Is It Time For Replacement Double Glazed Windows?

Replace your windows to improve your home's energy efficiency. These modern designs feature uPVC or aluminum frames that hold heat in your home.

If you have noticed signs of condensation, draughts, or leaks in your window frame, it's time to consider replacement double glazing. To begin, find an approved installer FENSA-certified in your area.

1. Excessive Condensation

Double glazing can help you keep warm inside your home and help lower your energy costs. If condensation is excessive and you are not aware of signs that your windows may need to be replaced. This can lead to a range of problems, such as mildew and mould.

Condensation occurs when warm humid air comes in contact with a cold surface. You might have observed it in your home when you woke up to find your glasses covered with a film of water, or outside where the temperature dropped below the dew point.

This is often due to an increase in internal humidity when the temperature outside drops. If your home is too warm and you open the windows while cooking or showering the water can collect inside your windows.

The plaster exposed near the window will usually produce external condensation. It's not as much of a problem as it sounds due to the warmth of the sun and air movement typically dry it up quickly. It's worth looking at specialist glass that can ward off the accumulation of condensation. For example, Pilkington's ActivTM Self-Cleaning Glass, which has a hydrophilic surface that repels moisture and minimises condensation.

In the case of internal condensation, if it's located between your window panes, then this is a sign that the seal has been damaged and the window requires replacement. It's also possible that heat is escaping and it's advisable to consult a professional to determine the problem.

2. Wear and tear signs

Your windows may not be able to talk however they will attempt to let you know that something is not right. If you notice signs such as condensation, draughts, or cracks, it may be time to replace your double glazing.

Modern uPVC Windows are designed to help reduce your energy bills and also provide insulation. They keep warm air in winter and cool air out in summer, thereby saving you money. However, even energy efficient double-glazed windows have limited lifespan and will eventually need replacing.

Condensation is the most frequent sign of worn out double glazed windows. This usually occurs between the two glass surfaces, installer and can be a sign that the seal has failed or that your windows aren't as energy efficient as they were in the past.

Another indication is that your windows are sweating on the inside. This is a sign that the temperature of the air inside your home is lower than the dewpoint, causing condensation of water on the windows. This could be caused by a seal or leak.

It is best to hire an professional to replace your windows if they show signs of wear. This is a job that should not be done as a DIY task as it is risky and could result in broken glass. Instead, choose a firm that specializes in the installation of double-glazed windows, as they have the appropriate tools and safety equipment to complete the task quickly and efficiently. In addition, they'll be able to provide you with advice about the different types of double glazed windows available and which ones are suitable for your home.

3. Unsealed Windows

Double glazed windows use two glass panes with spacers to create an insulating barrier that stops your warm air from escaping and cold air from leaking inside. In contrast to single pane windows double-glazed windows provide more insulation and can dramatically reduce energy bills by keeping your home warm for a longer period of time.

In a sealed glass window, the space in between the two panes is filled with inert gases like argon xenon, argon, and Krypton. These gases slow down the transfer of heat inside the window, making it more energy efficient and reducing the cost of heating. In time, however the seal between the glass may break, allowing air to pass through, which reduces its insulation properties.

Foggy windows can also be an indication that the seal on your window is in a state of failure and allowing moisture be able to seep through. As the weather changes, fogginess typically disappears. However, you might still feel draughts.

A weak seal around your windows can allow insects such as ants, spiders as well as centipedes, mosquitoes and ants into your home. It also allows pollen and dirt enter your home, which could cause indoor allergies. Finally, a strong window seal can reduce noise from the street and other sources.

If you aren't sure if your seal is damaged it is crucial to get it checked out in the earliest time possible. A professional will be able to replace the damaged IGU and repair it. The expert will disassemble your window sash, remove the old IGU unit, and replace it with a new one. If the IGU is under warranty, this will be covered by your contractor or the manufacturer. If not, you'll have to cover your windows until a replacement can be made.

4. Faulty Windows

Double-glazed windows are a great option to reduce energy costs because they allow the sun to shine in, but they also block out outside noises and help keep your home well-insulated. If they're not functioning properly however, it's a major issue that can cause drafts and humidity within the home. To avoid leaks or other damages, it's essential to have these windows repaired or replace them as soon as you can.

Condensation is the simplest sign of a double-glazed window replacement panes that has not been sealed properly. This happens when the space between the two glass panes develops a fogginess that cannot be removed by wiping it off on either side. The problem is that the seal between the panes has failed and allows gas or air like argon or Krypton to escape and create a moist atmosphere within your home.

An increase in your utility bill is another indicator that your windows no longer function as they should. Your windows are designed so that warm air cannot escape and cold air cannot enter. Any change in your utility bill is a sign that it's time to replace your double glazing.

Window problems are usually caused by an inadequate installation. Installing windows requires skill, precision and training which is why it's not something that homeowners should attempt to do on their own. When a window is poorly installed it can lead to leaks, water infiltration, and even mold growth. Window failures that are premature can result from improper maintenance and cleaning of the windows. This can be caused by the use of powerful chemicals and power washers that harm the frames, glass and seals. It is recommended to replace your windows with a reliable company to avoid problems like this and to ensure that they last for many years.

5. The rise in energy Bills

With the rising cost of fuel continue to impact homeowners, it is essential that homes use their energy in a way that is efficient and avoid overuse. The windows in a house are a major factor in the overall energy efficiency of a property. If your energy bills are increasing, it might be time to upgrade your double-glazed windows.

Leaks and drafts in old windows can raise your energy costs substantially. They let cold air into the home, and may even cause loss of heat. However by converting your windows and the use of more modern technology, you can avoid these issues and enjoy an energy-efficient home throughout the year.

Double-glazed windows can help keep your home warm in winter months by capturing warm air and preventing cold air. This can reduce your reliance on central heat and make your home more cost-effective.

The double glazing is also a saving grace during the warmer months because it stops the heat from accumulating within your home. This will reduce your energy bills and impact on the environment.

Double-glazed retrofit windows are a great option for homeowners who want to save money on their energy bills but don't have the budget for the complete replacement of windows. The process of installation is faster and requires far less materials since the frame and installer sash stay in place. The homeowner can pick the style of window they prefer and still get the advantages of an IGU of high quality. In addition, the new glass can be filled with argon gas to boost energy efficiency.