When Is the Best Time to Buy Replacement Windows?

If you’ve recently bought a new house, you’re probably experiencing an array of emotions ranging from happiness to enthusiasm to fear.

New homeowners are excited about the prospect of personally owning a space that they could legally call their own.

Depending on the type of house or home that you purchased, it may be quite a few years before you would have to do any kind of maintenance unless you already have home improvement projects scheduled ahead.

Some parts of the house that new homeowners rarely think about are the windows and doors. They play a significant role in the value and comfort of your home. Installing energy-efficient windows and doors can lower your monthly heating and cooling bills.

On the other hand, substandard quality doors and windows can allow heat, humidity, rain, cold, snow, ice, and more to interfere with the temperature inside your home. Low-quality windows pose a potential security issue too.

Even if you recently purchased a new home, always be aware that builders often use “construction-grade” windows that may quickly fall apart and need to be replaced.

So, we’ve established high-quality windows are key to keeping your home comfortable. What most homeowners (new and experienced) don’t consider is when to purchase new windows. You may be thinking that “I’ll replace my windows when they are damaged or too old,” but here’s a few tips to keep in mind as you consider window replacement.

But before we dive into the when, let’s take a look at how you can know for sure your windows actually need replacing.

Is It Time to Purchase Replacement Windows?

Consider conducting an inspection of your home.

As you go about this inspection, always check that the windows are able to shut all the way and can lock properly. Wind or the heat outside can come in simply because your window can’t shut all the way. That’s just one sign in favor of replacement.

Other ways to inspect your home may include:

• Looking at the caulking, if it’s dry or crumpling, then it will need to be replaced.
• Checking the paint; Is it weathered or peeling? The paint may need to be touched up or even completely redone.
• Check all the windows and doors; Windows that stick or will not open may signal uneven shrinkage or swelling. Even if these are vinyl or aluminum windows, this problem may still occur if the sash or frame sags in the event that they were not reinforced.
• Think about how much noise from the outside can be heard through your windows. While soundproof windows aren’t available, you can purchase panes with thicker glass that can dampen noise volume.
• Broken or damaged glass or frames may be obvious, but even more, minor signs of damage can point to bigger problems with your windows.

Now that you know the signs that point to window replacement, let’s dive into when you should plan for replacements, if possible.

When Is the Best Time to Replace Your Windows?

The short answer is right now (but let us elaborate.)

Fall and Winter

Though the weather may be hot now, it’s important to remember that fall is just around the corner. Spoiler alert: the colder months are not the best times to have your windows replaced.

Why?

The fall and winter are bad times to get your windows replaced for several reasons, such as:

Supply Chain Issues

Due to the recent pandemic and other economic factors, many industries are still having great difficulty accessing materials and products. Unfortunately, the window replacement industry is no exception.

That’s why getting started on your window replacement now is a better idea. It gives your contractor the time they need to order and receive your new windows before your current windows malfunction or break! 

Cold and Wet Weather

Brisk fall winds and snowy winter days can provide an element of inconvenience to any home improvement projects, including window replacement. While there are many methods to keeping your home warm while the replacements are underway, minimizing discomfort is always a goal.

All this to say, some people actually prefer having their windows replaced during winter.

When you have a professional contractor install your windows in your home, you won’t have to worry about having a hole in your wall for days on end.

If you’re the type of person who wants the job done as soon as the damage occurs, then the cold season is still an option.

Spring and Summer

These are the best of times to start arranging for window replacements! You can start by partnering with a trusted contractor and enjoy the benefits of replacing windows in the warmer months.

Contractors who work during warm month installations are also faster in comparison to cold month installations. You can also receive your windows before the colder weather sets in. So, expect a quick and easy replacement when you schedule during this season.

Some people worry about the heavy rainstorms or thunderstorms delaying their plans to replace their windows. While rain can cause window replacements some issues, an experienced contractor will know how to handle this situation.

Ready to Replace Your Windows?

All in all, when it comes to window replacement, going against the popular demand of getting replacements in the fall months can go a long way in saving you on time and cost.

Remember to plan for your replacement if possible, and you’ll have new windows in no time.

As always, if you have questions or concerns with windows replacements and repairs. At Semper West, we would love to partner with you to provide quick but lasting window replacements.