10 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows

Is it time to replace your windows? This is a pretty important question, as your windows are not just there to flood your home with sunlight or to give you a sneak peek of what’s happening in your neighbourhood. They also play a big role in keeping your energy bills down and your home comfortable. But, like everything, windows might not perform as well as they once did as time goes on. They might not hold up against the weather as they used to, letting in draughts and leaks that increase energy costs, especially in colder weather. 

You might be wondering, “How long do windows last?” and “When’s the right time to replace your windows?” Well, it’s a bit of a “how long is a piece of string?” situation. The answer? It depends—annoyingly vague, right? Let’s try to unpack that a bit, shall we? 

How Long Do Windows Last?

Even the best windows don’t last forever. Generally, double glazed windows need replacing after about 15 to 20 years. Of course, this timeline can shift depending on the kind of weather they face and the materials they’re made from. For example, if your windows often battle harsh weather conditions, you might need to replace them a bit sooner. 

How to Know When to Repair vs. Replace Your Windows

How do you know when it’s better to replace your windows or when to just repair them to save money? Well, here are some situations where repairing your windows might be the way to go: 

Broken window glass

Most of the time, if you’ve got a broken window, there’s no need to replace the entire window. You can reach out to a local window repair expert. They can easily replace the broken pane for you. It’s simple — they’ll remove the old glass, put in a new one, and seal it up. This quick and cost-effective fix will have your window looking good as new in no time!

A component has broken

Don’t worry if your window has a stubborn lock or if the outside drip cap shows wear and tear. You probably won’t have to replace the whole window. Just replacing the damaged part should fix the problem.

Preserving historic windows

In many old towns, there are rules about how the outside of your house, including the windows, should look. If your home has old, traditional windows made from sturdy, seasoned wood, it might be cheaper to enhance their insulation rather than replace them altogether. These old windows can last for ages and often add a delightful charm that’s very attractive to people who love historic features. This could even be a selling point if you decide to move on from your home. 

Expensive frame materials

If you have windows with frames made of expensive materials like fibreglass, it’s usually cheaper to hire a window repair expert to fix or replace any damaged glass instead of swapping out the whole window. This way, you can keep your current frames and save a bit of money on replacement costs. 

When Should You Replace Your Windows?

Here are 10 signs to watch out for that might mean your windows are past their prime. If you notice one or more of these signs, it might be time to start thinking about replacing your windows. 

1. When your windows are leaking

It’s super important to keep an eye out for leaking windows because they can lead to some pretty serious problems. If your windows aren’t sealed correctly or if they weren’t installed right, you could end up with warped floors and water-damaged walls. If you ignore the issue, you might have to deal with high humidity inside, horrible looking water stains, and even structural damage.  

To save yourself from all that stress, time, and money down the road, it’s best to replace your windows as soon as you notice any leak. 

2. When your energy bills are high

Have you noticed your energy bills going up lately? It might be because your windows are getting a bit old and aren’t keeping your house as warm or cool as they used to. Many UK homes still have those old single paned windows, which aren’t the greatest at insulating. They’re practically an open invitation for heat to waltz out during the frosty winters and waltz in during those scorching summer months. 

If you can feel a draught near the windows or if the glass feels cold, that’s a clear sign you’re losing energy. 

Replace your windows with new, energy-efficient ones like uPVC models. They help keep your home more comfortable and reduce the strain on your heating and air conditioning systems. This means less wear and tear, which will in turn save you money on maintenance and energy bills in the long run.  

3. When your windows are visibly damaged

If you’ve spotted any cracks or damage in your windows, that’s your cue to start thinking about replacing them. Little cracks might not seem like much, but they can quickly lead to bigger problems like complete breakages, not to mention opening the floodgates to water seepage, mould, and pests. 

If you have wooden windows, moisture can cause the outside framing to rot, which is never good. And if your window frames feel soft or spongy when you touch them, that’s a sure sign they need replacing soon. 

Plus, let’s not forget the security side of things. Damaged windows can make it a whole lot easier for intruders to slip in. So, it would be best to replace your windows sooner rather than later to keep your home safer and save you from costly repairs in the future.

4. When your windows are draughty

Dealing with draughty windows can really take the cosy out of your home, and you might be surprised to learn they could add more than you expect to your heating bills. Believe it or not, draughts might be increasing your heating costs by as much as 25%! 

If you’ve tried a bit of DIY with caulking and weather stripping and it doesn’t sort out the draught, it might be time to replace the windows. 

Here’s a quick tip: feel around the edges of your windows when they’re firmly closed and locked. If you can feel air sneaking through, that’s a clear sign you’ve got draughts. And remember, draughts aren’t just a comfort issue. They could also point to problems with the window’s closing or locking mechanisms, which could be a security risk. 

5. When your windows are difficult to open and close

Windows that won’t open are definitely telling you something’s up. They might be stuck because they’ve been painted shut, warped by the heat, or even because your house has shifted a bit. 

A jammed-open window can let in rain and unwanted critters, while a stuck-shut window is not great for getting fresh air or emergency exits. 

If you’ve already tried cleaning and tinkering with them, but they’re still sticking, it may be time to replace your windows. 

6. When your windows are old

Older windows might open and close without a hitch, but they can be inefficient and silently raise your energy bills. We generally suggest replacing windows that are over 20 years old. If you’ve lived in your home for decades and have yet to replace the windows, chances are they’re original to the house, and you should replace your windows to bring you the latest in window technology. 

You see, older windows are often just plain glass, maybe dual-pane, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re energy efficient. Modern windows typically prevent air from leaking in and out of your house. They usually have special coatings, which block harmful UV rays that can fade your furniture and floors and even pose health risks. 

If your windows are missing these features, upgrading them could be a smart move for protection and energy savings. 

7. When your window isn’t soundproof

Do you feel like you can hear every noise from outside your home? That might be because your old windows aren’t great at blocking out sound. There’s this thing called the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating. It measures how good a window is at blocking sound. The higher the STC rating, the more peace and quiet you get. Unfortunately, old single-pane windows usually have low ratings, around 18-20 points, so they don’t do much to silence the outside world.  

However, modern windows can score between 28-32 points. There are even some high-performance ones with an STC rating of 48, which are perfect for really noisy areas.  

So, if peace and quiet are what you’re after, you need to replace your windows with newer, soundproof ones. 

8. When you do not have double glazing

Ever feel like your room gets really chilly in the winter and then extremely hot when summer comes around? Well, your windows might be the culprit. If they’re only single glazed, that’s probably what’s messing with your home’s temperature control. Single glazed windows don’t do a great job of insulating, but switching to double glazed windows could help keep your home comfortable all year round. 

Worried about the cost of getting a double glazed window? You might not have to foot the bill on your own. With schemes like our H2B Windows Grant Scheme, qualifying homeowners can upgrade their windows and doors to energy-efficient ones for free. Not eligible? No worries. Our installation partners work with us to help homeowners afford essential home improvements. 

All it takes is filling out a quick form to get some no-strings-attached quotes. It’s a simple step towards making your home comfortable and more energy efficient. 

9. When you’re selling your home

Investing in new windows might be wise if you are considering selling your house. Windows that are difficult to open or are visibly damaged could raise red flags during a home inspection. Such issues might lead to potential buyers lowering their offers or demanding repairs, which could end up costing you. Plus, let’s face it, no new homeowner wants the hassle of replacing windows right after they’ve moved in—it’s seen as an extra, unwelcome expense. 

Replacing your windows shows potential buyers that you’ve really looked after your property and put money into keeping it modern, with perks like better insulation and noise reduction. This could speed up the sale process but might even spark a bidding war. 

Basically, you could sell your home for more! With an average return on investment sitting around 68%. Who doesn’t love a home improvement that actually pays off?

10. When your windows no longer match your aesthetic

If your windows look out of place or don’t match your style, it might be time for a change. When renovating, choosing new windows can completely transform the look of your home and really showcase your design flair. Plus, opting to replace all your windows in one go ensures everything looks sleek and unified. You avoid that odd, mix-and-match effect that can happen if you update them bit by bit. 

Benefits of Replacing Your Window 

If you’ve read up to this point and are still hesitating over whether to replace your windows, then here are some benefits that might just nudge it to the top of your to-do list! 

Reduce energy bills  

Bad window frames and single glazed windows are practically an invite for high heating costs. The Energy Saving Trust reckons fitting new double-glazed windows could knock up £140 off your energy bills each year. 

Increase your security  

Let’s face it, weak windows might as well have a ‘welcome’ sign for opportunistic burglars. Whether it’s a fragile single-glazed pane in the loo or a kitchen window with battered wooden frames, upgrading your windows can beef up your home’s security to give you that peace of mind you get when you know your property is safe from potential break-ins. 

Boost your home’s value  

While original windows can add a touch of charm to an older property, they aren’t always the most practical choice. Thankfully, today’s selection of modern windows means you don’t have to choose between looks and efficiency. In fact, opting for double glazed windows could bump up the value of your home by up to 10%. 

Be more environmentally friendly 

Modern windows boost your green credentials. You get to keep your home snug and reduce your carbon footprint by up to 420kg at the same time, all without sacrificing a smidge of comfort. 

FAQs 

1. How often should I replace my windows? Typically, windows have a good run of about 15 to 20 years before they need replacing. But keep your eyes peeled for signs like draughts, increasing energy bills, or if they’re difficult to open and close. These could all be your windows telling you it’s time for an upgrade.
2. Can I repair my windows instead of replacing them?Sometimes, yes. Repairing might be best if it’s a simple fix like broken glass or a dodgy latch, especially if your windows are historically significant. However, if we’re talking about big issues like severe damage, replacing them often turns out more cost-effective in the long run.
3. Will new windows save me money on energy bills?Absolutely! Modern windows are designed to be energy efficient. They have better sealing to keep your home comfortable. This improved insulation means less energy needed to heat or cool your space, which can lead to lower utility bills.
4. How do I choose the right windows for my home?Think about your home’s style, energy saving goals, and budget. Chatting with window installers can be super helpful, as they can offer tailored advice and give you quotes specific to your needs. If keeping out noise is a big deal for you, look for windows with high STC ratings. And for top-notch insulation, consider options like double or triple glazing.