When is the right time to replace my windows and doors?

Brand New Window Installation

When is the right time to replace my windows and doors?

Craig Smith, Director Copperfield Windows, is often asked when is the right time to replace windows and doors.

Unless your windows are drastically falling apart then we do not tend to think about replacing them.

The first and most obvious point is condition. Are windows and doors  in a good state of repair? This can be obvious or not at all:

• If you have timber windows has the condensation run down the inside of the window so much that if you now press the frame it has a ‘spongy’ feel, or outside has the weather has eaten away the timber behind the paint, leaving it not only vulnerable to rain but also break-in?
• Has double glazing misted up inside? This is not only frustrating because you can’t see out but it will also be a sign that it’s thermal performance has dropped off.

Then are the things that you can’t see but are no less important.

• Windows mist-up because all double and triple-glazed units lose performance over time. Modern energy efficient windows are filled with argon gas, which helps to stop the escape of heat. The misting-up of a window is a sign of extreme failure but your windows will lose performance over time. If they’re 15 years old or over, you may want to consider their replacement with new high performance energy efficient windows and doors [hyperlink as relevant]
• Security – window and door manufacturers are fighting a constant battle against burglars to keep your home safe and secure. Again, if you have older locks on windows, no locks, or your doors were fitted more than five years ago, you may want to consider a security check. These doors and windows were cutting edge when they were fitted but nowhere near as secure as they are today.

New windows and doors naturally draw a line under all of these issues.

• New energy efficient windows and doors use better unit sealing, argon-filled units and the latest in low-iron glass, to deliver significant savings on heat loss and as a consequence the cost of heating your home. The Energy Saving Trust, heat lost through windows accounts for around 25 per cent of the total energy lost from your home.  It suggests that new windows and doors could save homeowners up to £160 a year in heating bills over old or single glazed windows.
• Window and door security has also moved on. If your windows and doors are over 5 years old then it is probably worth getting these replaced.
• Better aesthetics – windows and doors will define the appearance of your property, so if you can’t live with that mock-Tudor lead-work any longer or you want a more sympathetic match to your property with a woodgrain of coloured finish low maintenance PVC window it may also be worth taking a look at just what new windows and doors have to offer.

Copperfield Windows supplies hundreds of energy efficient PVC-U windows and doors throughout Coventry each year, making homes not only warmer but more secure. This includes an extensive range of low maintenance and energy efficient PVC-U windows. These can achieve top u-values and Window Energy Ratings, including WER A⁺⁺.

For more information email admin.copperfield@btconnect.com or call a member of our team on 02476 452688