Replacing your existing windows and doors can feel like a daunting task. It’s a significant investment, there will be a level of disruption in the home while the work is carried out, and you might wonder how much benefit you will feel when the new products are installed anyway. So, how do you know when the time has come to replace your existing windows and doors? A big factor in the equation is the condition of your existing windows, but there are other elements at play too.
Clear signs you need to replace your windows and doors
Draughty windows – One of the most obvious signs that you need new windows or doors is that your existing products are letting in a draught. Especially in the winter months, there’s nothing worse than finding yourself sitting next to a window or door and feeling the cold air whip in around you. Even when you’re not positioned next to a window, you might see the curtains blowing in the wind.
If you can organise your seating arrangements so that you’re not situated directly next to one of your draughty windows very often, perhaps you can ignore it. However, consider the energy you are wasting trying to heat a home that is simultaneously being cooled down by the outside elements. If you can see or feel a draught by any of your windows, it’s time to replace them.
Damaged frames – This may sound obvious but it’s surprising how many damaged windows and doors remain in situ. It can be hard to know though when the damage is a sign they need to be replaced, and when they can be fixed and last for another few years. Possible damage to windows, depend on the material they’re made from. Wooden windows might become chipped, while PVC-U windows can fade in colour and sometimes in extreme weather conditions warp in shape. While a certain amount of any of these things is normal, too much can be a sign it’s time to replace.
It’s useful to consider how old your windows are because all windows and doors have a lifespan. Add to this the fact that manufacturers are always working to improve their products, and you are very likely to find better options available today than there were when your original windows were installed. If you have PVC-U windows that are over 20 years old for example, it might be a good idea to take a closer look and check for signs of damage that have started to appear.
Noise pollution – It’s true that even the best windows and doors probably can’t cancel out every decibel of noise from the outside world, but they can make a significant difference. This can be a difficult one to judge and you might not realise the full benefit until the replacement has happened, but if you find you can clearly hear noise from your local environment inside your home, it might be time to speak to a local installer about getting your windows and doors replaced.
Windows and doors manufactured today use different technologies than those made 20 years ago, to ensure better thermal efficiency, but also better sound insulation. While they are still unlikely to block out sound completely, most generic environmental noise from outside the home should sound muffled and should not disturb you when all windows and doors are closed.
Change of use – You don’t necessarily only need to change your windows and doors when your current ones are exhibiting wear and tear or starting to fail. You might want an upgrade during a renovation project, or for example if you need to change the use of the room or window or door itself.
Perhaps you’re moving the location of your kitchen in the home, and you need to swap some windows and doors around to make the space work. Perhaps you want the inside of your home to flow better with the outside and need a larger opening to bring the two spaces together. Or perhaps you need more light or more airflow in the home, in which case you might want to consider replacing existing windows with patio or bi-fold doors, or you could replace a fixed picture window with functional windows that open.
It’s time to replace, what are the next steps?
Whether the need is urgent or not, if you decide you would like to replace some or all of your existing windows and doors, the next step is to decide which material you would like to replace them with. Just because you have one material in place now, doesn’t mean you have to stick with that for your new home improvements. You can read more about the pros and cons of aluminium and PVC-U here. Then you need to find a supplier you can trust to do the work. Feel free to search our Reynaers at Home installer network to find a local installation company that would be happy to assist you on the next step of your home improvement journey.
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