility bill skyrockets is to neglect cracks on your windows. The best way to avoid this from occurring in the first place is to make sure that you are sealing your window at least once per year, preferably before the winter or summer months. You may choose to have special rubber material installed onto your window for a more uniform look but caulking it yourself with store-bought material is often just as effective.
Add Interior Shutters
While exterior shutters are great for protecting your windows against storms, interior shutters, or blinds, are more useful in the day-to-day. Typically, people still want to be able to have natural lighting in their home without getting blinded by the sun’s glare directly through the glass. With interior shutters, you can have the best of both worlds by letting in just the right amount of sun for you without just leaving the window fully exposed. While this tip doesn’t necessarily make your window last longer, it does help it work better at providing natural lighting.
Although extremely important to the comfortability of your home, windows are often neglected by homeowners. That is why it is so important to ensure that they are being taken care of and upgraded every few years. By applying the tips listed above, you may be able to extend the life of your windows and even make them work better for you.
