7 Signs That you Need New Windows in 2021
Saturday, 22 May 2021
Updating the windows of your home may already be on your list of things to do. Or maybe it’s not, but you’re a bit worried that it should be! Window replacement can feel like an enormous and daunting job. Not to mention expensive! However, it’s vital not to let your windows fall into severe disrepair before you update or replace them. Windows are a key weatherproofing part of your home. In this way, poor performing windows can have a huge impact on the structural health of the whole building. So what are the signs that you need new windows in 2021 and that this job should be bumped up the list?
1. Thermal Performance
Check your energy bills. If they seem high, it could be that the thermal performance of your windows has dropped and heat is leaking from your home. Building Regulations now require windows to have a ‘U value’ no higher than 1.6 which is reflected in current products.
Double Glazed
While on average, double glazing used to perform at a U-value of around 2.8, modern products achieve up to 1.4. The glass has superior engineering, argon gas is higher performing and casements are better constructed.
Triple Glazed
So it follows that the U-value of triple glazing is lower still. With an average of 0.8 and some manufacturers achieving as little as 0.5, this is clearly the most energy efficient option for glazing a home.
2. Condensation
If you’re experiencing condensation, within or on your windows, this is often a red flag for their condition. It’s a common indicator of the end of life for older styles of double glazing. The good news is that window technology has improved to such an extent in recent years that once you update the windows of your home you can expect them to last up to another 30 years! The construction of new double glazing optimises the air pocket with argon gas and thermal breaks to prevent moisture from reaching the colder outer pane.
3. Appearance
A home may need entirely new windows for predominantly aesthetic reasons. You may be fully refurbishing a home, or adding an extension which has highlighted the condition of your existing windows. Aesthetically, updated double or triple glazed window systems offer a huge choice.
Timber Replacement
For the appearance of wood without the gruelling upkeep, look at timber replacement window systems, such as the Residence 9 range. With a variety of muted colours and elegant style, this is a popular choice for home facelifts.
Sash Windows
How about period homes, especially those within a conservation area? Traditional sash windows are stunning to look at, but are prone to draughts and require considerable maintenance. So for these homes, new double glazed sash window replacement systems are an absolute revelation. The windows are double glazed, with tilting and sliding functions. Plus they’re so aesthetically accurate that they’ve been accepted by planning departments!
4. Weatherproof
The core purpose of your windows is to let in light and ventilation whilst weatherproofing your home. If they’re failing in this then it’s time for a rethink!
Watertight
Mould around your windows is a sign that water is getting in, or that ventilation is poor. Both of these are suggestions that your windows are not performing well.
Heat Retention
Do your windows turn your room into a sauna in the Summer? Over retention of external heat is is a common problem in older double glazed window systems. Glass technology now prevents this from occurring and your room should maintain an ambient temperature all year round.
Draughts
While ventilation is important, if you can feel draughts from your windows (or doors for that matter!) then there’s most certainly a problem in the product or its installation.
5. Noise Increase
It may be that the world has just got busier. Or more likely, if you can hear an increase in outside noise permeating your home, the performance of your windows has declined. The acoustic performance of a window is to do with the construction of the window casement itself. Out of date windows may have developed faults in the seal or casement that mean noise performance is compromised. Or it could be that older double glazed windows are simply not up to the job! Your updated double or even triple glazed windows should be made up of different thicknesses of glass. When one pane is thicker than the other, your windows will provide superior sound protection. This is true for both double glazed and triple glazed products.
6. Functionality
Can you open and lock your windows? If their basic function is a challenge, then this is a sure sign that there’s a problem. Sometimes this is down to the degradation of old windows, and sometimes it is poor installation.
Replace
When the moving parts of your windows start to fail, it’s often a sign of end of life. So you may find that one window will soon be followed by others. Take this as an indicator, then, that window replacement may be on the horizon.
Repair
In some instances, it is possible to repair a double glazed casement window that is not functioning correctly. Good quality window products come with a 10 year guarantee, so if you are having difficulty within that timescale then your should contact your supplier. Even outside or a guarantee period, it can be economical to repair hinges or locks which are not functioning correctly. It’s always worth checking this option.
7. Old Property
Have you moved into an old property with single pane windows? Or perhaps you’ve lived in your home for such a long time that you’ve simply got used to single pane living. It’s time to update!
Aluminium Framed
This material is already popular for modern, industrial, and even barn conversion property styles. Aluminium is the most sustainable material around and offers minimalist style in any colour whilst being extremely high performing and durable.
uPVC Framed
The engineering of uPVC has improved since early models, to make this material extremely high performing in protecting your home from the elements. It’s available in different colours and styles to give your home a fresh and clean look.
Your windows are important, and are often neglected on the list of home improvements. If the problems on this list are ringing bells, then it may be a sign that you need new windows in 2021. Just contact us for honest and experienced advice.