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NuStyle Ask, "Windows, Repair or Replace?"

Thursday 18 January 2018, 8:21PM

By Beckie Wright

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New windows offer a host of benefits—smooth operation, low maintenance, fewer draughts, easier cleaning and modest energy savings. However, they’re expensive, and you can be charged almost as much as the cost of the windows to install them, which is a major investment.

NuStyle say you should evaluate your old windows and weigh the benefits of new ones. Are you sick and tired of nursing your windows along, or are you okay with the minor maintenance jobs that go along with them? You need to consider the ease of operation. Do they lift, swing or slide easily, or do you hesitate to open them when you want ventilation?

Painted windows require regular maintenance, otherwise they’ll rot and fall apart. New windows with aluminum or vinyl cladding or that are made from vinyl or a composite eliminate this chore. Does condensation regularly collect on the glass, cloud the view and soak the window trim? Higher-efficiency glass in new windows will help reduce this problem, and regarding cleaning, many new windows are designed to make cleaning a snap.

Single-pane windows often leave rooms feeling chilly and dry in cold weather and overheated in warm, sunny weather. New windows with double-pane glass can greatly improve the comfort of your home, and can block much of the heat of direct sunlight but still allow the light to come through (less need for shades). They’ll reduce cold drafts and the chill of cold glass, and they’ll reduce condensation so you can keep the indoor humidity at a higher, more comfortable level in cold weather. New energy-efficient windows will also save on your fuel bills.  

You can repair and restore old windows if you’re willing to set aside the time and can find replacement hardware, but it’s not always worth the effort and expense. Major problems include rot, which is difficult to stop unless you commit yourself to replacing rotted wood and then maintaining it regularly.

If you have fogged double-pane glass, the fogging that occurs between the glass panes can’t be fixed. Glass replacement (sometimes the entire sash) is the only solution, and this is often difficult, and expensive.You need to compare the “fix-it” cost with the cost of a new window. Similarly, many hard-to-find replacement parts are available from online suppliers, but often new windows are the only option.

To find out more about aluminium windows, aluminium joinery and aluminium doors please go to www.nustyle.co.nz .