In many cases, especially when renovating an old house, it is important to understand how and why to change windows.
Replacing old windows and doors, in fact, provides discrete advantages in terms of comfort and energy savings.
This article offers insights into:

• how to tell if windows and doors need to be changed;
• what are the advantages of replacing windows and doors;
• how to choose new quality windows and doors;
• how windows and doors are replaced in ordinary or extraordinary maintenance and much more.

>Replacing windows and doors to breathe new life into the home

Window and door frames are in themselves long-lasting elements: while wood and PVC frames can last 20-30 years, aluminium frames last up to 50-60 years. This long-life span becomes even longer if windows and doors are properly maintained during their lifetime.
However, at some point the time comes to replace old windows and doors.
This can happen for two fundamental reasons:

• a technical issue: windows and doors in older houses, especially those dating from before the 1950s and 1960s, may start to show signs of deterioration and no longer guarantee their basic functions. One could then find oneself in a draughty, unsafe and inefficient case, with windows that require some effort to open and close.
• an aesthetic issue: whether it is a case of an already owned or recently purchased case, the windows present may simply no longer catch the aesthetic taste of the tenants. This is no small matter, as windows can greatly influence the aesthetic perception of a house.

Especially if you are renovating an old house in a modern style, it is worth reflecting on the need to change the windows in order to obtain a whole series of advantages, which will be explained below. If you eventually decide to actually replace windows and doors, there are essentially two main things to do:

1. choose new windows and doors that are of the highest quality, so as not to undermine the effort and expense involved in replacement;
2. get well informed about the replacement surgery to be undertaken in your specific case.

This article will help resolve all doubts.

How to tell if need changing: 6 details

Windows are true pieces of furniture and help to express the unique personality of the house. Therefore, if you want to renovate or refurbish your case, it is normal to feel the need to choose new windows that better suit your aesthetic tastes.
But the replacement of windows and doors is not just a purely aesthetic issue; sometimes technical issues come into play, and the quality and performance of the window and door are impoverished. This can be due to several factors: materials used to make the window and door frames, the quality of maintenance over time, the level of wear and tear, and the climatic conditions to which the windows and doors have been exposed over the years.
In any case, how can you definitively realise that your windows need to be changed? There are 6 details that are worth analysing well.

1. More difficult to open and close
   A quick and effective first method to understand if something is wrong with windows and doors is to pay attention to their opening and closing mechanism. If performing these simple daily tasks becomes increasingly difficult, perhaps because the lock does not close properly or gains in some places, the window and door is probably deteriorating.
   In this case, the problem could only be with the movement mechanism, so that only the window hardware may need to be replaced. If, however, this problem is compounded by others, then the entire window and door may need to be changed.
2. Draughts, mould and condensation are noted
   A thermal bridge is an area where a discontinuity in the insulation is created. It can occur if the window and door has not been installed properly or, in the case of an old window, if it is gradually losing its thermic insulation capacity.
   Thermal bridges are situations to be avoided at all costs, because they greatly reduce the performance of the window and, consequently, living comfort. In fact, due to the presence of thermal bridging, it is easy for heat inside the house to be dispersed outwards, and for cold air from outside to enter the house in the form of draughts. Thermal bridging can also cause unhealthy condensation to form on window and door glass and, in the long run, mould to spread on the walls around the window and door. Definitely, a very clear sign that there is something wrong with old windows and doors.
3. Bills are more expensive
   The loss of the window and door’s insulating capacity not only affects the health and comfort of the room, but also has an economic consequence. Indeed, with the loss of heat, the house will become colder and heating costs will have to be raised. The same could happen with air conditioning costs in summer.
   So, if you realise that heating/air conditioning bills are rising excessively over time with the same habits and conditions, it is very likely that the problem lies in the old windows and doors. In general, poor window and door quality can generate up to 30 per cent of total heat or air losses.
4. Outside noise enters the house more easily
   As a barrier from the outside, windows also have the function of maintaining a high level of acoustic insulation in the home. This is necessary in order to be able to live, sleep, study and work with peace of mind, all the more so if you live on noisy city streets, near traffic or near stations and airports.
   Attention should be paid to changes in the intensity of noise from outside. If, over time, external noises become louder and louder and it becomes increasingly difficult to relax or concentrate, it is very likely that windows and doors are losing their acoustic insulation properties.
5. Light filters through the frame
   Sometimes, even with the window and shading systems completely closed, it happens that a thin thread of light still penetrates the perimeter of the frame. This means that the window can no longer guarantee total structural integrity. And this is serious not only because light passes through, decreasing comfort in the home, but also because heat, smog and dust may pass along with the light.
6. Deterioration of the windows is clearly visible
   Regardless of all the details listed above, if at first glance one notes that the windows and doors are deteriorated, this is already a good reason to replace them immediately.
   The deterioration of windows and doors that leads to their inevitable replacement involves damage such as cracks, breaks or deformations of the frame or sashes. In all these cases, even if nothing else unusual has been noted, the window must be replaced because its integrity and performance are certainly seriously compromised.

10 advantages of replacing windows and doors

Due to the reasons just listed, window replacement may therefore become necessary. The main advantage of such an intervention would then be a general improvement in window and door performance. Going into detail, however, there are many other advantages.

Increased thermic insulation and efficient energy

Buying new windows and doors first of all allows the house to be brought up to an adequate level of thermic insulation. Today’s windows and doors, made using modern technology, are able to guarantee less heat or fresh air dispersion from the interior of the house to the exterior. Thermal break aluminium windows and doors, for example, have insulating noble gases inside the channel between the external and internal frames, thus ensuring that there is no exchange between the air inside the house and the air outside.
Better thermic insulation and an absence of thermal bridges significantly increase the efficient energy use of the house. This is due to a lower consumption of electricity to heat or cool rooms.

Increased energy savings

The previous point leads inevitably to talk about energy savings, i.e., the savings that the latest generation of windows can make on electricity bills. Winter bills , in particular, could be reduced by significant percentages over time.
Obsolete windows and doors are in fact responsible for up to 30% of the loss of heat in the house to the outside, thus causing increased and entirely avoidable costs. With more efficient energy use and thermic insulation windows and doors, it is enough to keep the heating on just a few hours a day to ensure that the house stays warm for a long time.

Greater eco-sustainability

Another concept to which energy efficiency is linked is eco-sustainability. Reducing electricity consumption is indeed a great way not only to save money, but also to reduce one’s environmental impact. This is because by making less use of radiators and air conditioners, less carbon dioxide is released into the environment. This is an advantage of replacing old windows and doors that should not be underestimated in this historical era.
The choice of materials for a new window and door can further contribute to the sustainability of your home. For example, you can choose wooden windows and doors whose main material comes from certified, certified reforestation areas. Even better, you can opt for aluminium windows and doors: this material does not emit harmful substances into the environment and can be recycled 100 per cent and indefinitely, without ever losing its qualities.

Increased acoustic insulation

Replacing old windows also means choosing new models that provide the highest level of acoustic insulation. This is essential for anyone who wants to sleep soundly, but also to study, work or relax without any disturbance from outside.
Based on one’s needs, it will be necessary to choose windows and doors that provide high acoustic comfort. In this case, it is on the choice of double glazing or special glass, such as sound-absorbing glass, that one should direct oneself in the case of very noisy rooms.

Increased living comfort

Adequate acoustic insulation allows people to live in their homes with more comfort and serenity at any time of day or night. This is the principle of living comfort: perceiving one’s home as a ‘nest’ in which to feel comfortable, safe, healthy and in the highest state of well-being.
From this point of view, replacing old windows with higher-performance models not only reduces noise, but also contributes to a healthier air and wellbeing for tenants. This is because, by preventing the formation of draughts, infiltration, mould and condensation, it ensures that there is always an ideal micro-climate in the home. Better performing windows also benefit those who particularly suffer from pollution or allergies.

A safer home

There is no doubt that, compared to those of half a century ago, modern windows and doors are safer from the actions of burglars. In general, today’s windows and doors are robust and difficult to force; this applies even more so to aluminium. Sometimes, the presence of solid, high-performance windows and doors such as those in aluminium, perhaps combined with equally solid shading systems, acts in itself as a deterrent to any burglary attempt.
Modern windows and doors are categorised according to specific security classes, to be chosen on the basis of the environmental conditions of the house and personal requirements. A simple window can then be reinforced by additional special security devices to maximise its anti-burglary effectiveness.

A brighter house

Among the many functions of windows is that of allowing heat transmission and sunlight to pass through. Natural light has an enormous positive effect on the psychophysical well-being of tenants, so it is important that new windows provide the opportunity to make the most of it.
From this point of view, it is always advisable to replace old windows and doors with aluminium. As a strong and light material, it allows for the creation of very slender profiles, which allows for an increase in the window’s glazed surface area and more natural light.
Since light and heat from the outside is unwelcome at all times of day, the installation of efficient shading systems should always be considered along with the replacement of windows and doors.

A house aesthetically closer to one’s taste

As seen above, one of the main reasons for changing old windows is the desire to catch one’s own taste in style. Not only may old windows and doors no longer be liked, but the possibilities for customisation with modern windows are almost endless.
While this is true for all materials, such as wood and PVC, it must be said that aluminium allows even greater and, above all, safe customisation. By this is meant that the colours and finishing in aluminium windows and doors are made from products that have no negative effect on people’s health, and that guarantee a long-lasting final effect.
Aluminium windows and doors can take on any shade of colour, from the most neutral to the brightest and most unusual. From the point of view of finishing, it is possible to achieve a very realistic wood effect, as well as sandblasted, raw, anodised, opaque, glossy and so on. This allows anyone to find the perfect window that fits harmoniously with the style of their dream home.

Decreased maintenance costs

Especially when made of poor materials, old windows required periodic maintenance. Replacing old windows and doors also means choosing windows made of durable and properly treated materials so that the maintenance required is very low.
The maintenance2 of aluminium windows is particularly advantageous, as it is close to zero. PVC windows also require little maintenance. Wooden windows are more delicate, but still require less maintenance than in the past.
Reduced maintenance requirements, as well as quick and easy window cleaning are an advantage because they allow for a more practical and functional daily life , as well as savings.

Increase in property value

All the advantages of replacing windows and doors listed above lead to another final advantage: the increase in value of the property in the case that it is sold in the future. In fact, all features and conditions being equal, buyers will willingly spend more for houses with the latest generation of windows and doors, which guarantee efficient energy use, are made of durable materials and make the home safer.

How much does it cost to replace windows and doors

It is really impossible to give a clear answer to this question. In fact, replacing windows and doors can be very costly depending on the type of intervention and the new window and door chosen.
However, it must be remembered that window replacement should be seen not as a cost, but as an investment for the future.
On the basis of the advantages just seen, in fact, it is clear how changing windows with new, better performing models constitutes a long-term saving from various points of view. If this saving is to be thought of in terms of the future, in the present one can immediately enjoy greater living comfort, safety and healthy air. This brings an immediate sense of well-being for oneself and one’s family.

Tax deductions for window and door replacement

There is also the fact that, very often, it will not be necessary to bear the entire cost of replacing old windows and doors. In fact, specific tax deductions that the State makes available to anyone preparing to modernise their home with a view to greater energy efficiency come to the aid of this intervention.
With the Renovation Bonus, it is possible to save up to 50% of the expenditure incurred for the replacement of windows and doors. This saving rises to 70 or 75 per cent in case the intervention falls under Superbonus or Ecobonus. Read more here about all building industry bonuses 2024.

How to choose new quality windows and doors

Once the decision has been made to replace old windows and doors with new, higher-performance models, the next step is to choose the right ones. It would be pointless and counterproductive to invest in window and door replacement and then choose low-quality products.
The choice of quality windows and doors is explored in detail in this article, which is summarised here mainly in the choice of materials, glass and type of opening.

Choice of frame material

Modern windows and doors are mainly made of three materials: aluminium, wood and PVC. Each has different features but, on a general level, they are equivalent in terms of thermal and acoustic insulation, burglar-proofing and energy values.
PVC is a weather-resistant and well-insulating material that is easy to clean and maintain. However, it is a plastic material that, as such, does not lend itself well to elegant and design-oriented furniture solutions. It can be customised in different colours and finishes, but these are applied by means of films that may fade or peel off over time. Moreover, if PVC is chosen, it is important to opt for very high-quality models; otherwise, the PVC frame may tend to warp over time, seriously compromising the performance of the window.
Wood is a natural, durable and well-insulating material, ideal for giving any home a feeling of classicism, refinement, warmth and cosiness. Unfortunately, it requires more maintenance and, in the case of the outer frame, it may suffer minor damage over time due to weathering and strong irradiation / radiation from the sun.
Aluminium is a very light, strong and flexible material that has no shortcomings when it comes to window and door frames and, indeed, maximises their performance. With aluminium, you are able to blunt all the items on the ‘advantages of replacing windows and doors’ list: efficiency and energy use, environmental sustainability, living comfort, anti-burglary safety, increased brightness, no annoying noise, easy customisation and cleaning, and increased property value.
Another possible option is to combine two materials in order to obtain the maximum qualities of both. For example, it is very common to combine wood with aluminium, so as not to give up the feeling of warmth and elegance offered by wood in the internal frame, while benefiting from the strength features of aluminium in the external frame. METRA Building’s aluminium-wood line is designed precisely for this purpose.

Choice of glass

Since most windows are made up of glass surfaces, glass is by no means an aspect to be underestimated. When replacing old windows and doors with more modern models, one must consider that today there are many types of glass that meet different needs. For example, there is sound-absorbing glass to increase acoustic insulation, or low-emissivity or selective glass to regulate heat transmission and sunlight. You can also opt for double or triple glazing depending on the location of your home, for greater thermic and acoustic insulation.
There are many variables to think about. An in-depth guide to choosing glass can be read here.

Choice of type of opening

Another element that should not be underestimated when changing windows is the way the opening mechanism will work. This is divided into casement windows or sliding windows. Casement windows may in turn have a tilt or bottom hung opening, as well as minimal openings for micro-ventilation.
In this case, too, it is necessary to think carefully about one’s daily living needs. It is equally important to choose the type of opening for each room in the house, as each room has different features and needs.

Other elements to choose from

It is important to dwell on other elements of window replacement to make sure you make the right choice.
For example:

• handles and other accessories: the handle has a practical function, but it is also a real piece of furniture that must fit well with the window and the rest of the house;
• colours and finishing:since people often change windows and doors as a matter of aesthetics, it is worth choosing the colours and finishes of new windows carefully so that they perfectly reflect one’s aesthetic tastes;
• security class:for windows, there are several anti-burglar security classes: the right one should be chosen according to the specific situation. For example, the location of the case in more or less at-risk places, the floor on which the windows are located, and so on will have to be assessed. We recommend reading the article on how to keep your home safe.

Window and door replacement: ordinary maintenance vs extraordinary

Once you have chosen the right models to replace old windows and doors and improve the general performance of your home, it is important to understand whether this intervention falls under ordinary or extraordinary maintenance.
This distinction is crucial because it regulates the need to comply with specific bureaucratic rules regarding the replacement of windows.

Replacement in routine maintenance

If changing windows is part of ordinary maintenance work, there will be no need for specific permits to act. You can therefore proceed at any time, without having to incur any bureaucratic expenses or adhere to specific regulations.
Replacement of windows and doors is routine maintenance if:

• the window model and/or its coatings remain unchanged from the previous window;
• the shape, size, features, number and type of sashes remain unchanged from the previous window;
• the replacement of windows and doors leads to an improvement in the efficient energy use of the house.

Replacement in extraordinary maintenance

When replacing a window as part of extraordinary maintenance, it will be necessary to submit the project and permit application to the competent municipality, obtaining from it the authorisation needed to start work. If the intervention takes place in a condominium flat, authorisation from the municipality will be needed before that from the condominium.
Replacement of windows and doors is routine maintenance if:

• the shape, size and type of window and its sashes are different from the previous window;
• the new window is made of a different material than the previous one;
• the old window is transformed into a French window;
• the new window is assisted by an alarm system or an armour-plating system;
• a window is made in a specially created gap in the wall (i.e., where there was no window before);
• the house where the window is replaced is subject to historical or landscape restrictions;

How windows and doors are replaced

Replacing windows and doors is a very sensible operation to carry out as part of home renovations. Even if it is not, it should not be feared because it does not require major masonry work or other overly invasive interventions.
The first thing to do is to rely on experienced manufacturers and dealers who not only know how to recommend the most suitable windows and doors for your needs, but can also guarantee impeccable installation and the best after-sales service. Installation, in particular, is very important: if underestimated, it could cause considerable problems and nullify all the performance qualities of the chosen window and door.
The right installer is the one who:

• takes care of preparing the environment for the intervention, protecting walls, floors and furniture in total respect of the house;
• dismantle the old windows and immediately install new ones, so that the house is not left without windows for longer than necessary;
• deals with the disposal of old windows and doors and all their components.

Aluminium windows and doors: the best choice

In the context of replacing old windows with modern, state-of-the-art frames, thermal break aluminium frames are the ideal solution because they can meet any need. They are in fact windows and doors that are resistant to any weather or temperature change, do not corrode or discolour, are extremely easy to clean and require only minimal maintenance; they are 100% recyclable and difficult to break into. They provide adequate thermic and acoustic insulation in all conditions, and are offered in an almost infinite range of colours and finishing for maximum customisation.
METRA Building aluminium windows and doors have all these features and, together with the right glass and the most impeccable installation, are the ideal solution for every case and every need. They can be chosen in different colours, different finishes, combined with different handles and accessories, and with the most varied casement or sliding opening mechanisms. Finally, all METRA Building aluminium windows and doors can easily be integrated into the home automation system.