When do windows need replacing?

Windows are a very important element of every flat. Their condition determines whether the flat is warm and quiet. Many of us think that once we have carried out a thorough window renovation, we will never need to do it again. Unfortunately, window frames, although durable, are not indestructible. There are several clear signs that windows need replacing. Which ones? Find out in this article.

Replacing windows is not cheap, but it is a cost worth bearing to ensure the comfort of your home. Such an investment is also worth considering when we want to let a property. We have to bear in mind that tenants will check whether the windows are sufficiently airtight, and damaged frames can easily put them off renting the property. But how can you tell that windows need replacing?

Mechanical damage

A clear reason to replace windows is actual damage, which may have been caused, for example, by an attempted break-in or by a branch striking the window during a storm. If only the pane is damaged, it is enough to replace it. If the window frame is destroyed, the entire sash will have to be replaced.

One part of a window that commonly needs regular replacement is the seals. As they are exposed to all kinds of conditions, they wear out quickly and over time stop doing their job.

Warped frames

Another fault that makes windows candidates for replacement is a warped frame. It makes the window lose its airtightness, which lets heat escape from the flat. Whether replacement is necessary depends on how severe the warping is. For slight warping, special shims may be enough.

Let us remember that if a warped frame is noticeable in new windows, the cause is most often a factory defect or poor installation, which is covered by the warranty.

Poor thermal insulation

Windows should also be replaced when we notice that they do not provide adequate thermal comfort. We are not talking here about gaps through which warm air escapes from the flat, but about the poor thermal insulation (high heat transfer coefficient) of the window as a whole. This applies above all to old-type windows, which make the flat quickly turn cold in winter and hot in summer. It also raises heating costs. Modern windows have a heat transfer coefficient even several times lower than old models. So if your flat, or a flat you let, has old windows, it is high time to replace them.

Poor sound insulation

It is also worth considering replacing windows when they do not protect sufficiently against street noise. The soundproofing of windows can deteriorate over time. This is caused by micro-warping and by seals wearing out. At first this can be remedied temporarily, but if the damage becomes serious, the only solution will be to replace the windows with new ones.

Appearance

Unsatisfactory aesthetics of the window frames also make them candidates for replacement. Especially if we have PVC windows at home, it is easy to notice that over time the frames turn yellow and tend to become stained. What is more, this type of window cannot be repainted, unlike wooden windows. Besides, our taste may change over time. Perhaps we once preferred a modern style, where plastic windows work very well, but today we favour a cosy interior with natural elements, which wooden windows will suit perfectly.