Double glazed windows help cut your energy bills, reduce noise from outside, prevent damp and condensation, and increase security. They can add value to your home too.
On average, double glazed windows can last between 20-25 years. Many last even longer but exactly how long double-glazing lasts depends on several factors. The quality of windows in the first place and the original fit are both important. The weather can have a huge impact too. Let’s look at the factors at play, what you can do to prolong the life of your windows, and when might be a good time to look for replacement windows.
The life of double-glazing depends on a range of factors, including:
The location of your house can have a big impact on how long your double-glazed windows last. Although the glass is designed to cope with heavy rain, more extreme weather conditions can affect the window frame materials.
If you live by the coast, the acidic saltwater can have a detrimental impact on the window frame. Think of salt in the air and harsh winds battering your windows on a blustery day. Your window frame won’t last as long as one in the countryside, for example.
Windows that face south in direct sunlight are also susceptible to a process called thermal pumping. This is where the double glazed sealed unit reacts to changes in temperature by expanding and contracting. This puts stress on the window seals which can eventually break.
The material you choose for your window frame can have an impact on its longevity. uPVC is a very versatile material that can cope with most climates and conditions, but quality can be a deciding factor in longevity. The longevity of wooden windows depends on the type and quality of the wood used as well as the location you use it in.
Choosing quality materials and expert manufacturers will help your double glazed windows stand the test of time. This doesn’t just mean the quality of the frame alone, but all the window components, where they are sourced and how they are assembled.
For example, we are one of the only companies in the UK that manufactures its own uPVC. Our own craftspeople create your new stormproof casement windows in our Norwich factory. When they’re ready, our experienced fitters install your new windows. This means we have complete control over the quality of our uPVC casement windows from start to finish.
A strong indicator of quality is in the industry and standards accreditations it has.
When you buy with Anglian, you have peace of mind that every window is designed and manufactured by our skilled craftspeople here in Britain, to the highest industry standards.
Windows that fit correctly in the opening are completely sealed to the elements. Poorly fitted double glazed windows often allow water to get in between the brick and frame. This can cause damp problems and rot the timber frame underneath.
Once we manufacture your windows, our expert fitters install them in your home for a professional fit every time.
Over time, double glazed windows will be subject to wear and tear. This could eventually cause a break in the window seal which allows external air in. You might see moisture collecting between the glass layers. If the desiccant within the window becomes saturated this can cause condensation.
When choosing your double glazed windows, the frame material is an important choice. Not only does it affect the look of your home, but you’ll want to think about longevity too.
The long-lasting powder coat finish on our aluminium windows not only protects them from the elements, it also prevents chips and paintwork damage. They also have a high strength-to-weight ratio making them incredibly durable. Anglian aluminium window frames can last over 30 years and come with a 10-year guarantee.
If your aluminium windows are showing signs of wear and tear, they may need replacing. Look for:
How long wooden windows lasts can be down to a range of factors. For one, they require more regular maintenance than other materials, so it is important to keep on top of that to prolong their life. Well-cared for wooden windows can last a very long time. We treat our Anglian wooden windows using a double vacuum preservative treatment system. We also use vee joint and end grain sealer as well as a 3 coat paint system – all of this combined gives them a 30-year guarantee against rot. This is alongside the 10-year Anglian window guarantee.
Wooden frames generally come in two different types of wood, hardwood and softwood. There’s also treated softwood, which is a softwood that’s gone through a chemical treatment for added strength and durability.
Wooden frames are unique. Whilst they look fantastic on the outside of homes and are in keeping with period properties, they need more cleaning and overall maintenance than uPVC and aluminium. Timber frames need re-coating over time, and any damaged timber should be repainted or re-stained immediately. As wood is a natural product, there may also be some degree of movement in terms of expansion or contraction.
How long hardwood windows last can depend on a lot of factors. Weather conditions and the location of your property are also key factors. Hardwood timber is better suited to harsher climates, as it is denser and has a more stable nature than softwoods. This means hardwood windows can better handle temperature and humidity variations and are more durable in changing weather conditions.
As with hardwood, the longevity of a softwood frame depends on several factors. Again, you need to consider the climate and weather conditions where you live. Softwood windows won’t cope as well with humidity and temperature fluctuations. They are less suited to coastal areas and may be a better option for a home in the countryside with less variable weather. If you choose a soft wood window frame, you’ll want to make sure it’s been preservative-treated to prevent possible insect or fungicidal attacks that can lead to rot.
It might be time to replace your wooden window frames if you notice any of the following:
uPVC is our most durable window material, and we guarantee our Anglian uPVC windows for 10 years. Anglian White Knight uPVC casement windows hold the BBA accreditation, which means they can last over 35 years.
High-quality uPVC windows aren’t prone to things like chipping or breaking on the frames, so it’s very rare they will suffer this kind of damage. Instead, factors to look for include things like:
Generally speaking, uPVC and aluminium window frames need less maintenance than wooden frames.
You should clean your uPVC or aluminium windows fairly regularly with warm, soapy water and a soft cloth. For stubborn stains on uPVC you can use a specialist uPVC cleaner, whilst washing up liquid is fine on aluminium window frames.
We recommend carrying out any maintenance on your wooden window frames every three months. More often than not they’ll just need a clean but as time goes one they may need re-coating and repainting to keep them in top condition. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear and make sure you repair any damaged timber immediately.
To help extend the life of your double-glazing, you should:
If you notice any of the following issues, you may need to replace your double-glazing:
You may see water in a couple of places:
This could be due to the failure of the window’s weather seals. Contact your window supplier to see if replacement seals are available. If the seal is not the issue, the drainage section could have a block. Try cleaning any build-up of debris in the window frame first.
The sealant between the window and aperture might have failed. This failure could cause gaps around the frame. You need to repair or replace this quickly.
If the windows are still under guarantee, contact the company who installed them. If not, hire a double-glazing professional to fix the problem and prevent water damage.
If you have a water leak and your double-glazed windows are very old, then it might be time to upgrade them.
If you have condensation or misting on the inside of the glass, it means that there is moisture in the air. You’re more likely to see condensation like this if you don’t have double glazing.
You can tackle condensation inside your home by increasing ventilation, keeping your home warm and wiping it off the windows with a microfibre cloth. You should also consider double or triple glazing. When you heat a room, the inner glass of double or triple glazing is warmer than it would be with single glazing. This means condensation is less likely to form when moist and warm air touches the inner glass.
This is a big ger issue. If you have condensation between the glazing, it means the seal between the glass panes has a leak, and the gas cavity is no longer sealed. Over time, the performance of your window will decrease, so you’ll need to replace the sealed unit as soon as possible.
Draughts can occur in different places around the window, including:
Over time, the seal breaks down around the window. You may feel draughts between the bricks and window frame. This means the window sealant may have failed. To fix this, you’ll need to hire a professional to fill the space between the wall and the frame.
The weather seal inside may have worn away over time. It may have lost its elasticity, allowing in draughts. Like with water leaking through this area, you’ll need to replace the weather seals. But as they aren’t working properly, it is worth considering upgrading your windows. If they’re old, they may be less efficient than the current standard.
If the window won’t close flush, it may mean the seals aren’t working as they should, and the insulation of the frame may have failed.
First, check if your window needs a little TLC. Give it a clean to check any debris isn’t stopping it from closing properly. The hinges could also simply be rusty and need replacing. But if it’s a wooden window where the frame has warped, you may need to get the window replaced.
When you shut your double glazed windows completely, they insulate against sound. This means noise from outside should be muffled and reduced. If you’re noticing more noise, the insulation may have failed.
Double glazed windows are fantastic insulators, meaning they trap heat in your home. Well-manufactured and properly installed double glazed windows are highly energy efficient. However, if your windows aren’t performing at their best, they could be letting our heat and adding to the cost of heating your home. Check your windows for draughts around the frame, condensation between the panes or any one of the issues mentioned above. If you notice these things it might be time to replace your double glazing.
If your windows are very old, the glass itself might not offer much protection against UV – even with double glazed windows. When you notice your curtains, carpets and soft furniture begin to fade from the sunlight getting through, it’s a sign you need to replace your windows.
There’s no hard and fast rule for how often you should replace your windows. It depends on your location and the quality of the existing windows. It’s something many homeowners should consider every 15-20 years on average. But if you notice your windows failing, you should replace them as soon as possible.
Even if your windows seem to be working fine, but they’ve been in place for 20-25 years it makes sense to get them replaced. Windows fitted before 2002 weren’t subject to energy ratings like they are now. By upgrading them to Anglian’s A Rated windows, you could potentially save around £184 a year on energy costs.
When it comes to choosing your new double glazed windows, it’s essential to have a range of quality materials and designs to choose from that suit your location and the style of your home.
With Anglian, our experts provide professional advice to help you find the right double glazed window for your needs.
Our windows are designed and individually manufactured here in Britain. They also come with a 10-year parts and labour guarantee included in your double-glazing price.
Our full service includes a free in-home or remote design visit, survey, installation, and aftercare.
Get in touch with us today to talk about double or triple glazing for your home.
