Posted by Empire Siding & Windows in Homeowner Tips
Your windows work hard every day — keeping out the cold, the heat, the rain, and the noise. But like everything in your home, they don’t last forever. The tricky part is knowing when it’s time to replace them versus when a simple repair will do.
Here are the 7 warning signs that it’s time to call Empire Siding and Windows for a free in-home estimate.
1. You Feel Drafts Even With the Windows Closed
If you can feel cold air coming in around your window frames on a winter day — or hot air seeping in during a Virginia summer — your windows are no longer doing their job.
Drafts usually mean the weatherstripping has failed, the frame has warped, or the seal between the glass panes has broken down. While weatherstripping can sometimes be replaced, persistent drafts often signal that the window itself needs to go.
The impact: Drafty windows force your heating and cooling system to work harder, driving up your energy bills every single month.
2. You See Condensation Between the Panes
If you notice fog or moisture between the layers of glass — not on the surface, but trapped inside — that’s a clear sign the window’s seal has failed.
Double and triple pane windows are filled with insulating gas between the panes. When the seal breaks, that gas escapes and moisture gets in. Once this happens, the window’s insulating ability is permanently compromised and it cannot be repaired — only replaced.
The impact: Failed seals mean your windows are no longer energy efficient, even if they look fine from a distance.
3. Your Windows Are Difficult to Open, Close, or Lock
Windows should open and close smoothly. If yours require significant effort, stick regularly, or won’t lock properly, that’s a problem — and not just an inconvenience.
Difficulty operating windows is usually caused by:
- Warped or swollen frames (common with wood windows in Virginia’s humidity)
- Failed balance systems in double-hung windows
- Built-up paint or debris in the tracks
- Foundation settling that has shifted the window frame
The impact: Windows that don’t lock properly are a security risk. Windows that won’t open easily are a safety risk in an emergency.
4. You Notice Visible Damage, Rot, or Warping
Take a close look at your window frames, sills, and surrounding trim. If you see:
- Soft, spongy wood that gives when you press it
- Visible rot or decay
- Warping or bowing of the frame
- Chipping, peeling, or bubbling paint on the exterior
- Water stains on the interior wall below the window
…these are signs of moisture damage that won’t get better on its own. Left untreated, rot spreads to the surrounding wall structure and can become a much more expensive repair.
The impact: Rotting window frames allow moisture into your walls, potentially leading to mold and structural damage.
5. Your Energy Bills Keep Climbing
Have your heating and cooling bills been creeping up year after year, even without a change in your usage habits? Old, inefficient windows could be the culprit.
Windows account for up to 30% of a home’s heating and cooling energy loss according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Upgrading from single-pane or older double-pane windows to modern Low-E double-pane windows can reduce energy costs by 15–25% annually.
The impact: New energy-efficient windows typically pay for themselves over time through lower utility bills.
6. Outside Noise Seems Louder Than It Used To
If you’re hearing more traffic noise, neighborhood sounds, or outdoor activity than you used to, your windows may be losing their sound insulation ability — often a sign that seals have failed or the glass itself has degraded.
Modern double and triple pane windows with proper seals provide significant sound reduction compared to older single-pane windows. If your home feels noisier than it should, your windows may be why.
The impact: Poor sound insulation affects your comfort and quality of life at home.
7. Your Windows Are More Than 20 Years Old
Even if your windows look okay on the surface, age matters. Most windows have a functional lifespan of 20–25 years. After that, the seals degrade, the frames lose their structural integrity, and the glass loses its efficiency — even if there’s no obvious visible damage.
If your windows are approaching or past the 20-year mark, it’s worth having them professionally evaluated. You may not need to replace all of them immediately, but knowing their condition lets you plan and budget accordingly.
The impact: Older windows cost you money every month in lost energy efficiency, even when they look fine.
How Many of These Apply to Your Home?
If you checked off even two or three of these warning signs, it’s time to at least get a professional opinion. Replacement windows are an investment — but they pay dividends in comfort, energy savings, security, and curb appeal for decades to come.
At Empire Siding and Windows, we offer free, no-obligation in-home estimates for homeowners in Roanoke, Salem, and surrounding communities. The owner is personally involved in every project, and we’ll give you an honest assessment of whether repair or replacement makes more sense for your specific situation.
Call us today at 540-929-8010 or contact us online to schedule your free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just one window at a time?
Yes — but keep in mind that Empire Siding and Windows offers significant savings when you purchase 10 or more windows at once. If several windows are showing warning signs, replacing them together is almost always more cost-effective.
How long does window replacement take?
Most whole-home window replacements take just 1–2 days. Individual window replacements can often be completed in a single morning.
What type of windows do you install?
We specialize in high-quality vinyl replacement windows that are built to perform in Virginia’s climate — hot, humid summers and cold winters. We’ll bring samples to your home so you can see and feel the difference.
Is financing available?
Yes! We offer 12-month special financing with approved credit through Wells Fargo. Ask us about financing options when you schedule your free estimate.
Empire Siding and Windows is a locally-owned contractor serving Roanoke, Salem, and the surrounding Roanoke Valley. Contact us for a free in-home window assessment.