Whether you’ve just purchased a new property or you’ve lived in your house for many years now, many homeowners eventually find themselves asking the same question: “Should I replace my windows and doors?”. These features are such an important part of your home, but they’re also a significant investment. So, it can be hard to decide whether a repair will do or if a full replacement is a better choice.
Knowing the signs that it’s time to replace your windows and doors can help make the decision much easier. Below, we have listed five of the most common indications that it might be time to consider upgrading your windows and doors.
1. Rising Energy Bills
If you have noticed that your energy bills are getting higher year after year, there’s a chance that your windows and doors aren’t performing as well as they should be. Older designs, particularly those with single glazing or worn seals, allow heat to escape, and you will need to turn your heating on more regularly, which can quickly add up.
A simple test is to stand next to your windows or doors on a cold day. If there is a noticeable drop in temperature or you feel a draught despite them being closed, it’s likely that they’re not doing their job properly. Modern energy-efficient frames with double or triple glazing can make a big difference, dramatically reducing heat loss and creating a more comfortable environment.
2. Draughts and Cold Spots
Even if your bills aren’t noticeably higher, draughts and cold spots are a clear sign that your windows and doors aren’t sealed properly. This often happens when weatherstripping has failed or frames warp over time. Not only can cold draughts make rooms uncomfortable, but they can also result in you turning up your central heating.
It’s common for older properties to have issues with draughts, and it’s often due to the original timber frames that have cracked or rotted over the years. If you find yourself buying new curtains to block breezes or closing off certain rooms in the winter, it’s a good indication that you would benefit from new, high-quality windows and doors.
3. Difficulty Opening, Closing or Locking
Your windows and doors should be easy to open and close, and the locking mechanism should work as intended. If you have been struggling with sticking windows, they’re not staying open as they should, or the locks feel stiff, it can be really inconvenient.
Over time, the mechanisms in your windows and doors might wear out, and this can compromise the safety of your home. In the event of an emergency, not being able to escape through these openings can put your family at risk too. While repairs can help in the short term, if you’ve got repeated issues, then it’s a sign that a full replacement will be more practical and offer better value in the long run.
4. Visible Damage
Sometimes the need for replacements is obvious. Rotting timber, warped uPVC framed, cracked or broken glass, and condensation trapped between double-glazed panes are all indicators that your current units are no longer fit for purpose. As well as impacting the aesthetics of your home, damage like this can reduce performance, making your home less energy-efficient and potentially less secure too.
It can be easy to overlook things like condensation, in particular. However, it can easily lead to further problems with damp and mould, or even structural damage around the frames.
5. Outdated Style
Even if your current windows and doors are still functional, they might look out of place in your home. Once popular designs can go out of style, and if you’ve renovated your property, your windows and doors might stand out for all of the wrong reasons.
For many homeowners, improving aesthetics is one of the main reasons for upgrading, especially if they are planning to sell. Modern uPVC and aluminium frames are available in a wide range of colours and finishes, and glazing can also be customised with patterns or decorative features to complement the overall look of your home.
How to Decide if a Replacement Is the Right Choice?
As mentioned above, replacing your windows and doors is a significant investment, so it’s worth making sure that the timing is right. Ask yourself these questions:
- Have you noticed draughts or condensation?
- Is there obvious wear and tear, or problems with opening and closing?
- Are your heating costs higher than they usually are?
- Do your windows and doors feel secure?
- Does the style suit the look and feel of your home?
If you’ve answered yes to any of these questions, it’s worth exploring the option of upgrading your windows and doors. Modern designs offer improved energy efficiency, security and style that can completely transform your home.
Replacing your Windows and Doors in Lincolnshire
All in all, your windows and doors play a huge role in the comfort, safety and appearance of your home. By looking out for these signs, you can make an informed decision about when it’s time to upgrade. Replacements may seem like a big step, but they often provide long-term value, as well as peace of mind and a revitalised look.
If you’re looking for a reliable company in Lincolnshire for windows and doors, contact our team at The Best Windows & Doors Company today. We offer a wide range of products and services, assisting with the supply and installation of energy-efficient, made-to-measure windows and doors.
We pride ourselves on the quality of our products as well as our excellent service, and you will be in good hands when you turn to us for assistance with home improvements. From start to finish, our team is here to guide you through the process so you can feel confident that you’re making the right choice for your home.
