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10 Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows ASAP

ByTimothy Dale

HOME BUYERS – To get the best exclusive listings visit www.vreg.ca and go to “EXCLUSIVE DEALS”

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On average, windows will last between 15 to 30 years, though the exact life span depends on several factors, including the type of glass, the quality and material of the frame, the local weather, and whether the window is installed properly or not. Regardless of these factors, windows and window frames can break or begin to show signs of wear, indicating that you need to repair the windows or invest in an upgrade. However, before paying for costly repairs, read on to learn 10 signs you need to replace your windows instead.

1. Visible Damage

One of the most obvious signs that you should consider replacing the windows is if there is visible damage. While you can pay for the windows to be repaired, it’s important to consider their current age. Newer windows might be worth the cost of the repair, but it’s typically more cost-effective to replace older windows that are visibly damaged.

Visible damage can include broken glass, a broken window frame, or even a broken seal that causes fog or moisture to accumulate between the panes. Not only can this damage put the home at risk of wood rot and mold growth, but it also detracts from the appearance of the home, reducing its value and negatively impacting the curb appeal.

2. Difficult to Operate

Windows are designed to function without a lot of effort. You should be able to lock, unlock, open, and close the windows with relative ease, but as windows age, the frame might start to swell, and the hardware can rust or become bent due to regular use. When this occurs, you can pay to have the window hardware replaced or even have the frame repaired, but the same issues might happen again in a few years.

Instead, it might be better to replace the window entirely to ensure you have another 15 to 30 years before you need to worry about the windows again. Keep in mind that while you can replace just one window at a time, it’s often better to invest in replacing multiple windows at once for a lower overall cost.

3. Room Feels Drafty

While windows are designed to allow fresh air into the home, this doesn’t mean you always want outside air flowing into your house. If you notice that the room is drafty or that air seems to be leaking through the windows when they’re closed, this is typically a sign that the seal around them is broken, bent, or otherwise deformed.

Replacing the seal will fix this issue, so if your current budget is too tight for a full window replacement, this might be a short-term solution. However, as the window ages, other problems will begin to occur, so this could be a good time to replace the window entirely.

4. Frames Feel Soft

Some windows have metal window frames, but there is also a wide variety of wooden window frames. After years of exposure to rain, sleet, hail, and snow, the wood frames could begin to rot or break down, causing them to feel soft or spongy to the touch. This is a clear indicator that you will need to replace the windows and frames before the moisture begins to seep into the home.

Similarly, if your window frames are made of metal, look for signs of rusting, chipping, or even crumbling, which typically indicates that the window frame is gradually breaking down. If the frame is no longer able to hold the glass or to keep moisture outside, it puts the home at risk, so plan to replace the windows as soon as possible.

5. High Energy Bills

Home energy bills can be affected by a wide variety of issues around the home, like low-efficiency appliances, poor insulation, aging heating and cooling systems, or faulty windows. Since the furnace works to keep the home warm in the winter, and the air conditioner is primarily responsible for keeping the home cool in the summer, any drafty areas of the home where heat can flow freely through the walls reduce its overall efficiency.

Faulty windows with loose or damaged seals can contribute to rising energy bills by forcing the heating and cooling system to work harder just to maintain the set temperature indoors. If you suspect this is the case, you can have the window seals replaced, though depending on the age and condition of the windows, it might be better to invest in a full window replacement to resolve the issue for the foreseeable future.

6. Water Leaks Through the Windows

Windows are made to keep rain, sleet, hail, snow, and other sources of moisture outside the home, so if you notice that water seems to be coming in through your windows, this is a sign that you need to replace your windows as soon as possible. A little bit of water won’t do a lot of damage, but continued exposure to water can rot the window frame, warp the windowsill, damage the drywall around the windows, cause high humidity in the room, and even damage the flooring under and around the windows, depending on the severity of the leak.

If you are short on funds and need a short-term solution, you might be able to prevent the window from leaking by replacing the seal, though this isn’t a guaranteed fix, especially if the window frame is already damaged. It’s best to replace the window as soon as possible to prevent further damage to the home.

7. Windows Are Outdated

In some cases, there isn’t anything physically wrong with the existing windows, but their look or style can hinder the home’s overall appearance. If you plan to sell your home soon, outdated windows might reduce the amount prospective home buyers offer as well as the property’s value.

Even if you are not planning to sell your home any time soon, it can be a good idea to replace old, out-of-style windows with new, modern windows that improve the appeal of the property. Not only will the look of the new windows enhance the appearance of the home, but you also get the many benefits that come along with having brand new windows, such as improved energy efficiency.

8. Your Allergies Are Worse Than Usual

Not everyone experiences seasonal allergies, but for those who do, you likely want to control the indoor air quality as much as possible. Aging windows with warped window frames or broken seals allow outside air and airborne contaminants to enter the home through narrow gaps that could be difficult to see.

When this occurs, it can increase the amount of allergens in the air, causing your allergies to get worse than usual. If you notice that your allergies are worse in certain areas of the home, then it’s worth inspecting the windows there. The best solution for this problem is to replace the faulty windows with a more effective seal against outdoor allergens.

9. Sound Seeps Through the Windows

Open windows allow outdoor noises to pour into the home, but when the windows are shut, they should block out most of the sound from the surrounding neighborhood, allowing you to enjoy your home in peace. While windows aren’t as sound-resistant as the thick, insulated walls of the home, you should still have relative quiet when the windows are closed.

However, if you constantly have to increase the TV volume or repeat yourself due to traffic, sirens, music, or other outside noises, this can indicate that too much sound is seeping through the windows. Upgrading the existing windows with double- or triple-pane options can be a great way to immediately improve the problem. You might even want to purchase soundproof windows if your neighborhood is especially noisy.

10. Faded Carpet and Furniture Around the Windows

UV radiation can have a serious impact on any carpet, curtains, drapes, or furniture that’s close to the windows. The direct sunlight can cause these materials to prematurely fade, causing a significant discrepancy between the parts of the room that are exposed to the direct sunlight and the parts that remain mostly in the shade.

Windows play a big part in protecting your home from the wind and rain, but they can also help prevent damage from UV radiation. If your carpet and furniture often experience rapid fading due to UV radiation, it’s recommended to replace the existing windows with modern windows that have low-emissivity (low-E) glass, which uses a microscopic film to keep UV rays and solar heat from passing through. Not only does this prevent premature fading, but it also helps to keep your home cooler.

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    7 Things in Your Garage You Should Never Throw Away

    ByMaria Sabella

    If decluttering the garage is one of your house projects to tackle this season, there are a few things you should think twice about tossing. The garage often becomes a dumping ground for leftover building materials, old paint, and items that no longer work, but you don’t necessarily want to get rid of. These things can take up valuable storage room, so a seasonal garage declutter is always a good idea. As you take inventory of the space, consider this list of items you shouldn’t throw away. It includes items that need to be disposed of in a specific way because they are considered hazardous waste, as well as things you could need down the road and would regret getting rid of. 1. Leftover Paint If there are half-empty cans of leftover paint sitting on your garage shelves, avoid throwing them in the trash. Oil-based paints are flammable and can pose a serious environmental risk and fire hazard. Any cans of leftover oil-based paint, solvents, and thinners are considered hazardous waste and need to be disposed of safely. Check your town’s guidelines for hazardous waste disposal—some municipalities have a designated drop-off location for these items while others collect them periodically throughout the year. 2. Materials from Home Improvement Projects It’s tempting to throw out leftover materials once you’re done with a home improvement project, especially if they are cluttering your garage. Whether it’s extra quarter-rounds or leftover floorboards, avoid throwing building materials away as you may need them down the road if something needs to be replaced or repaired. This is especially important if the materials are not standard size and can’t easily be repurchased, if they have been discontinued, or if you had them custom made. 3. Gasoline Cans For maximum safety, gasoline cans should not be stored in a garage that is attached to your home given their flammability. If you have extra containers of gasoline in a detached garage that are old and taking up valuable storage space, don’t just throw them in the garbage can. Because gasoline can easily catch on fire inside your trash can or once it’s in the garbage truck, safe disposal is essential. Drop gasoline cans off at your local hazardous waste collection site, at a recycling center if they accept them, or your local fire station. x 4. Infrequently Used Tools The best solution for a cluttered garage isn’t always to toss everything that’s not used frequently, sometimes it’s just implementing a better organizational system. You may want to throw away tools and garden equipment you don’t use frequently, however chances are you will need to repurchase the tool once you need it again. Instead of throwing these items away, store them on a high shelf or other out-of-the-way location in the garage so they are not taking up prime real estate but remain accessible when needed. 5. Sentimental Items If you have boxes of sentimental items in the garage, don’t throw them out because you may regret it later. Instead, figure out the best way to store the meaningful items so they don’t take up excessive room and are safe from weather-related damage. If your garage is not temperature regulated, transfer sentimental things like photos, old letters, and textiles into plastic tubs or airtight storage bags instead of keeping them in cardboard boxes. This will help prevent moisture-related damage as well as keep pests and odors away. 6. Old Electronics The garage often becomes a dumping ground for old electronics that no longer work. Whether it’s a VCR you haven’t used in decades or a bag of old remote controls, these items waste valuable storage space, but shouldn’t be thrown in the garbage can. Because of their internal mechanisms and batteries that they use, electronics can be flammable and should be disposed of safely. Do a walkthrough of your garage and collect all unused electronics that need to be discarded, then check your local guidelines for safely getting rid of them at a recycling site or other collection center. 7.Light Bulbs Old and extra light bulbs seem to always end up in a box on a garage shelf, wasting storage space that could be used for other items. Before you go ahead and throw them away however, check to see what type of light bulbs they are. If they are fluorescent bulbs or any type of light bulb that contains mercury, they should not be thrown in the garbage can. Not only can they break and the shattered glass cause damage, the mercury content, however small, can be harmful to humans and the environment.

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    8 Expert Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe During a Natural Disaster

    ByElla Field

    Whether you live in an area prone to tornadoes, wildfires, or earthquakes, having an emergency preparedness plan in place can make all the difference in keeping your family, including your pets, safe. We spoke with pet safety experts to learn exactly what you can—and should—do for different types of natural disasters and what you should keep on hand in case of emergency. Roxana Petzold is the pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. Susan Anderson is the senior director of disaster response at the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA). 1. Put Together an Emergency Kit Pack a bag to grab quickly if you have to evacuate or shelter. Include enough pet supplies for 7–10 days, including food, water, medications, and bowls. Add a photo of you and your pet in case you get separated. Check expiration dates and update the kit twice a year. 2. Create a Plan There are many circumstances you can’t control, but being prepared is one you can. Build a plan that outlines what you’ll do if an emergency were to occur. Know what kind of natural disasters are most likely to occur in your area and create a plan for each one. Draft additional plans for scenarios like flooding, power or water outages, and house fires. To assist you, use a printable checklist found on aspca.org , then practice your family’s emergency plan. “Everyone should have an assigned role,” says Roxana Petzold, pet services senior program manager at the American Red Cross. “Who’s grabbing which bag? Who’s got the dog?”  3. Download a Pet First Aid App The American Red Cross Pet First Aid app is a great resource for emergencies, including step-by-step instructions for common health and safety issues. You can also connect your vet info and find emergency hospitals and pet-friendly hotels. Keep this on your phone and explore the different resources, so if there is an emergency, you can more easily navigate it. 4. Know What to Do If There’s a Fire If there’s a wildfire and you need to evacuate, your pets should always go with you. That means creating a plan with potential places to shelter that will take pets. Since you can’t guarantee all evacuation sites will accept animals, research this now. Never let your pet near damaged property after a fire, and if air quality is poor, limit time outside.  If the fire is in your house, however, Susan Anderson, ASPCA senior director of disaster response, says, “Don’t go back in to grab your pet, as difficult as this is.” Consider adding a pet alert decal to one of your windows so first responders know there are pets in your home. 5. Practice Taking Shelter for Tornadoes and Large Storms If you need to take cover based on weather alerts and warnings, your pet does too. Go to the lowest level of your home in a room with no windows. After the storm, “Your pet might experience stress, fear, and disorientation. Familiar scents and landmarks might have changed,” Petzold says. Keep pets away from damaged electrical wires and trees, and look for debris on the ground that could be a hazard. Also, be aware that wildlife could have taken shelter in your home. 6. Prepare for a Hurricane or Flooding If local officials issue evacuation orders, follow the same protocol as for a fire. “Never tether pets to a pole or a tree or anything that would prevent them from getting to a safe area,” Anderson says. If you can’t evacuate and there’s a risk of flooding, go to the highest level of your house. After a hurricane or flood, don’t let your pets drink standing water, as it can be contaminated.  7. Be Aware of What to Do If There’s an Earthquake Unlike other natural disasters, earthquakes often happen without warning. If you live in an area where they might occur, it’s important to have large furniture anchored to walls to protect people and animals from falling objects. For any disaster, but especially for earthquakes, identify places in your home where your pet might hide when scared. Additionally, be sure your pets are microchipped and the info is up-to-date.  8. Be Cautious in Extreme Temperatures  “If you don’t want to be outside, your pet shouldn’t be either,” Anderson says. In the cold, put jackets on small or short-haired pets as they have less natural protection. In the heat, test walking surfaces with your hand. If it’s too hot for you, it’s too hot for them. Treat an overheated pet with cooling packs or cold water on the head or armpits.

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    8 Patio Furniture Trends Designers Swear by for an Outdoor Escape

    ByKendall Bettle

    Your outdoor space is a part of your home—and it deserves just as much thought and personality as your interiors. “Since the days of COVID, we’ve leaned heavily into outdoor living, and it’s changed the way we decorate our exteriors,” says home style expert Ursula Carmona. To help you bring the same level of intention and style to your backyard, patio, balcony, or porch, we tapped interior designers and experts at leading patio furniture brands. Read on for the patio furniture trends they’re seeing in 2025—and how to bring them to life in your space. Ursula Carmona is a content creator and home style expert. Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald is the senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate, a home and garden retailer. Lindsay Schleis is a design expert and vice president of business development at POLYWOOD, an outdoor furniture brand. 1. Room Vignettes Think of your outdoor area as a true extension of your home—one with defined zones for how you actually live. “Start by considering the ‘rooms’ you wish to define and how you envision living within these spaces,” says Sandra Smith-Fitzgerald, senior vice president of merchandising at Frontgate. “Will it be a retreat? A place to host gatherings? Or an intimate spot for friends? Integral to outdoor living is the creation of distinct areas—like an outdoor living room, dining zone, relaxing retreat by the pool, or an outdoor kitchen for a complete alfresco dining experience.” Once the layout is in place, add layers of decor. “Don’t be afraid to bring the indoors out—cozy seating, layered textiles, styled vignettes,” says Carmona. 2. Elevate Small Spaces A sprawling patio isn’t a prerequisite for great outdoor design. 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Blend Modern with Traditional Modern design isn’t going anywhere—but now, it’s being softened with timeless touches. “New traditional style is about crafting a space that seamlessly bridges classic and modern aesthetics,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “This results in an environment that is both comfortable and sophisticated, inviting yet cohesive, and—at its core—truly timeless.” Classics like Adirondack and rocking chairs remain evergreen staples, but when paired with streamlined forms and modern materials, they feel fresh and updated. “Blend classic silhouettes and colors with modern ones in furniture or accent pieces,” says Smith-Fitzgerald. “Then add layers of textiles, such as patterns and solids in rugs and pillows to infuse texture, comfort, and a dash of personality.” 4. 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As more families invest in their exterior spaces, we’re seeing a rise in furniture collections made just for kids. “We launched our kids collection last year and it’s been met with enthusiasm,” Schleis says. “Parents are clearly eager to create comfortable and stylish outdoor areas specifically for their children, mirroring the adult spaces they’ve created.” Credit: Victoria Pearson 6. Infuse Nature into the Aesthetic Designers are embracing earthy tones and organic textures to help outdoor spaces feel grounded and serene. “Nature-inspired palettes and textures bring a sense of calm and relaxation to our busy lives,” says Schleis. “All shades of browns and natural, warm tones allow your furniture to both blend in with the environment while making a statement.” Look for woven accents, wood finishes, and stone-inspired materials that enhance the natural vibe. 7. Go Bold With Art Deco Decor The bold glamour of Art Deco is making a comeback—yes, even outside. 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Play with Patterns Patterns are having a moment outdoors—from florals and stripes to geometric and global-inspired prints. “Seasonal motifs can complement any patio style, infusing fun and personality into your design,” says Smith-Fitzgerald, who says the key to adding pattern without overwhelming your space is balance. “Let these elements shine as focal points, ensuring they don’t

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    Plan for 3 towers next to Commercial-Broadway station finally heads to public hearing

    BySimon Little

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    Canadian Dental Care Plan applications are now open for people under 35

    ByIsabelle Docto

    The Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP) is now accepting more applications. Implemented in 2023, the program aims to decrease dental costs for Canadians earning less than $90,000 annually. The federal government says the dental plan will help up to nine million uninsured people get the care they need. Applications opened for eligible Canadians ages 18 to 34 on Thursday. The CDCP will expand eligibility even further later this month, on the 29th, for those aged 35 to 54. “The Government of Canada will send letters to Canadian residents aged 18 to 64 who may be eligible to the Canadian Dental Care Plan (CDCP), based on their 2024 adjusted family net income, inviting them to apply,” reads a government notice. “If you (and your spouse or common-law partner, if applicable) have filed your 2024 tax returns and received your notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency, you can apply once applications open up for your age group, even if you haven’t received this letter.” If you’re already covered by the dental care plan, you’ll need to renew for the 2025 to 2026 period before June 1 to avoid a possible gap in coverage. To do this, you must have filed your 2024 tax return and received the notice of assessment from the Canada Revenue Agency. Who qualifies for the Canadian Dental Care Plan? You must meet all of the following requirements to be eligible for the dental care plan: You’re a Canadian resident You don’t have access to dental insurance through your employer, student organization, a family member’s employer benefits, your pension, or a family member’s pension benefits You’ve filed your tax return Your adjusted family net income is less than $90,000 Canadians who are part of their province’s or territory’s dental program can still qualify for the CDCP if they meet all eligibility criteria. What does the CDCP cover? These are some of the dental services it covers: Preventive services, including scaling (cleaning), polishing, sealants, and fluoride Diagnostic services, including examinations and X-rays Restorative services, including fillings Periodontal services, including deep scaling Oral surgery services, including extractions It expanded the services it covers in October to add the following: Complete specialist examinations Crowns Root canal re-treatments Removable partial dentures, overdentures, and immediate dentures Major surgical procedures Moderate sedation, deep sedation, and general anesthesia The government notes that the dental plan does not directly pay eligible members for the cost of dental care services. Even if you’re eligible, you may still have to pay your oral health provider any amount not covered by the CDCP. This article was originally published on May 11, 2025. It has since been updated.

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    B.C. could face huge challenges if Alberta declares independence

    ByAlec Lazenby

    File photo: B.C. Premier David Eby, left, speaks to reporters with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith during meetings with Canada’s other premiers at the Council of the Federation meetings in Halifax on July 16, 2024. Photo by Darren Calabrese /The Canadian Press Article content A vote for independence in Alberta would divide Canada at a time when U.S. President Donald Trump is threatening the country’s sovereignty and could pose headaches for B.C. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Vancouver Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Sign In or Create an Account or Article content Article content The trading relationship between B.C. and Alberta is estimated at well over $30 billion annually and “Wild Rose Country” is B.C.’s most important economic partner within Canada. Article content Ports in B.C. rely on railways, pipelines and highways that cross Alberta to move goods to and from the rest of the country, and there could be enormous challenges if these routes are disrupted. Article content Article content Premier David Eby has been reluctant to weigh in so far on the possibility of a sovereign Alberta outside of comments calling for national unity in the face of Trump’s 51st state threats. Article content By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Article content However, he’s not been shy about calling out his displeasure with outside actors becoming involved. Article content “It is a tired trope. It is a waste of time, and it is an attack on the unity that we have right now as a country standing up to the Trump administration, for political, partisan gains,” Eby said in April in response to former Reform Party leader Preston Manning’s column in the Globe and Mail suggesting a victory for Mark Carney’s Liberals in the federal election could lead to Western secession. Article content Conservative Leader John Rustad has been more supportive of Alberta’s grievances, saying Carney needs to “step up to the plate” after his victory. Article content The fires of separatism leading up to the April 28 federal election have been exacerbated in the weeks since by Alberta Premier Danielle Smith’s move to lower the number of signatures needed to trigger a referendum, from 600,000 to 177,000. Article content Article content A new Alberta Republican party has also been organizing to get those signatures in time for a 2026 referendum. Article content Article content Those developments could cause tension this week as the premiers of B.C., Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut are meeting in Yellowknife for their annual conference. Article content As that meeting began on Wednesday, Eby lamented separatism, without using the word “Alberta,” saying it’s hard to “imagine a worse time to be tacitly or overtly supporting voices” that want to break Canada apart. Article content Stewart Prest, a University of B.C. political scientist, said the challenge for Eby is to balance his belief in Confederation with an understanding of Alberta’s, and to a lesser extent Saskatchewan’s, concerns they aren’t receiving their fair share. Article content “If I were the premier, I would be finding ways to say that Alberta is heard and seen as part of Confederation, but also that this federation is stronger for Alberta’s presence than if Alberta is separated,” said Prest.

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