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5 Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

(5 min read)

The state of your windows can make a huge difference to many factors of your home, including its overall appearance, energy efficiency, sound dampening and air quality. So it’s important to identify the signs that your windows need replacing with some new ones that will both improve the look and the feel of your home.

Quick FAQs

Should I replace all windows at once?

Ideally, Yes, for uniformity. But if for any reason you cannot then consider all the roadside facing windows.

When do uPVC windows need replacing?

Windows typically have a lifespan of up to 20 years, but this depends on many factors including weather and climate.

How do I know if my double glazing needs replacing?

There are many reasons your windows need replacing, including warped or gaps, discoloured, escaping heat and poor security.

When Do uPVC Windows Need Replacing?

So how long do windows last? Windows typically have a lifespan of up to 20 years. This can be affected by several factors, such as the weather they need to withstand, how well maintained they are and the material they are made from. But it’s most likely that you’re asking, “Should I replace 20-year-old windows?”. The answer is probably, “Yes”.

BEFORE
Window replacement before
AFTER
Window replacement after

Our 5 Warning Signs That It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

We’ve picked out the five key warning signs that repairs may no longer solve any issues, and that it’s probably time to replace your windows instead:

  1. High cost of energy
  2. Windows are hard to open and close
  3. Poor soundproofing levels
  4. Leaky/drafty windows
  5. Single-glazed windows

1. Energy Bills Are High (and Getting Higher)

Old or inefficient windows can have a large, negative impact on insulation. This can lead to higher energy bills, whether using central heating or air conditioning and can happen in older double and triple-glazed windows as well as single-glazed ones. Windows beginning to fail may lead to gaps between the wall and the frame, deteriorating silicon, and blown units which will ultimately affect how energy efficient they are.

Occasionally, this can be rectified with a repair, but if these issues happen frequently, it’s likely time to replace the windows altogether. A new installation will come with a fresh lifespan for the windows, and there shouldn’t be any of these issues for years to come.

2. Windows Are Difficult to Open and Close

This not only poses issues with energy efficiency but can also become a hazard in the rare situation that the windows are a vital escape route in an emergency.

Windows may struggle to open for a few reasons. In warmer weather, uPVC does tend to expand and makes them slightly harder to open, but if this is happening continuously, regardless of weather, this could mean that the frames are warped. The frames may also be the wrong size for the opening, causing tightness and further warping. Alternatively, the foundation of the home may have shifted, possibly making minuscule changes to the opening, thus meaning that the frame won’t sit correctly. The only way to ensure that these issues are rectified is by replacing the windows.

3. Windows Aren’t Blocking Outdoor Sounds

Newer-style windows are designed to keep outdoor noise leaks to a minimum. If you are noticing a lot of external traffic and background noise even while the windows are shut, this is a sign that the windows may need replacing. There aren’t really any repairs that can help with this problem, so peace and quiet will likely require new windows entirely. Take a look at our various types of uPVC windows.

4. Windows Are Leaking Or Drafty

There are many different ways moisture can breach your windows. This could be in the form of misting building up between the glass panes, meaning the unit has blown. This can’t be resolved without replacement, as the blow occurs when a small gap opens between the glass panels, allowing moisture to seep between them.

There can also be a large amount of condensation forming on the unit inside of your home. A small amount is fine, and this will usually happen first thing in the morning and clear up later. If the condensation needs frequent mopping up, this is generally a cause for replacements. This can cause further damage, with mould growing on the inside of the frame, so it is better to catch this early.

The worst-case scenario for this would be where water enters between the frame and the wall, causing moisture to pool inside your home. Repairs can be made in some cases to create temporary fixes, but the issues are likely to crop up again, so it is worth simply replacing the affected windows, rather than attempting to repair and adding additional cost.

5. Windows Are Only Single-Glazed

This is a fairly self-explanatory issue. Single-glazing doesn’t insulate as well as double and triple-glazing, and this can create issues with cold in the winter, and heat in the summer. This can cause energy bills to soar when you are needing to heat your home, but the heat is heading straight out of the window.

The security of your home is another potential issue with single-glazed windows, especially if they are quite old, whereas new windows will be much more secure with multi-point locking systems.

These are mostly found within older properties and can make for an uncomfortable and expensive living space if left alone.

What to Expect When Replacing Windows

BEFORE
Window replacement before
AFTER
Window replacement after

In all be a very small minority the process of replacing your home’s windows is very fast and efficient, with the whole process usually completed in a single day and your home will be left as it was found (apart from having new windows). That said, this obviously depends on certain factors, but if it’s a simple case of fitting the new windows where the old ones were and all measurements were accurately taken, then a typical house would have the windows replaced in a single day.

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David Bryant
David Bryant
2024-02-14
Very happy with our new door . The support team kept us up to date on everything and the guys on the installation team were early , friendly and professional. Great value all round
Kate Hulbert
Kate Hulbert
2024-02-10
Was looking for a new front door, to replace our tragically 80's monstrosity. The Three Counties website was great as i could see and design the door i wanted and then get a quote for it. The sales team was really quick to respond, and not at all pushy. A survey was easily arranged, to confirm sizes etc and the installer turned up precisely on time, was super friendly, efficient, neat and very tidy. Whole process took about 4 weeks, beginning to end, and I now have the door of my dreams! The only downside is my neighbors keep pestering me for details of who did the job. No hesitation in recommending Three Counties.
Nikki Wade
Nikki Wade
2024-02-09
I'm very happy with my new conservatory - Mark and David did a brilliant job of the build and resolved any issues I had to make sure everything was finished to a really high standard.
Dominic Blood
Dominic Blood
2024-02-09
This is the second time I have used Three Counties , a few years later and in a different house this time. It’s great to see the quality of the windows and workmanship have remained 5*. A stress free installation from start to finish, all windows installed have transformed how our 70s style house looks and now no worries of mould as a result of the old timber framed windows. The Installers who completed our job were amazing, and I mean amazing! Hard working, extremely skilful at their trade, polite and very tidy. Each day when they left they hovered up and left the place in the best condition they could. The whole process from the initial quote , measurements and dealing with the office team before and after the installation has been a true pleasure , if only all businesses were as efficient as this. Highly recommended for anyone considering new windows or any other products they provide and I won’t hesitate to use them again. Thank you Three counties!
Kim Stevens
Kim Stevens
2024-02-04
I shopped around and three counties came in at the most reasonably priced, and I used the buy now pay later option. Really happy with my new door and window, which were both fitted in one afternoon. The customer service was very good throughout and everything went smoothly.
Stuart
Stuart
2024-01-31
I had some windows fitted a few years ago and have recently had a problem with one of the locking mechanism failing. I called 3 Counties, who had a base call out charge, where a lovely lady took my details, refered to my file and we agreed a date when the fitter would come out and inspect the issue. Paul arrived bang on time and was very helpful. He checked the window, confirmsd the issue and promptly fixed it there and then with a replacement part he had on board his van. He was polite and knowledgable. Very efficient. Thank you 3 Counties.
samie dowling
samie dowling
2024-01-25
I had new windows fitted and they look amazing, make such a difference. House is much warmer and soundproof! Staff were very professional, done the job so quickly and cleaned up after. Would definitely recommend.
Ywain Martin
Ywain Martin
2024-01-23
Excellent service throughout the process. Very happy
Victoria Stone
Victoria Stone
2024-01-12
Very happy with our new windows. Fitters were respectful and tidy. From start to finish. Thanks again.