Depending on the type of windows you have, you may get a little more wear out of some materials than others. Windows made with uPVC tend to last approximately 20 years and require little maintenance, as opposed to wooden frames that can have up to a 60-year lifespan, however, demand regular care. Nevertheless, at some point, although it may seem tedious, you will need to begin considering fitting a new set of windows. To ensure that you get the most out of both the frames and glass, and can spot key telltale signs early, we have devised a list of the top signs that you need to replace your windows.

5 Signs You Need To Replace Your Windows

Windows serve many different purposes. Along with the obvious benefit of allowing natural light into a room, they also contribute towards insulating your home from both cold air and sound outside of your property. There are many clear signs that you need new windows, for example, if there is apparent damage or they no longer close with ease; however, others are a little less transparent.

1. Windows Are Not Double Glazed

Over recent years, double glazing has grown to be one of the most critical components in the home. Although most homes do have double glazed windows already, those that are relatively older may still have single pane glass. If this is the case, you should most definitely begin considering replacement.

Not only do double glazed windows have a more modern, seamless and clean appearance, they also protect against frustrating temperature extremes. With the help of double glazing, your home will remain cool during the Summer and trap in heat over the colder months. Retaining the perfect temperature in your property will contribute towards lowering your energy bills, and you will no longer have to put your sole reliance on central heating systems. A great benefit of a reduced energy bill is that you will also be improving your carbon footprint, taking one step closer to becoming an eco-friendly home.

Once fitted, double glazing is expected to serve your home for up to 20 years with regular maintenance. You will need to ensure that both the glass and frames are regularly cleaned, along with stains removed before they can spread.

double glazing

2. Condensation On Windows

Condensation now and again is inevitable; however, if you begin to notice that the misting does not clear after a few hours and does not disappear when cleaned, then you may have no other choice but to replace.

On average, condensation is more common during the Winter months as the central heating warming up your home will counteract the frosty air outside. The warm air begins to cool down and forms moisture, which in turn causes condensation.

The damage of condensation depends on the type of windows you have. Those with wooden windows will notice the biggest effect as the constant build-up of moisture will cause the frame to expand. As the frame expands, it will begin to warp and eventually, will no longer fit into their allocated space. Once frames begin to warp, they grow increasingly harder to open and close causing a number of safety issues in the home.

Double glazed windows will also experience a negative effect from condensation and if left unsolved, will begin to leak. A build-up of condensation forms between the two panels of glass creating a misted appearance filled with water droplets. Those water droplets will, over time, start to seep through the frames and make the walls surrounding the window damp. Depending on the severity of condensation on double glazing, unlike warping frames, it may be able to be repaired. Misted sealed unit replacement allows all moisture causing condensation to be released. The panels are then replaced, and an extra seal is added to ensure that the problem does not occur again.

condensation on window

3. Unusual Spike In Energy Bills

No one likes to open their energy bill and notice a sudden rise in price with no real explanation. If this is the case, then it is always highly recommended to spend time checking each set of windows for draughts. Draughts can be incredibly frustrating, particularly if you’re not too sure where the culprit is hiding. While there are many reasons as to why your home is no longer draught-proofed, windows often prove to be the leading cause.

Windows are essential insulators in the home. Aside from doors, they are the only component of the home that allows exterior air inside, which means that if they are no longer able to insulate outside air, they will not be serving their purpose correctly. During the colder months, a warm home is key; however, windows that allow a draught in is forcing your central heating system to overcompensate. The more warm air that is lost, the more you will begin to increase the temperature of your heating to ensure that your home remains at the optimum temperature. Along with an increase in the use of your central heating will also come an increase in how much you have to pay to cover the costs.

Spotting whether your windows are no longer able to insulate the home, luckily, is a straightforward task. In an ideal world, no cold air from the outside should release into your home. Even if you stand next to the window, you should still feel just as warm as you would do so in the centre of the room. If the closer you walk towards the window, the room quickly becomes increasingly cooler, then it is a good indication that you would benefit from window replacement.

After window replacement, there are many different preventative measures you can take to ensure that you do not lose any heat. Draught-proofing your home is a simple task that can be completed quickly through DIY methods. Around the edge of window frames, either metal strips or foam strips can be added to ensure that no cold air can creep in. For more information on how to draught-proof your home, take a look at Energy Saving Trust.

foam strips on window

4. Windows Lack In Security

You can never be too cautious when it comes to guaranteeing the safety of your home and those who live inside. Unfortunately, burglars will grab any opportunity to intrude into a property, so do not let your home become the next target. A window should always be able to open, close and lock with ease; you should never have to struggle or apply force to carry out any of these three tasks.

Many different reasons contribute towards why a window would begin to struggle to open and close. As mentioned previously, wooden windows that have started to warp will no longer fit in their frame, meaning that there will be great difficulty when opening and closing. During the Summer, you may also experience a similar issue when opting for uPVC windows. The plastic components used in uPVC materials are guilty of expanding when exposed to continuous warm weather. In most cases, uPVC windows go back to normal once cooled; however, if this doesn’t happen, then you most definitely need to assess the situation with the help of a professional.

Windows, no matter what, should always have the ability to lock. While you may only rarely physically lock windows, you must always have the option to do so. Although windows may be closed, they can still be easily prized open to allow intruders to creep in. You wouldn’t leave your front door unlocked, so do not fall into the routine of allowing your windows to remain unlocked.

locking window

5. Severe Weather Damage

All exterior aspects of your property are continuously exposed to a range of adverse weather conditions which means that at some point, it will begin to take its toll.

Wooden window frames, in particular, find it trickier to withstand the constant ever-changing British weather conditions, particularly those that involve moisture. The combination of excess moisture and wood never has a positive ending and in most cases, will lead to wood decay. Once formed, rot can prove rather stubborn and if left to spread, will contaminate the whole frame, again, making it almost impossible to open and close. Decay that is spotted in the early days, luckily, can be resolved through a rot wood hardener treatment.

Harsh weather conditions such as heavy rain or strong winds also cause the seals of frames to become damaged. With age, seals begin to deteriorate causing visible damage such as cracking and lifting from the surface. Seals that are no longer secure to frames allow rainwater to seep into the home and causes a leak. The most prominent telltale signs of a leak in the home are damp on the walls surrounding the window frame. If you spot damp in your property, it is almost guaranteed that mould will be short to follow. A combination of mould and damp can seriously affect the health of those living within the home, which means that if spotted, you must always aim to get the issue solved as quickly as possible.

mould around window

Telltale Signs You Need New Windows!

With extra research into the most common signs that you need new windows in Milton Keynes, it will be an incredibly easy task to spot damage in advance before they become a serious problem. Allowing old, damaged or deteriorating windows to continue to worsen will not only look unappealing but will also risk both the health and safety of all family members.

If you have noticed any of the warning signs mentioned above, it is strongly recommended to enlist the help of a professional to assess the situation and conclude as to whether you may benefit from window replacement.