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5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Windows
Lifestyle
Knowing when to replace windows is key to maintaining a comfortable, energy-efficient, and attractive home. High-performing windows not only regulate indoor temperature and reduce energy bills but also improve your home’s appearance and value. However, even the best windows don’t last forever.
Over time, wear and tear take their toll, affecting both performance and aesthetics no matter how diligent your maintenance routine. Recognising the early signs that your windows are underperforming can help you avoid rising utility costs, uncomfortable living spaces, and a tired-looking façade.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through five clear signs it’s time to replace your windows. If any of these sound familiar, it may be the perfect moment to explore our premium range of aluminium windows engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and timeless design.
How Long Do Windows last?
The lifespan of a window depends largely on the frame material, type of glazing, and quality of installation. Typical uPVC windows with double glazing usually last around 20-25 years before serious issues arise, while single-glazed uPVC windows tend to last 15-20 years. In contrast, aluminium windows are the superior choice, offering exceptional durability and lasting up to 45 years before similar problems occur. This makes aluminium an excellent long-term investment for lasting performance and minimal maintenance.
When should you Replace Windows?
1) How Do They Look?
If your windows feel tired or have an outdated aesthetic, it might be time to replace them. As a focal point for your home’s exterior and interior design, your windows should provide a clean look that complements the architectural style of your home.
Over time, windows can visibly deteriorate because of their exposure to the elements, alongside general wear and tear. uPVC windows are susceptible to discolouration after prolonged exposure to the sun, whilst wooden windows will peel and rot without proper maintenance, making your home look neglected.
Even if your windows are in fine shape, you may want to update their appearance to suit your taste during a home renovation. Our bespoke range of aluminium window frames offers numerous designs, including casement windows, shaped windows and bay windows. With a palette of over 200 RAL colours, you can achieve a sleek, refined finish that complements your home’s layout.
2) Are They Draughty?
Distinct temperature differences between the rooms of your house could be a sign that windows are underperforming. To check for draughts, hold a lit candle around the edge of your window on a breezy day; if the flame flickers, the window has an air leak.
Older UPVC windows are more susceptible to heat loss, as the airtight seals fitted around the glass panes and moving sash can shrink, and the material itself may crack when exposed to sunlight. The natural properties of wood make them prone to expanding, contracting, and warping, creating gaps and air leaks in your window without continued upkeep and maintenance. This causes unwanted heat transfer between indoor and outdoor spaces, as rooms become noticeably cooler than others.
Difficulty maintaining a consistent temperature in your home will not only impact your comfort but cause utility bills to increase, as your heating system works harder for the same results. To improve your home’s thermal performance, replace old or damaged windows with modern, energy efficient models. We manufacture our premium windows using thermally broken aluminium to ensure optimal heat retention. Thanks to aluminium’s natural corrosion resistance, your windows will remain strong and reliable, no matter the weather or how many years have passed.
3) Is There Unwanted Condensation?
Condensation inside a windowpane is a clear sign that it’s time to replace your glazing units. Double-glazed windows are sealed airtight with a layer of argon gas between the panes, which acts as insulation to reduce heat transfer and improve your home’s thermal efficiency. If you notice fogging or moisture trapped inside the pane, it means the airtight seal has been broken, usually due to a chip or crack. Once the seal fails, the insulating gas escapes, and the window’s ability to keep your home warm is greatly reduced.
Single-glazed windows, which have only one pane of glass, offer minimal insulation and are much more prone to condensation and heat loss. Upgrading to double or triple glazing significantly improves comfort and energy efficiency.
When replacing your windows, consider our bespoke aluminium range with advanced glazing technology. Our units come standard with high-quality double glazing that includes low-E glass, providing superior durability and enhanced performance compared to standard options.
4) How Difficult Are They to Operate?
Windows should be a practical design feature of your home that open, close, rotate, and lock with ease. Faulty frames and hardware lead to increasingly inoperable windows, which may need to be replaced depending on their performance levels.
Sometimes, poor window performance is due to simple problems like debris build-up or stiff hinges, issues that can often be fixed with routine, material-specific maintenance. However, more serious problems include misaligned frames and sashes caused by warping or cracking from exposure to the elements. Hardware such as hinges, tracks, and locks can also wear out or break over time and use.
Not only are inoperable windows inconvenient and frustrating, but they can have significant implications for the safety, security, and energy efficiency of your home. When a window won’t open efficiently, it becomes a real hazard if there’s an urgent need to vacate the premises. Equally, a window that won’t shut properly could be a point of weakness in the event of a burglary. Once a window goes past the point of repair, you must replace it as quickly as possible.
5) Is Noise Leaking into your Home?
If you live near a train track, main road, or a family with infants, you may put greater weight on the soundproof properties of your home. Quality windows are a barrier against external noise, establishing a peaceful, indoor environment.
Increased sound pollution entering your home is likely a sign that your windows need replacing, as draughts and gaps allow noise to reverberate around your house. Older windows should be replaced with modern designs that have double or triple-glazing and well-constructed aluminium frames to reduce the amount of noise infiltrating your property.
If any of these issues ring true, it’s time to replace your windows with a top-quality aluminium features that will reduce maintenance headaches for many years to come.
At Express, our bespoke aluminium windows are crafted to match the specifications and character of your home. Featuring thermally broken aluminium frames and double-glazed low-E glass, they deliver industry-leading energy efficiency and exceptional comfort.
With over 200 RAL colours and a wide range of styles to choose from, you’ll find a truly unique solution that transforms both your interior and exterior spaces. Reach out to our expert sales team online or visit one of our showrooms to discover the perfect window replacement for your home.
