Environmentalism and climate change are top of mind for consumers. As homeowners make updates and renovations to their homes, making energy efficient upgrades is a high consideration. But something that homeowners might not think about until their project is completed is what to do with the things they're replacing.
The idea of creating more waste might turn some people off, but luckily, there are plenty of environmentally conscious ways of disposing of or reusing old windows and doors. There are also plenty of ways to repurpose or recycle these items into something new that serves a new purpose. Whatever your goals are, there's a great way to get rid of the old materials while keeping the planet in mind.
Let's explore why you might need new windows or doors and what to do with the old door and window products to best protect the environment.
Reasons to Get New Windows or Doors
If you're focused on the environment, you might be putting off getting new windows or doors to avoid creating unnecessary waste. That's an understandable concern, but the fact is, there are many excellent reasons to replace your windows and doors.
In addition to new windows helping to bring down your energy bills, you might also be focused on increasing the value or improving the curb appeal of your home. Maybe they're not as efficient or secure as they should be, or you're looking to increase your home's curb appeal or resale value.
All of these reasons are valid, and in general, older doors and windows are likely not operating nearly as efficiently as new windows and doors will, in which case, it makes sense to install new ones that will be able to meet your needs while promoting a more sustainable living situation.
How to Tell if Your Windows Need Replacing
With proper care and maintenance, windows and doors typically have a long lifespan, allowing homeowners to get the most of them. However, as time goes on, homes get older, as does everything in them. Windows and doors eventually need replacing, no matter how well you've treated and maintained them.
If you're feeling air draughts and leaks, this can be remedied by insulating and caulking. However, if you have caulked and insulated and you're still feeling a draught or chill, that is a very solid indicator that your windows or doors need to be replaced. Additionally, if the frames have begun to crack, warp or are showing any other signs of damage, this is an indication that they are not functioning as intended and are no longer doing their job in your home.
Another strong sign? If you notice condensation building up between the panes of glass and you're unable to wipe it away, that's a sign that repair is not possible. It's time for an update.
Energy Loss Through Inefficient Windows
Windows and doors that aren't efficient or working properly can account for 25-30% of residential energy loss. If you're wondering how it's possible that all this energy is being lost through windows and doors, we've got an explanation for you. Close to two-thirds of the energy loss happens as heat comes in contact with inefficient window glass.
While the less used single glazed windows are the biggest energy losers, they are becoming rarer, and this loss can be happening in older double glazed windows. As your windows get older, the heat goes toward the air trapped between the inner and outer panes of glass, and the remaining heat loss is due to leaks in the frame and seals of the window itself.
If you want to reduce unnecessary energy loss and help to lower greenhouse gas emissions, making your home as energy efficient as possible is a great place to start. When your windows and doors are letting energy escape, you are not only spending extra money on your hydro bills needlessly but also wasting energy.
Our energy efficient windows are designed to keep the temperature in your home comfortable no matter the season while keeping the unwanted outside temperatures out of your home. Contact us today to find out which one of our energy efficient products is best for you and your needs.
Getting Rid of Old Windows and Doors
As we mentioned, there are plenty of reasons to replace your doors and windows. Whatever your reasons are, you might be wondering what to do with the old materials once you get your brand new windows or doors installed.
While some window installers will include removal as part of the process, some don't. Be sure to ask your window company if they will be handling this step for you and, if they do, how they dispose of the doors and windows.
If you are handling disposal yourself, it's important to find out the process in your area. Large windows and doors are categorized as construction or renovation material in many areas, including Kitchener, and can often be dropped off at a waste management or recycling centre. If you're unsure whether these items will end up in a recycling centre or a landfill in your area, contact your local waste management service to inquire.
Disposing of Different Materials
In some areas, materials have specific disposal requirements. The glass from windows likely has tint or coating to make it energy-efficient, which means the chemical composition cannot be recycled. Private companies melt the glass to be made into fibreglass, used in asphalt or combined with reflective yellow and white road paints. You can also try contacting local artists who work with glass to see if they're interested in using it in their work.
Ways to Donate Old Windows and Doors
If you want to avoid throwing the materials away, you might be wondering what to do with old doors in Kitchener. Just because you're ready for new windows or doors doesn't mean there is no value left in your old ones, so an option to consider is to donate them.
If they aren't damaged, broken, or mouldy, places like the Habitat Restore accept items like old doors and windows. These stores resell high-quality used building materials, and the proceeds from these items directly support Habitat for Humanity projects in the community.
They also take other renovation items like countertops, furniture, appliances, bathroom fixtures, and kitchen cabinetry if you're doing a major renovation. You can contact the Restore nearest you to find out what items they accept and their pickup or drop off instructions. Donating these items is both socially and environmentally conscious, and they provide you with a tax receipt for your donation.
How to Reuse and Repurpose Old Windows and Doors
The creative and crafty types might be reading through this guide and finding that none of these solutions speak to you. If that's the case, repurposing your old windows or doors might be the idea for you. If recycling or disposing of your windows and doors doesn't speak to your desire to roll up your sleeves and use your creativity, repurposing is the ideal solution. There truly are endless potentials in an old window or door if you look at them with a fresh perspective.
The DIY options are unlimited for repurposing. Poke around online and on Pinterest for creative ideas for how windows and doors can be used to make something entirely new. There are plenty of different ideas for all levels of skills and for all amount of time you want to invest. Before you know it, you will have created something new from something old.
- A used window or door can be used for decorating your patio or garden.
- Create a flower rack or bench for sitting.
- Make a table, bookshelf, display case, picture frame out of an old door or window.
- Create a mini greenhouse or cold frame to up your garden game.
- Create a headboard for your bed using an old door.
- Make unique picture frames using the old wood.
- Make a corkboard by putting saved corks into an old window frame.
- Use a window frame to make a new mirror.
- Create a piece of art by adding fabric or a painting to a frame.
For those who aren't interested in repurposing these items themselves but still want to see them turned into something new, try searching for artists in your community who are looking for donated items.
The great thing about upcycling and repurposing these old objects is that you can create less waste while giving a second life to items that some might see as past their best days. This can allow you to love your new, more energy efficient windows and doors even more, knowing the products they've replaced haven't gone to waste.
Our Commitment to the Environment
Here at Golden Windows, our commitment to green manufacturing is of the utmost importance in all of our processes. We are constantly striving to provide our customers with quality, energy efficient products. From our wood waste being reused for animal bedding to manufacturing our products close to our customers to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and fuel consumption, when you make us your destination for windows in Kitchener, you know you're working with a company that cites environmental commitment as a top priority.
One of our core beliefs as a company is that when we talk about making homes more energy efficient, we can't just talk the talk. We need to walk the walk and lead by example. We are committed to environmentally conscious manufacturing practices and are always looking for ways to mitigate the impact of our material waste and use.
As mentioned, we make our products locally in southern Ontario as close to our customers as possible to avoid extra fuel and emissions in the transportation of our products. In addition, we source our work from managed forests and, whenever possible, we repurpose lumber and finger-jointed material.
It's also important to us to find ways to use the waste that occurs during manufacturing. Specifically, in addition to our wood waste being reused for animal bedding, the steel cut-outs from our door slabs are used for extra insulation in concrete flooring and attic hatches. We recycle all our leftover broken glass for "cullet," – which is waste glass that is collected and reprocessed. At the office level, we recycle all our paper and cardboard.
Another critical part of our environmental commitment is our ENERGY STAR® participation among our professional products and services. We’re committed to helping our customers find the right window and door products for their homes, with energy efficiency and affordability always at the forefront.
Repairs and Service
Of course, sometimes windows and doors don't need to be entirely replaced; they just need a little bit of extra attention. If you're having trouble with any Golden Windows product, simply submit a service request, and we'll work quickly to ensure your products are running at top performance once again as soon as possible.
If you have any questions or want to set up a time to visit our showroom, contact us today, and we'll be happy to find the best new windows or doors for you!