As a facility maintenance manager, you need to take care of the building from top to bottom, and that includes your windows. Typically, windows last anywhere from 20 to 50 years, so how do you know when it’s time for replacement?
Whether it’s higher energy bills, heat loss, drafts, moisture, or wear and tear, there are several signs indicating when your windows have started to fail or are in need of an update.
No matter the reason, if you’ve determined that it’s time to replace your windows, there are several things to consider before committing the expense to your budget.
Assess your needs
What are you looking to accomplish and what do you need? Consider your building use and structure when making your choice. For example, for mid-rise buildings, options with four-inch frames are popular for accommodating common deep-wall structure cavities.
Decide whether you want the windows to open or to remain fixed, depending on where they are located in your building. Also, if your area experiences extreme weather, durability may need to be factored in to extend the lifespan of your investment.
If you are looking to cut down on your energy bills, look for low emissivity coatings (Low-E), double or triple-paned glass, and argon or krypton gas between panes. These features allow heat in when it’s cold and reflect heat when the weather warms up, to save on your heating and cooling costs.
RELATED: Energy-saving tips for your building
Look at your budget
Replacing your windows can be a huge undertaking, but it doesn’t have to be a one-stop project. Budget accordingly, spacing out the project into several phases to meet your needs.
Take a practical approach to your budget. While wood frames may be more appealing to you, vinyl frames generally cost less and are longer-lasting, so that offer better value.
Take everything into consideration, so there are no surprises later. Do you have blinds or shades installed? Do your windows with alarm sensors? Budget the time and cost to have them removed and reinstalled as part of your upcoming expenses.
Late spring, summer, and early fall are the most convenient times of the year to replace your windows, so winter is the perfect time to assess your needs, look at your budget, and plan for your upcoming window replacement project.
