Keeping a home comfortable and energy efficient is a priority for every property owner in the United Kingdom. The quality of your uPVC windows is one of the most important factors in getting this balance right. These lights are notorious for their longevity and inexpensive maintenance, however they are not immortal. As uPVC windows are constantly exposed to the British weather over a period of several decades, the structural integrity and thermal performance of uPVC windows will inevitably begin to degrade. When your heating system fails, it’s important to know the exact symptoms of that failure so that you can prevent any consequential damage to your property, such as moisture or structural decay, and keep your energy expenses manageable throughout the colder months.
One of the clearest indications that you need to replace your uPVC windows is when draughts are persistent. The seals around the edges of the frames begin to die or lose their suppleness, and they no longer provide an impermeable barrier against the outside world. If you lean on your uPVC windows, even when they are closed and locked, you may detect a distinct cold spot. Escaping air is one of the biggest sources of heat loss in homes today. If you find yourself turning up the central heating to make up for a cold draught coming in through the frames, it’s a sure sign that the internal gaskets in your uPVC windows have failed. Often the only method to restore the thermal envelope of your living space is to replace these devices.
Another big warning flag is condensation but it’s crucial to differentiate where the moisture is taking place. A little bit of condensation on the inside of the glass is often a sign of a ventilation problem, but moisture that builds up between the panes of glass is a far more serious problem. If you notice fogging or water droplets inside the sealed unit of your uPVC windows, this indicates that the desiccant in the spacer bar has become saturated and the main seal has blown. If the air or gas filling leaks between the panes, then the uPVC windows lose practically all of their insulating characteristics. Blown double glazing cannot be easily repaired to the original standard and replacement of the complete unit is usually the most cost efficient solution in the long run.
The physical operation of the frames can tell you a lot about the health of your uPVC windows, too. Internally, mechanisms like hinges, handles and espagnolette locking systems can wear down or become misaligned over time. If you are having to force your uPVC windows shut, or they are not sitting flush within the outside frame, you could be threatening the structural stability of the unit. Warpage is a less common but conceivable problem with very old or poor quality uPVC windows, when the frames have expanded and contracted so many times in the sun that they have changed form permanently. This not only lets the cold in, but it also affects the security of your home.
Another aspect that most homeowners don’t think about until it becomes a daily irritation is external noise pollution. High quality uPVC windows are engineered to be an acoustic barrier, damping the sound of traffic, sirens and noisy neighbours. If you’re starting to find the world outside sounds considerably louder than it used to, then it’s probably that the soundproofing properties of your uPVC windows aren’t as good as they once were. This is when the seals break down and the integrity of the glass units is compromised. Modern uPVC windows may really improve the peace and quiet in your house as the manufacturing processes of today give far greater sound insulation than the standards of twenty or thirty years ago.
Water ingress may be the most damaging symptom of your uPVC windows failure. If you see damp spots on the plaster work around the window reveals or water gathering on the inside sills after a hard rainstorm, then the weatherproofing of your uPVC windows has reached a crucial failure point. The water leaking through the frames might lead to growth of black mould which can be a health hazard to the people living in the property. Water can also breach the uPVC windows and infiltrate the cavity wall or the interior timber structure, causing costly concealed damage. Any leaky uPVC windows should be repaired immediately to prevent long-term damage of the fabric of your building.
Always check for visible damage to the frames themselves. uPVC windows are well know for not decaying like timber windows, however they can still be the subject of physical stress or harsh weathering. Watch for cracking or deep gouges at the frame corners frequently. In older installations, the plastic can become brittle and is likely to break under pressure. If the outside skin of your uPVC windows is cracked then moisture can get into the internal steel reinforcements causing it to corrode and expand further splitting the plastic from the inside out. If your frames are looking grey, brittle or are physically cracked, then it’s time to invest in new uPVC windows to keep your home secure.
The financial cost of bad uPVC windows is reflected in the rising cost of energy bills. If your gas or electricity bills have risen substantially, without any change in your personal habits, your windows could be the culprit. Old uPVC windows are often fitted with old glass technology which might make it too easy for heat to radiate out of the house. Today’s uPVC windows have low-emissivity glass and are filled with argon gas which keeps heat in during the winter and reflects away any excess heat during the summer. Investing in upgrading your inefficient uPVC windows will directly improve your property’s energy rating and save you money on your power bills in years to come.
The appearance of your uPVC windows also plays a big role in the aesthetic condition of your home. The varnish in very old frames is frequently so heavily discoloured that it has turned yellow or drab cream and is no longer amenable to cleaning. This UV damage means the chemical composition of the plastic is degrading. It is generally associated with a degradation of the mechanical performance, although it may seem to be a simply cosmetic problem. Modern uPVC windows have the latest UV stabilisers applied to them to ensure that they stay bright and vibrant throughout their lifetime. Replacing uPVC windows is a fast way to give a dated or poorly maintained house an update, and can enhance its outward attractiveness and market value.
Security is a major issue for every occupant and your uPVC windows are a first line of security against attackers. Older uPVC windows usually include external glazing beads which may simply be removed from the outside, to free the glass. They may also have basic single point locking systems that can be forced open. If you think that your uPVC windows are the weak link in your home security, it is a sensible decision to upgrade them. New uPVC windows include multi-point locking mechanisms and internal glazing beads that lock the sash into the frame in numerous distinct places, giving you and your family far more peace of mind.
It can also be a subtle suggestion that it is time for a change that cleaning and maintenance are difficult. With older uPVC windows, you can get pits and scrapes in the surface where dirt gets right in and you can’t wipe it clean. And if the gaskets and seals are hanging off or have grown sticky, they can make a mess every time you try to tidy up. Today’s uPVC windows feature smooth high gloss surfaces that repel dirt and retain a new look with minimal effort. If you’re spending hours attempting to scrape life back into your ancient uPVC windows with little luck, then the material has probably reached the end of its usable life.
One final broad issue to consider is the age of the exhibit. The best quality uPVC windows will last anywhere from twenty to thirty years. If your uPVC windows date back to the nineties or early two-thousands, they are probably nearing their expiration date, no matter how they look on the surface. Technology has advanced a great deal in the last 20 years and the uPVC windows available now are far superior in terms of thermal breaks, chambered profiles and glass coatings. Even if your ageing uPVC windows seem to be doing a decent job, the performance boost that new units provide is often enough to justify a replacement for comfort and efficiency alone.
In the end, it is a combination of these criteria that will determine whether you need to replace your uPVC windows. If you have a combination of draughts, condensation between the panes and trouble operating the handles the proof is conclusive. Your uPVC windows aren’t doing the job they were supposed to accomplish. By replacing them proactively you will not only improve the overall appearance of your home, but create a warmer, quieter and more secure atmosphere. Good quality uPVC windows are the lifeblood of the modern British home and keeping them in tip-top shape is one of the finest ways to protect your most important possession.
Being aware of these warning indicators will help you avoid the stress of having to make an emergency replacement during a winter storm. By checking your uPVC windows regularly you’ll be able to budget and plan your home improvements. Whether it’s a faint whistle of a draft or the obvious fogging up of a blown seal, your uPVC windows will typically tell you when they’ve had their day. It’s a good idea to invest in new uPVC windows, as it pays benefits in comfort and property value, and ensures your house stays a refuge from the elements for many years to come. Taking a moment to consider the condition of your uPVC windows today could save you a lot of effort and money in the future.