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7 Ways to Tell if You Need New Windows
Replacing your windows could improve your comfort, reduce your energy bills, add value to your home and improve your family’s quality of life through better ventilation and more access to natural light. But how do you know when it’s time to replace your windows? Here are the 7 biggest signs that you shouldn’t be putting it off any longer.
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7 signs you need new windows
Even the best quality windows won’t last forever and double glazed windows will last (on average) for around 15 – 20 years. This is obviously impacted by several factors such as how well they are maintained, the weather they have to withstand and the type of frame material you choose.
When windows are beyond repair you need to replace them sooner rather than later. And the following 7 signs are strong indications that you need new windows.
- Windows are worn out
Signs of rot or warping on your windows or that the double glazing is failing are big indicators that you need to replace them.
Wooden window frames in particular can be tricky to keep in good condition. The trouble is, once rot has set into the wood, it can be pretty hard to halt the decay and keep on top of it. Rain becomes a nightmare and you might find it’s just too difficult a job to fix the window so it still looks good and does its job properly. Of course, if you just leave it, the rot will just get worse, and it will become harder to open or close the window.
Poor quality uPVC windows may discolour over time and as they expand in heat they can become warped. If your double glazing is failing you may notice water leaks, condensation, cracks, chips, holes and scratches and difficulty regulating the temperature in your home
- Energy bills are high
Old or inefficient windows can have a significant impact on your home’s insulation and can lead to high energy bills. The more heat that is able to escape your home the more you will be using your central heating to compensate, and the same is true of using air conditioning. You can check this by standing next to your windows and seeing if it feels cooler than the rest of the room. If the glass is cold to touch then it’s highly likely you’re wasting energy. You should also look for gaps in the frame
Older windows are often single-paned and therefore more vulnerable to leaks. It’s a very good idea to invest in double glazing with argon gas and low-emissivity (LoE) glass to reduce heat loss.
- Windows are difficult (or impossible) to open and close
This is one definite reason to replace the window, primarily because it could be a vital escape route in the event of an emergency.
There are plenty of reasons why the window has become impossible to open. A common one is if it’s been painted shut. It might have saved time on the decorating but it certainly doesn’t help the functioning of the window! Other causes of a stuck window are a warped frame such as uPVC windows which can expand and warp in hot weather. The uPVC should contract again when it cools but if this happening repeatedly the frame may be the wrong size for the aperture. Another cause could be that the foundations of your home have shifted and the window frame is no longer fitting in the space properly. In all of these instances, a new window will solve the problem.
- Your home isn’t soundproof
Modern windows are designed to reduce sound transfer which can make a huge difference to your quality of life if you live near a busy road. If you can clearly hear noise from outside when you stand inside and the window is shut, this is probably an indicator that your window is quite old. So, if you want to enjoy the peace and quiet, new is the way to go. You can learn more about the best windows for noise reduction here.
- Windows are drafty
The important thing to consider with drafty windows is that your energy bills to heat your home will be higher – up to 25% more in some cases. So not investing in a new window because of the cost is likely to become false economy in the long run. New windows are also significant more energy efficient than old ones so you could end up saving quite a lot of cash.
Drafts can often occur when the window doesn’t shut properly. If the locking mechanism is not working any more, this can be the cause. And don’t forget that could give you a potential security issue too.
- Windows are leaking
Windows are there to let the light stream into your home, right? Well that wonderful effect can be ruined if moisture gets between the panes in double glazed windows, or you start getting a build-up of condensation on the inside.
Yes, condensation can be wiped away but this quickly becomes annoying and often means you end up with mould growing on the inside of the frame too. And mist or moisture inside the window glass can’t be resolved, it will simply sit there obscuring your view and blocking the light.
These issues usually occur when the seals have gone, or if the window hasn’t been installed properly in the first place. The worst-case scenario is when the window actually starts to leak and you end up with pools of water on the inside.
In all of these instances, it’s probably the most cost-effective option to simply replace the window as repairs can work out as expensive if the seals on other panes fail and the whole cycle starts again.
- You don’t have double glazing
Take a good look at your windows. If you’ve always wondered why your room is always too cold in winter and too hot when the sun is out, it may be that you actually have single pane rather than double-pane glass. These are often found in old properties and can make your home quite uncomfortable because they’re simply not as effective or as efficient as a more modern, double-glazed window. Time to replace.
If you’re worried about the cost, window replacement grants can help cover them. Technically, there are no grants specifically for double glazing, but many schemes offer it as a possible measure if necessary.
When choosing between new window installation companies, we always recommend that you choose between locally based installers. That’s because local companies will charge far less and offer a more efficient service than nationwide companies.
To be connected with up to 4 local installers, choose GreenMatch. Simply fill in the form then you’ll receive quotes from up to 4 installers based in your area. It’s free, fast, and you’re under no obligation to accept any of the quotes you receive.
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New window prices
The average cost to replace windows will be impacted by several factors including the material used for the frame, the type of glazing, the style of window and the company you choose to supply and install the windows.
To give you a starting point in your research, here are the average costs* for the supply and installation of double glazing for uPVC, aluminium and timber windows.
uPVC
| Size of Window (mm) | Price per uPVC Casement Window – Ground floor |
|---|---|
| 600 x 900 | £160 – £660 |
| 900 x 1200 | £200 – £710 |
| 1400 x 1400 | £850 – £950 |
Aluminium
| Size of Window (mm) | Price per Aluminium Window – Ground floor |
|---|---|
| 600 x 900 | £210 – £860 |
| 900 x 1200 | £260 – £925 |
| 1400 x 1400 | £300 – £1,075 |
Timber
| Size of Window (mm) | Price per Timber Casement Window – Ground floor |
|---|---|
| 600 x 900 | £240 – £990 |
| 900 x 1200 | £300 – £1,065 |
| 1400 x 1400 | £345 – £1,240 |
Get timber window quotes today.
Other factors which will impact the cost of replacing your windows include the type and style of window e.g. casement, tilt and turn or cottage etc. Double glazing is the most commonly recommended and most efficient glazing option but you also have the choice of secondary glazing which is cheaper. However, if you’d like to install the most energy efficient glazing and are prepared to pay more you also have the option of triple glazing and even sound reduction glass.
The complexity of the installation process will also affect the price. For example, any windows above the ground floor will cost more to replace as the window fitter will need to use scaffolding to access them. If you’re having several windows replaced at one time you may find that the installer will offer a discount which is why many homeowners choose to replace all windows in their home at the same time.
Find out more in How Much Do Windows Cost? or get free window quotes tailored to your home today by sending us an enquiry.
Benefits of new windows
Installing new energy efficient, high quality and attractive windows is a very wise investment for several reasons.
- Reduce heat loss to keep your home warmer for longer – helping to reduce your heating bills
- Less outdoor noise will make its way into your home.
- Far fewer draights
- Improve the look of your property and increase its value
- Increase the amount of natural light getting into your home.
So, replacement windows are well worth considering if you want to make some big changes to your lifestyle.
What to do when replacing Your windows
Measure Your Windows
When measuring your windows you need to do so in millimetres (mm) and you should measure the aperture (opening which the window sits in) from the outside of the property.
Not sure how to measure your windows correctly? Take a look at our step by step guide to measuring your old windows for replacement.
Check if You Need Any Specialist Windows
There are safety regulations about window installations and if the frame of your window is less than 800mm from the floor the glass will need to be ‘toughened’. This means it is around 5 x stronger than standard glass and if broken will break into large chunks rather than shattering into lots of pieces.
Choose Between Double Glazing or Secondary Glazing
If you find the cost of double glazing unaffordable, secondary glazing is the next best thing. This means a second pane of glass is installed on the inside of the window to reduce heat loss and noise pollution, but it isn’t as effective as double glazing.
Choose the Window Frame Material
Window frames can be made from uPVC, aluminium, timber or composite which is usually a combination of aluminium and timber. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages and your choice will affect the cost of your new windows.
Choose Your Style of Window
Windows are available in a range of styles and opening mechanisms which need to suited to your home and lifestyle. You can choose from bay, casement, cottage, sash, tilt and turn or dual turn (to name just a few).
Get Replacement Window Quotes
To get accurate prices for your new windows you will need to let window installers into your home to measure up and recommend the best style and frame material for you. It’s worth doing your own research before inviting installers into your home so you have some understanding of your choices.
Remember: Never let any trader pressure you to agree to a quote based on ‘today only prices’. A reputable company will provide their best quote and leave you to consider it.
How to Get the Best Deal on New Windows
Having new windows installed is a long term investment so it’s crucial to make sure you’re getting the best deal. Price is going to be a huge factor in your decision-making but remember that the cheapest option isn’t always the wisest. Especially when it comes to new windows.
The best way to get a competitive price for new windows is to compare quotes from multiple companies.
We can save you both time and hassle by getting these quotes for you. Simply tell us what you need by completing our short enquiry form and we can provide you with competitive quotes from up to 4 reputable window fitters.
There’s no-obligation to use any of the quotes you receive and absolutely no fee for using our service.
- Quotes from local engineers
- Payment by finance available
- Save up to £150 per year
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