Installing new windows is a cost-effective way to enhance your comfort, save on heating and cooling costs, and increase the value of your St. Louis home. However, improperly installing windows can prove a travesty for these goals. That’s why it’s important to speak with a licensed St. Louis contractor about installing new windows in your house. Here are three reasons why you need to have proper window installation.
Better Heating and Cooling Costs
A well-sealed window is integral for maintaining cooling and heating costs all year round. St. Louis experiences all of the highs and lows of each season. Therefore, each season is an opportunity to save money…or spend it.
Proper window installation ensures no gaps between the window and the frame. A tight seal will block cool air outside and maintain warm air inside during the dead of winter and keep the hot air at bay outdoors and the temperature controlled indoors during the dog days of summer. The smallest gap between windows allows a constant stream of cold or hot air to come in from the outside. It also creates an environment conducive to leaking hot or cool air from your HVAC systems.
When there are gaps between the frame and window, it will raise your energy costs. However, it will also cause your HVAC system to work harder, reducing its longevity. This oversight can prove costly for homeowners down the road. Unfortunately, noticing gaps is difficult for the untrained eye. That’s why it’s essential to have a professional in St. Louis install your windows.
Decrease Chances of Water Damage
Window and frame gaps don’t just leave your house susceptible to cool drafts or heat waves. Poor installation can also create the opportunity for water damage. Water damage is much more costly than poor energy efficiency. It can cause structural damage to your property.
Drops of water here and there might seem harmless. However, if the water begins to pool, it can become cataphoric. Eventually, the damage will exceed beyond your window frame and can cause walls to warp, boards to rot, or basements to flood. Not to mention, trapped water is also a breeding ground for microbes. It can cause mildew, mold, or other hazards to contaminate your air quality.
Find Windows That Fit Your House
DIY window installation can seem cost-efficient, but sometimes, you get what you pay for. Handy homeowners are limited to the inventories supplied by local home improvement shops.
While these options might be efficient for some, these windows are very cookie-cutter. They are not measured to fit your house. When it comes to properly sealed windows, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach for houses. Houses settle, wind storms cause damage, and foundations may shift. These acts of god can make window frames uneven…and installations challenging.
Mass-produced windows don’t take your home’s unique considerations into account. So, you might find yourself stuffing cracks between the frame and window with inefficient weatherstrips!
Instead, contact a licensed contractor in St. Louis, like Mosby Building Arts, about installing windows in your home. They can help you determine the right windows for each season. Plus, they will install your windows properly to ensure low energy costs, comfortable living, and cleaner air quality for your entire household!