Do I Need New Windows?

How long do windows last?

We'd love to give you a definitive answer, but much depends on:

1. The type of windows you have installed

2. How well they've been maintained

3. The quality of the windows

4. Environmental factors such as sunlight, wind and occupant use

However, on average, you can expect windows to last between 20 - 50 years. That's a pretty big timeframe, so let's get down to the nitty-gritty.

Below are some visual (and sensory) tell-tale signs that it may be time to replace your windows.

Draughts

Who doesn't love a cool breeze gently ruffling your hair on a summer's day? Fantastic... not so great when you are sitting on your sofa trying to watch the telly on a bitterly cold January night.

Do you have to keep turning the thermostat up? Have you ever awoken to a freezing cold home despite having left the heating on all evening?

So what's causing the draughts? Most likely, failing windows. This can apply to old single and double glazed windows.

Cold air entering your home means that warm air is getting out too. Bad news for you and the environment. And anyway, who wants to heat the pavement?!

Take a moment to carefully inspect your windows and see if you can spot any of these signs:

1. Are they single glazed? 7% of UK homes still have this type of window. Jack Frost's icy designs are lovely, but surely enough is enough!
2. On a windy day, can you feel a draught when you run your hands around the inside of your windows?
3. If you have double glazing, are the seals obviously damaged?
4. Can you see gaps along the edge of the window pane? 
5. Is the glass cracked or chipped?  
6. Do your windows close properly? (see "Sticking Windows" below).
7. Has the *caulking deteriorated? Is it looking cracked, discoloured and "gappy"?
8. Does the rain get in?

What did you discover? Some of the above, all of the above? Time to give ABS a call.

*Caulking is the flexible mastic filler used to seal window panes, trim, and window sills.

Condensation

As part of daily life, you'd expect to generate a little condensation in your home, by say, running a bath or boiling some rice. But what if you wake up every morning during the winter months to foggy, dripping windows? And, what if you notice condensation in the "air gap" between the two panes of double glazing?

Unfortunately, these are all signs that your windows are failing and shouldn't be ignored.

Excessive moisture is a breeding ground for both mould and mildew. Initially, the spores may be localised to the walls around your windows ( look out for tiny black mould dots). However, it can spread to other surfaces, including paper, carpet, wood and even food.

If left untreated, damp may go on to cause significant damage to the structure of your property.

Sticking Windows

Opening and closing a window shouldn't take up any brain space. It should be easy, right? But do you dread this common task? Do you feel like you are stepping into the wrestling ring every time you want to let a little fresh air in? Pushing, shoving, rattling, heaving...it's all quite exhausting. Then, oh joy, you have to close them again.

So what's going on? Why are they being so obstinate?

Assuming you have wooden window frames, it could be:
1. One too many layers of paint adding thickness to the frame
2. Dirt build-up on the tracks
3. The hinges just need a little lubrication
4. Incorrect frame size

However, it could also be due to expansion caused by moisture.

Over time, the wood around your windows may expand and contract in response to heat and cold.

For example, during hot weather, window stiles and jambs have a tendency to expand. This is due to vapour being absorbed into the grain.

It doesn't matter if the expansion is tiny, perhaps just millimetres, the stiles or jamb tracks will be too thick or tight for the window to move and close properly.

This makes sense as window frames are designed to fit snugly to ensure good insulation.

Advantages of uPVC windows over wooden frames

• uPVCis usually the least expensive
• uPVC requires very little maintenance
• Despite its lower price, uPVC has good thermal performance

Environmental Noise

Even when all the windows are closed, do you still find outside noise intrusive? Are you fed up hearing next door's comings and goings, the busy road, the local kids and that constantly barking dog!

Yes? Then you could probably do with updating your windows. uPVC windows now come with an enhanced glazing option aimed at reducing noise in your home. Take a look at our range and imagine all that lovely peace and quiet!

Soaring Energy Bills

Are your heating bills ridiculously high? Your failing windows could be a contributory factor. A house that is not energy efficient can lose up to 25% of its heat through the windows.  

You can reduce your heating bills by replacing your windows with energy-efficient ones.

According to Energy.gov "Making your doors, windows and conservatory more energy efficient will reduce your energy bills and lower your carbon footprint." 

Additionally, if you're planning to sell your home, the energy savings from the new windows will be a big selling point!

See our article "Can Double Glazed Windows Reduce Energy Bills?"

Conclusion

Need new windows? Call ABS Home Improvements

ABS Home Improvements are registered installers of uPVC, aluminium and timber windows and timber alternative windows.

We have trained window fitters in Diss, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket, Attleborough, and other nearby areas. Among our wide selection of styles and finishes, we are certain to have the perfect window for your home.

ABS Home Improvements offers classic traditional styles as well as modern contemporary styles, so you can be sure to find exactly what you want to enhance the look of your home.

Our 'Choices' window range includes:

• Standard Casement windows
• Bay windows
• French windows
• Tilting and Turning windows
• Fully Reversible windows
• "Alternative to Timber"' windows
• "Run Thru Sash Horns"

VIEW OUR RANGE OF WINDOWS

ABS Home Improvements are registered and approved installers of uPVC Windows.