When to Replace Your Windows

Replacing home windows is not a decision that can be made lightly: it is necessary to study well how and when to do it.
Indeed, it is important not to make mistakes that could affect the energy efficiency, safety, comfort and aesthetics of the home. This article provides some useful tips on the best time to replace windows. 

Window durability and window replacement

Windows are an extremely important structural element in the home because they perform several basic functions: thermal insulation, sound insulation, security, protection from the elements… Choosing the right windows means adequate living comfort inside your home. Finally, do not forget that windows have no small impact on the aesthetics of the facade and interior spaces.
Windows can last for many, many years, especially if they are of excellent quality, have been installed with impeccable installation, and have been well cared for over the years. Net of all this, the durability of windows and doors also and especially depends on the material from which they are made, i.e., wood, PVC or aluminium.
Wooden window frames, for example, can last up to 30 years, but only with careful and constant maintenance. This is the only way to ensure that this material resists weathering and is not ruined by moisture, insects, and excessive sunlight. Although it is a versatile material, PVC is not particularly resistant to physical damage caused by continuous exposure to the elements; for this reason, PVC window frames have an average lifespan of 20 to 30 years.
Aluminium is definitely the material that allows windows to last the longest over time, thus ensuring an excellent investment in the long run. In fact, aluminium windows and doors can last 50 years and more – thus, about twice as long as PVC windows. Most remarkable of all, aluminium is maintenance-free because it is a material that is naturally resistant to corrosion, the harshest weather conditions, and sunlight. Its structural stability means that it will not warp over time, even in areas of severe temperature fluctuations.
For all these reasons, combined also with the energy performance offered by thermal break and the unlimited possibilities for customization, aluminium is the material of choice for those seeking durable, superior-quality windows.

How to know when it’s time to change windows

Regardless of the material, there comes a time when windows still need to be replaced.
This can happen for several reasons:

• one lives in a house that is not new and the windows have reached their maximum life span (20-30 years for those made of PVC or wood, 50 years and more for those made of aluminium ), thus gradually losing their insulating properties;
• the windows of the house do not meet the taste of its inhabitants;
• existing windows are too damaged and are in danger of underperforming.

The latter case is the most difficult to consider, because people often do not realize that windows are no longer able to perform their functions effectively. For this reason, it will be useful to consult this list of signs, which more or less clearly indicate that it is time to replace the windows. 

Drafts and loss of insulation

Drafts are not only tremendously annoying, but also indicate a rather serious problem of loss of thermal insulation of the window.
The presence of drafts means that the window has become a thermal bridge, that is, it allows air to pass from the outside to the inside but also vice versa. This leads to a lack of energy efficiency, as more energy will have to be used to heat the house in winter or keep it cool in summer. It is one of the most serious of the problems requiring immediate window replacement; this problem could result from worn seals, outdated glass, or warped/damaged structures. 

Presence of mould and condensation

Another very clear sign of loss of insulation is the formation of condensation on window panes. When condensation forms, it means that the window frame has lost its function as a thermal barrier and can no longer keep the interior well insulated from the outside. In the long run, condensation can expand to the walls bordering the window, leading to the proliferation of mould1 that is harmful to health as well as to the structure and aesthetics of the house. 

Rising bills

Condensation and drafts are very emblematic elements that the window is losing its insulating capabilities. But even without these obvious signs, such a problem can also be inferred from possible increases in utility bills.
In fact, a surge in energy consumption could be due to the fact that heating or cooling systems are working much harder than normal to heat or cool the house, precisely because the heat or fresh air is being excessively dispersed to the outside. 

Excessive noise from outside

Thermal insulation is closely related to sound insulation, that is, the ability of the window to keep outside noise out of the house.
Almost always, a window that has lost its thermal insulation capabilities will not even be able to provide sound insulation, thus decreasing living comfort. If you notice that outside street noises are becoming more present and louder inside your house, the insulation is probably compromised and you therefore need to replace your windows. 

Difficulty opening and closing windows

No one wants to struggle to close and open windows in their home, gestures that should on the contrary be simple and convenient. In addition to decreasing living comfort, problems opening and closing windows are also a sign that the frame may have become warped, or the opening/closing mechanism excessively worn.
This could also compromise the security of the window, a barrier that becomes easier to overcome by any malicious intruders, and also less protective from the weather. To summarize: if your windows are squeaking, sticking, not sliding well, or not closing properly, it is definitely time to replace them. 

Deteriorated appearance

Even if you don’t notice drafts, condensation, or noise, and even if the windows open and close well, sometimes appearance alone is enough to let you know that it’s time to change the windows and doors.
Some signs regarding appearance to consider are:

• yellowed or less intense colour;
• peeling paint;
• discoloured or cracked frame;
• loose, dry, torn or damaged gaskets;
• broken or deformed handles, hinges, and locks (including from an accidental collision);
• scratches and dents;
• cracked or chipped glass.

All of these elements could indicate structural problems that should not be underestimated, as well as compromising the safety of the inhabitants (think of a frame that is easier to tamper with or chipped glass that could suddenly break). Not to mention that, of course, these elements go a long way toward affecting the aesthetic appearance of the house. 

Light filtering around the frame

This is one of the absolute most serious signs and requires immediate replacement of the window frames.
If the window is closed but light is filtering in from outside through some points around the frame, it means that the window frame has suffered very serious damage and needs to be changed. If light passes through, in fact, air, smog, dust, insects may also pass through. Such a problem not only indicates that the thermal insulation is compromised, but could also negatively affect the health and well-being of the inhabitants of the house. 

What is the best time to change windows

In this article, we explained more about how and why to change windows and doors. Here, however, we focus on when, that is, the best time to change windows and choose a state-of-the-art version. Of course, if you notice one or more of the signs just listed, it would be essential to move immediately to proceed with a replacement, thoroughly studying the characteristics of the most quality window frames.
But if you do not notice structural damage and want to change your windows but are not in a hurry, it may be appropriate to wait for the right time. This right time in that case depends on a number of factors, such as the climate, the possible availability of incentives, as well as, of course, one’s own needs. Some tips are provided here for you to consider. 

The ideal season: spring or autumn

Spring and fall are the most recommended seasons to carry out any home repair work, including window replacement. In fact, the usually mild temperatures typical of midseason reduce the inconvenience associated with temporary exposure of the home to the weather. Temperature swings that may instead occur in summer or winter are also avoided, thus minimizing discomfort for home occupants.
Fall, in particular, is the ideal time. During the months of September, October and early November, there is no need to turn on the heaters yet, thus avoiding possible heat loss during the hours dedicated to window replacement. We will then prepare for winter with brand-new windows that provide excellent performance. 

The possible presence of tax incentives

Planning window replacement at a time when tax incentives or bonuses are available is ideal for achieving significant financial savings. Fall is also an exceptional time for this reason, as these are usually the last months of the year to take advantage of any available tax deductions before updated laws go into effect at the beginning of the following year.
From this point of view, if you have the desire to change your windows but are not in a hurry, it can be useful to get well informed in time, so as to combine the right climate and the most advantageous tax deductions to identify the best time for window replacement. 

The availability of the client and the professional

No matter what, it is important to make an assessment of your habits and commitments, identifying the time of year when you have the most time to handle the work. It is true that window replacement itself does not take a lot of time, but this time could dilate if there are many windows to be changed or special requirements.
Another element to consider is the possibility of relying on the professionals you prefer while respecting their work schedules. Once it is understood which is the best dealer for windows and doors, it is necessary to book the intervention in advance, thus having the certainty of being able to find availability. 

Changing old windows with state-of-the-art aluminium window frames

At the beginning of the article, it was seen that aluminium window frames are the best solution for those who intend to make a long-term investment, given their long-lasting durability. But aluminium window frames have numerous advantages, as explored in depth here.
Aluminium is a light and flexible material that is extremely weather-resistant; it does not warp or corrode, and is the best for ensuring maximum safety in the home. Thanks to thermal break technology, it offers outstanding thermal insulation (and soundproofing) performance. Finally, aluminium can be customized in a wide variety of colours and finishes, which do not fade over time, thus allowing windows to fit any architectural style.
METRA Building offers aluminium windows and doors that have all these advantages and more. Casement or sliding windows and patio doors, as well as front doors and interior doors: all products made from 100% environmentally friendly recyclable aluminium that can increase the value of the property, give it a unique sophistication and increase energy savings.