Signs your windows need replacing
Sometimes, it is obvious when you need to replace your windows. When a breakage has occurred, for example. For the most part, however, it can be difficult to know when windows need replacing or merely need some care and attention.
For example, if it is just a question of aesthetics, other options, such as painting your UPVC windows, could offer cheaper solutions.
Replacing your windows can be expensive, so it is important to be sure it is necessary before committing.
So, how often do windows need to be replaced?
Well, there isn’t a definitive answer. How long a window lasts depends on how long the glass lasts, combined with how long the frame remains strong and weather-resistant. So, how do you know if you need new windows?
Most modern windows will last between 20-30 years, with varying degrees of maintenance required, depending on the glass and frame material.
What is a good Window Lifespan?
The lifespan of a window depends on the location, style, quality of manufacturing and installation, and the materials used. As a rough guide:
- Aluminium Windows – 20 to 45 years
- Timber Windows – 30 – 50+ years, depending on the wood
- UPVC Windows – 20 to 25 years
- Skylights – 10 to 20 years
There are also a few clear signs that your windows are not performing at the optimal level and are no longer fit for purpose.
How to tell if windows need replacing
1. Windows Are Leaking Or Draughty
The first sign you need to consider is if your windows are letting in water or causing draughts in your home.
If a window has not been installed or sealed properly, there may be a gap between the frames. This can cause draughts and potentially even leak water into your home.
Not only can draughts cause higher heating bills at a greater cost to you and the environment, but leaks can cause water damage in your home.
Aside from the expense and discomfort, draughts and dampness caused by leaks can be detrimental to your health.
Replacing affected windows with new, energy-efficient upgrades can help lower your energy bills and carbon footprint. You should also find temperature control easier to manage, creating a more pleasant and comfortable environment.
The good news is that this is unlikely with all your windows unless they are old, so you should only have to replace a few.
2. Windows Have Cracks or Warped Frames
Old timber may have warped or expanded with prolonged exposure to heavy rainfall and other inclement weather, such as ice or snow. Similarly, older UPVC can sometimes crack and is difficult to repair. If a crack or warping is visible to the naked eye, the structural integrity of the window has likely been compromised. If this happens, the window is no longer secure. It is easier to remove or penetrate, and you should seek a replacement ASAP.
A cracked or warped window frame will not be sealed properly, creating heat loss and expensive energy bills. No matter how energy-efficient the window was, once the frame is compromised, the A-rating drops significantly. Your home will no longer be properly insulated and it will be much harder to control the temperature. You may also experience draughts and condensation, which can lead to mould and respiratory issues.
3. Windows Are Hard to Clean or Maintain
Older windows, such as timber frames and old UPVC, tend to require more cleaning and maintenance, including painting and resealing. This can be a serious problem if your windows are not easily accessible or if you have mobility issues.
In the first instance, a picture window, which looks the same as your other windows but doesn’t open, might be a good fit.
If you are looking for a low-maintenance solution, a UPVC, aluminium, or composite frame will probably suit you best. However, even our timber frames are now treated and sealed to increase their weather resistance and durability.
You could also think about self-cleaning glass, which does what the name suggests.
4. Security Concerns
Old windows may have single-glazing, old locks, and weak frames, all presenting a security risk to your home. A would-be intruder may see an old window as an easy point of entry.
New windows like ours feature multi-point locking systems, preventing the glass from being removed or a single lock being broken. Our frames are strong and durable, and the glass is toughened safety glass to prevent it from shattering on impact. If a window pane gets cracked, the glass will remain in the frame to prevent injury or easy access. You can also opt for obscure glass for increased privacy.
5. Difficulty Opening and Closing
Another sign your windows may need replacing is if you have difficulty opening and closing them. This could be caused by:
- Poor installation
- Low-quality frames and hardware
- Warped frames
- Damaged hardware
Not only is this inconvenient, but it puts you at a greater security risk. It also means your windows are no longer energy efficient.
If you cannot fully open your windows, you may not get adequate ventilation and could be at risk of condensation and dampness. This could indicate that the frame has warped (if timber) and expanded, so it no longer quite fits, and you can’t fully open the window.
On the other hand, if you can’t fully close your windows, it could make it easier for someone to break in. You will also let warm air escape and let cold air and potentially rainwater in.
Sometimes, a good clean or new hardware is all that is required. In other cases, the windows will need replacing.
6. Windows Are Only Single-Glazed
If your home has single-glazed windows, you should replace them as soon as you are financially able. Single glazing offers little protection from the elements, is energy inefficient, blocks very little sound and causes your house to become very uncomfortable. When it’s cold, single-glazed windows provide only a low level of insulation (typically giving them a u value of 5.0-6.0), leading to higher heating bills. According to the Energy Savings Trust, you typically lose 10-20% of your home’s heat through single glazing.
When it’s hot, single-glazing doesn’t effectively block UV rays, making it harder to control the temperature.
You also get little to no protection from ambient sounds.
Single-glazing isn’t suitable for modern living and is gradually being phased out by the UK Government. Building regulations state that new builds cannot have single-glazing for all the reasons mentioned.
Potential buyers are likely to be put off by single-glazed windows as they know they will need to replace them, so it can also affect your property value.
Double or triple glazing offers much better insulation, energy efficiency, noise reduction, and security, making your life more comfortable and your home more attractive to potential buyers.
Bonus Tips
1. When it’s loud outside
If you live in a busy city centre, close to a late license venue, near a train station or on an airport flight path, you may suffer from excessive ambient noise. This is the noise that infiltrates your home from outside. It can do so due to poor insulation, single glazing, or draughty windows.
Noise pollution can cause you to lose sleep, be unable to work, damage your hearing and negatively affect your mental health.
Replacing your windows with triple glazing or, better yet, acoustic glass can significantly improve your quality of life. Our acoustic triple glazing can be used in any window type and is invisible to the naked eye. A special lamination stiffens the glass, preventing ambient noise from penetrating the window. Combined with airtight seals, this acoustic glass also offers a higher level of energy efficiency and security.
If you live in a busy city centre, close to a late license venue, near a train station or on an airport flight path, you may suffer from excessive ambient noise. This is the noise that infiltrates your home from outside. It can do so due to poor insulation, single glazing, or draughty windows.
Noise pollution can cause you to lose sleep, be unable to work, damage your hearing and negatively affect your mental health.
Replacing your windows with triple glazing or, better yet, acoustic glass can significantly improve your quality of life. Our acoustic triple glazing can be used in any window type and is invisible to the naked eye. A special lamination stiffens the glass, preventing ambient noise from penetrating the window. Combined with airtight seals, this acoustic glass also offers a higher level of energy efficiency and security.
2. Condensation & Moisture
Some condensation at certain times may be nothing to worry about. If you are experiencing excessive moisture and condensation, particularly on the inside of your windows, you should consider replacing them. There are ways to stop condensation on your windows, but they will be largely ineffective if the windows are old, damaged or poorly installed.
Condensation can cause dampness, poor air quality and mould, which can spread to other areas of the home. Such issues can exacerbate existing health conditions and cause a decline in mental and physical well-being, so it’s important not to let condensation remain on your windows.
3. You’re renovating your home
If you are renovating your home, either for personal use or to sell, replacing your windows is an intelligent investment.
New windows enhance your home’s aesthetics. Plus, the return on investment is high when you consider savings in energy bills and the potential boost to your property value.
Replacing your windows can be seen as futureproofing your home. As the UK experiences ever more extreme temperatures and weather conditions, it will become necessary to upgrade the design of our homes.
Some condensation at certain times may be nothing to worry about. If you are experiencing excessive moisture and condensation, particularly on the inside of your windows, you should consider replacing them. There are ways to stop condensation on your windows, but they will be largely ineffective if the windows are old, damaged or poorly installed.
Condensation can cause dampness, poor air quality and mould, which can spread to other areas of the home. Such issues can exacerbate existing health conditions and cause a decline in mental and physical well-being, so it’s important not to let condensation remain on your windows.
What are the benefits of replacing old windows?
There are many benefits to replacing old or faulty windows, including:
- Increased security – advanced locking systems, etc
- Improved insulation
- No draughts
- Eliminate or reduce condensation
- Better temperature control for a more comfortable home
- Better energy-efficiency
- Improved airflow and ventilation
- Lower carbon footprint
- Lower heating and cooling bills
- Integration into a SMART home system
- Allowing more natural light in
- Better views
- Futureproofing
- Restoring character
- Sympathetic renovations – listed buildings and conservation areas
- An enhanced appearance/new look, with customisation available
- Safety features
- Secure installation
- 10-year-insurance-back guarantee, as standard
- Protection from noise pollution – acoustic glass
- A higher level of privacy – obscure glass
- Increase curb appeal and potentially add value to your property
There are a few considerations before you commit to having new windows installed:
- Depending on the number, size, and style of the windows, they can be expensive to replace
- You may be limited in when you can have new windows installed
Other Factors to Consider:
We have established how to tell if windows need replacing, but there are a few other things to think about:
- Do you have the necessary budget?
- Consider the long-term ROI and maintenance costs, not just the initial price
- Do you need planning permission for the windows you want?
- Ensuring building regulations are met with the new windows and installation
Why Choose MWF for your Windows and Doors?
Manchester Window Factory sells and installs a variety of casement and sliding sash windows and doors in all shapes and sizes, made from the highest quality aluminium, timber, and UPVC.
If you wish to replace your windows, we can discuss the different choices to help you find the best match. We can also arrange installation at a convenient time for you.
Fill in our online contact form for a free, no-obligation quote, or call or email us for more information. You can also arrange a face-to-face chat at our Altrincham showroom.
FAQs
To replace one average-sized window with good access can take as little as an hour. Most window replacements involve three to four windows a day, so you are looking at around half a day for your typical window replacement in the UK.
However, factors that can increase the installation time include:
- Bad weather
- Poor access to the location of the windows
- Damaged windows that need to be removed first
- The size and weight of the windows
- The number of windows being replaced
The average fee charged by professional window fitters is £25-£35 per hour in most areas of the UK. However, if you are in London or the South East, you can expect to pay a lot more.
If scaffolding is required, add £40-£150 per day to the total.
That’s without factoring in the cost of the windows, which vary significantly. For example, installing a standard UPVC frame may cost £80 + the glazing (around £28 for standard double glazing). If the frame is wooden or aluminium, or you opt for triple glazing or specialised glass, you can add up to £50 onto that number.
The average cost of replacing a window combines the following factors:
- The number of windows replaced
- The size of the windows
- The type of windows
- The materials used
- Your choice of glazing
- Customisation elements
- Accessibility to the location of the windows
- The time of year the installation takes place – professionals may charge more at bust times of the year
- Where in the UK you are based – affects labour costs
You will need to pay for the disposal of your old windows, which costs around £150 on average in the UK.
Lastly, you must pay for FENSA certificates, costing around £25 per window.
Ensure that you have accurately calculated each element to determine the full cost, then obtain three or more free, no-obligation quotes from reputable fitters such as ours to compare.
Most people will think of their windows as a complete set, assuming they should all be replaced at the same time. Replacing all your windows at once will ensure a coherent look and finish. However, not everyone has the budget to do so.
Upgrading some of your windows is better than replacing none of them. If you are on a budget, prioritise which rooms you use most/have the most serious issues. Start there.
The reason for the replacements will also determine how many windows you should replace in one go. For example, if you are experiencing noise pollution, you may want to replace the windows in your bedrooms and home office with acoustic glass. Double or triple-glazed ‘normal’ glass may suffice for other areas of the home in the interim.
Window replacement is a messy job, so multiply the mess by the number of windows you intend to have installed and decide if you can live with that kind of disruption.
Replacing all your windows at once in the winter could also leave you open to draughts and exposure to the elements until the installation is complete. Most professional fitters will replace windows one room at a time in the winter.
The best time to replace windows is during spring. Here’s why:
Performance Testing:
While you will likely benefit most from new windows in the winter, winter weather isn’t the optimal time for window installation.
Firstly, homeowners are advised to see how their current windows perform over the winter before replacing them the following spring.
Time & Weather Concerns:
Secondly, there are fewer daylight hours in winter to get the installation done. Temperatures and the weather are unpredictable in winter and can cause delays.
Moisture in the air can stop the sealant from setting, and it could take longer if windows are installed one at a time. You could potentially be left with a hole, inviting draughts, and at risk of rain or snow getting into your home until the installation is complete.
Counterpoint:
On the flip side, window fitters typically have less work in the winter, so they may be more flexible with dates and could offer a discount. You will also see the benefits immediately.
Autumn
Autumn could be another good time to install new windows in preparation for the winter ahead. However, UK autumn weather tends to be very wet and is arguably the most unpredictable season for temperatures and weather forecasting. It is very changeable, making it difficult to plan building work in the autumn months.
Pros & Cons of Summer Window Installations:
Summer also offers disadvantages and advantages for installing windows.
Pros:
- The weather is likely to be better
- There are more daylight hours
- You don’t have to worry about getting cold while the windows are being fitted
- The sealant will dry quickly
Cons:
- Professional fitters are busier and less flexible on dates and times
- This also means that they can charge more
- There may still be moisture in the air, affecting the sealant
- Insects can enter your home through the holes created by the removed windows
A Dry Spring Day:
The best time to replace windows is in the spring, on a dry day.
A dry day is important to prevent delays and water getting into your home. However, if it’s too hot, there will be more insects, and your windows may dry streaky on the final clean after fitting.
Fitters may still be busy, but you should be able to find a convenient time.
If you would like to arrange a free consultation for a window fitting, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
