Responding to a Forbes Article Against Replacement Windows in Older Homes

We recently read an article on the Forbes website that encourages homeowners not to replace their windows if their home was built prior to the 1960s. While we would agree that some older historic homes should not have their original wood windows replaced—homes built with aluminum windows before 1960 are great candidates for replacement windows.

Windows with aluminum frames became the norm in the 1950s and 60s, but were used in homes as early as the 1920s and 30s. Some were well made with heavy-gauge aluminum and welded seams, and others were made with inferior materials and construction methods. Those that were well made and lovingly maintained over the years may still be in great shape and serving the homeowners well, but that is not the case for most. Air and water leakage are common problems with older aluminum windows. In addition, aluminum frames tend to bend and bow over time, making them difficult to open and close.

In our professional opinion, many homes in San Diego built prior to the 1960s could benefit in several ways from new windows and patio doors.

It’s Not Just About the Energy Savings

The article argues new windows will never truly pay for themselves for most homeowners. It could take up to 20 years for the energy savings to equal the cost of the new windows, and by then, most San Diego homeowners have moved on to a different house.

Many replacement window companies in San Diego, including ours, will tell you about the energy savings you can expect to see when you replace your home’s old windows with new, energy-efficient products. While this is something that homeowners who consider themselves eco-friendly or those who are looking to save money on the monthly energy costs like to hear, it’s not the only reason to consider replacement windows and doors.

We hear over and over from our customers that they are surprised how much quieter new windows have made their home. Today’s sound suppression technology* for windows is quite fantastic, especially in high-quality replacement windows, like Anlin windows. Homeowners living near busy streets, airports, schools, or hospitals often tell us that the change in the sound quality in their home is almost palpable. They no longer hear the noise from outside their homes, whether it’s traffic, airplanes, or just the neighbor’s dog. They comment that it’s so much more pleasant to live in their homes.

New windows can also give a home a fresh new look. Oftentimes, windows that have been in a home for 40+ years will have paint on them from a previous owner’s careless paint job, or the glass will be scratched. No matter how clean you keep your windows, they will always look somewhat dingy. New windows with sparkling new glass, clean frames, and new screens will give your house a fresh look that elevates the entire exterior of the home.

Finally, homeowners should consider the operation of their windows and doors. Do you have an old aluminum sliding patio door that takes two hands and a good amount of muscle to open? Or maybe you have sliding windows that no longer open at all, or single hung windows that won’t stay open when the sash is lifted. Brand new windows that operate perfectly with little effort can be a game-changer! Imagine being able to easily open all of your windows on a perfect San Diego day to let in fresh air, or to have them close tightly when it’s windy or rainy to keep out the elements. There comes a point when old windows are no longer fixable and need to be replaced

Windows to Match the Aesthetic of Your Home

Each home has its own unique character. It may be a traditional style home, a mid-century modern, or a classic ranch style home. There are replacement windows to fit pretty much any style of home in San Diego.

At BM Windows, our team members can help you choose the style of window that will perfectly complement your specific home. Do you have a modern home? You’ll want windows with slim frames. Is your home more of a Craftsman style? There’s a specific grid pattern that you can have put in your windows that will add to your home’s Craftsman charm. Although the Forbes article seems to intimate that new windows will detract from a home’s style, when done right, we believe new windows can enhance it!

If you’re ready to learn more about new windows for your San Diego home, contact us. Whether you have an older home, or one that was built in this century, we can help!

*As of this writing, BM Windows is offering a free sound suppression upgrade to purchasers of Anlin Windows. Read more here.