A new double glazed window has the potential to last between 25-30 years or even more if installed by an expert double glazing company using the highest quality materials and technology.
Modern double glazing offers remarkable energy efficiency ratings and durability, far superior to installations of the past, but how exactly can you tell when the time comes to make a switch?
Exactly how long a double glazed window will last does vary depending on a number of different factors that will be discussed in this article but on average you should expect your new units to last well over 20 years as an absolute minimum.
In order to protect yourself from early window deterioration as a result of inferior materials and installation work, choose a company such as www.theadvancedgroup.co.uk that offer as long a guarantee as possible on their products, and gets excellent reviews from previous customers in your local area.
What will affect the lifespan of double glazed windows and doors?
There are a variety of different factors that will go into determining how long it will be before you need to replace your double glazing after it has been installed.
As long as you choose a well-respected professional installer who uses the highest quality of products, you won’t have to worry about this for several decades, but it is still worth knowing, and could save you a tremendous amount of money in the long run.
The location of the property
Modern double glazing is incredibly durable and designed to cope with wind, snow, rain and more. However, the location of the window will, over time, have an impact on the product’s lifespan, and is perhaps the biggest determining factor in how long a quality window will last.
Coastal properties are particularly susceptible to faster than average deterioration due to the presence of saltwater in the air and double glazing in these regions tend to have a significantly shorter lifespan as a result.
Properties in the highlands of Scotland may see similar declines, due to an increased exposure to freezing temperatures, high winds, snow, and ice, although the best double glazing products are designed to cope well in temperatures well below freezing.
The quality of the products used
Make sure that when you are choosing your windows that you consider the quality of the materials that have been used to create them and that the installer has not cut corners in order to keep their costs down.
The saying that you get what you pay for is not always completely accurate but does ring true in regards to the cheapest double glazing products which tend to be of a sub-standard quality and will last nowhere near as long as the market leaders.
The reputation of the installer
Whilst not directly a contributing factor in the lifespan of your windows, an double glazing installers reputation is a good way to determine what the quality of their products may be.
Make sure to do plenty of research before you commit to one double glazing company including reading online reviews, independent and not on the company site, and by talking to others in the location area who have used their services.
Even the highest quality double glazed windows will perform poorly in terms of energy efficiency if they are installed incorrectly, and if they are not sealed properly water can leak inside your home and cause the window to deteriorate
Damp problems caused as a result of poor insulation not only cause timber frames to warp and shorten the window’s lifespan, but they can also lead to mould and mildew growth, and all the associated health complications they bring.
How to tell when it is time to replace your double glazing
Even the highest quality double glazed products will eventually reach the end of its life and the point will come where replacing them is the right decision financially.
If you have recently noticed that your energy use is going up more than expected, even in a time when bills are at an all time high, it could be as a result of increased heat loss through your windows and replacing them will help you save money and reduce your carbon footprint.
Just some of the indications that a change may be required in the near future include:
- Draughts around the home and particularly around the window frame suggesting a faulty or damaged frame.
- Condensation is forming between the panes or on the inside pane.
- Noise from outside seems clearer and louder than before.
- The windows are stiff and difficult to open.
- The uPVC frame has become yellow and discoloured.
- A timber frame has begun to warp.