How Long Different Window Varieties Endure For
- UPVC windows:
20-30 years (possibly up to 35 years) when sufficiently installed and properly preserved. - Aluminium windows:
30-45 years and capable of withstanding warping, swelling or cracking. - Timber windows:
30-40 years (with effective maintenance, their life can be prolonged to around 60 years.)
Learning how long windows are meant to last is priceless information, as it will help you understand its influence on thermal efficiency, fuel charges and damp and mould. When windows start to attract draughts or gain moisture, it can lead to an uplift in energy bills and incite unwanted condensation and dampness. It can also have a negative effect on a home’s resale value.
UPVC windows, aluminium windows and timber windows have varying average lifespans. Being alert to signs of ageing may help you avoid paying out for expensive repairs or replacement designs.
What Is The Normal Duration Of Windows?
The latest double glazed windows have a lifespan of about 20-25 years, but this estimation may differ between solutions. A window’s longevity and performance is very much driven by the choice of frame material, installation quality, amount of weatherproofing offered, product excellence and upkeep.
Contrary to expectations, traditional single-glazed windows, mainly timber-framed ones, can last for much longer than you’d expect, if cared for. But on the downside, they fall short of competing with contemporary double-glazed windows for energy efficiency, insulation and damp-resistance. Thus, purchasing double glazing is a more practical choice, especially from a financial perspective.
What Can Impact Window Longevity?
There are a few factors to advise you of that could reduce window lifespan and performance:
- Weather conditions
Refraining from carrying out maintenance increases the possibility of timber and low-quality UPVC windows suffering wear and tear, brought on by snow, rain, sleet etc. - UV exposure
Low standard, south-facing UPVC and timber windows are susceptible to becoming faded, warping, brittle and suffering seal degradation when regularly exposed to the sun. - Coastal locations
To withstand coastal conditions and the salt in the air they’re synonymous for, a high-grade material and window preservation is imperative, as without them, components, frame and seals can corrode. - Material quality
Types of window frames greatly vary between UPVC, aluminium and timber windows. Those most likely to endure are windows with superior coatings, formidable profiles and the finest glazing. - Workmanship and installation
Ill-fitted, badly made windows tend to cause draughtiness, suffer moisture ingress and their sealing can quickly fail, curtailing how long they’re intended to last. - Grade of hardware and components
So that there’s no premature failure of handles, hinges etc. robust, corrosion-resistant window hardware is essential and will endure longest. - Upkeep and care
To give a window the best chance of lasting, you need to commit to aftercare. This must involve sufficient cleaning, repainting and sealing (specific to timber windows), lubrication of moving parts and monitoring of seal condition.
How Long Are Double Glazed Windows Meant To Last?
Usually, 15-20 years is the span of time it takes for the thermal performance of the insulated glass units (IGUs) in double or triple glazed windows to reduce. 20 years is very achievable with high specification A-rated units that are well sealed and have an argon or krypton gas filling, but they must be professionally installed and weather-friendly.
Indicators that an IGU is beginning to fail including the development of misting or fogging in between the glass panes, brought on by the perimeter seal breaking down, which causes moisture to find its way into the space that separates the glass layers. Condensation is something else to watch out for and indicates that moisture has replaced escaped insulating gas. Heat loss and diminished insulation can also be incited by damaged or failed perimeter seals.
If you detect draughts near the glazing edge, it suggests gaps have emerged or a seal failure.
As soon as issues such as these crop up, it indicates lowered unit performance, despite the frame construction possibly still being fine.
What Can Affect The Lifespan Of Double Glazing?
How long do windows last can be impacted by the following things:
- Bad Installation
If not fitted to the necessary standard, you can be left with incorrectly levelled sealed or fixed windows, possibly spawning water ingress and accelerated seal or frame failure. - Insufficient Spacer Bars
A spacer bar’s role is to act as a separation point between the glass facets. Unless up to standard, they have a habit of corroding or conducting heat easily, which may spur condensation and decrease insulation. - Thermal Pumping
This term is used in reference to when the glass and frame contract and expand because of recurring heating and cooling cycles. It puts stress on window seals, prompts insulating gas leakage and ensuing sealing failure. - Sealant Deterioration
A perimeter sealant is what holds glass panes together and preserves the insulating gas. It is susceptible to degradation when exposed to UV, temperature extremes and chemical breakdown, provoking issues like misting, condensation and depleted thermal efficiency. - Pressure Shifts
Wild changes in atmospheric pressure can also put stress on IGU seals, especially those in windows situated in high-rise buildings or where the weather can massively fluctuate. This may impair seals and entice weather ingress. Windows residing in south-facing elevations are most at threat of failing due to being fully exposed to direct sunlight.
How Long Are UPVC Windows Meant To Last?
The modern UPVC window can last for 20-35 years and sometimes longer.
Old UPVC often discolours and yellows very easily, but modern UPVC is formulated to resist discolouration and remain looking new. An added benefit of it is the enhanced UV stability it has, repelling cracking and brittleness, and it’s comfortably more energy efficient.
Largely, modern UPVC doesn’t need much attention, with the odd bit of cleaning, entailing a wiping of the frames with a soft cloth and mild detergent, being enough to erase dirt and grime. You need to keep the moving parts lubricated too, but repainting or staining isn’t required.
Any mechanical failure with UPVC windows is more likely to be averted if they incorporate high-quality hardware. Much of their strength originates from the steel reinforcement within the UPVC frame, reducing the probability of any warping or distortion occurring because of load or temperature changes.
How Long Are Aluminium Windows Meant To Last?
30-45 years is the average life of modern thermally broken aluminium windows, so it has impressive longevity. The thermal break it possesses, located between the internal and external aluminium profiles, helps to prevent heat loss, condensation and frame distortion.
Colour application on aluminium frames involves a powder-coating process, inducing a vibrant finish that won’t fade, peel or weather.
Aluminium commands minimal upkeep: just give the frames an occasional clean and lubricate the window hardware once in a while.
How Long Are Wooden Windows Meant To Last?
Premium timber can surpass the lifespan of UPVC and aluminium (roughly 30 years, but 50-60 years isn’t unfeasible) if it’s treated well and maintained.
Softwood windows are the least expensive timber variety and prone to being dense and absorbent, which is why they often swell or rot upon absorbing moisture. They can survive for 25-35 years when protected.
Oak, mahogany and teak-crafted windows (otherwise known as hardwood windows) are more dense, extra durable and more moisture-repellent. With correct treatment, a lifespan of 50-60+ years is manageable.
An absence of repainting, re-staining and re-treating is an invitation for rotting, swelling and rotting to occur. They need such surface protection to fend off moisture, UV damage and pest infiltration.
Which Frame Type Lasts Longest?
We refer you to the below table for the answer and some other useful information…
Feature
UPVC
Aluminium
Timber
Typical lifespan
UPVC 20-35 years
Aluminium 30-45 years
Timber 30-60 years
Durability
UPVC Good
Aluminium Excellent
Timber Very good but only if maintained
Maintenance
UPVC Extremely low
Aluminium Extremely low
Timber High
Thermal quality
UPVC Very good
Aluminium Good to very good
Timber Excellent
Design options
UPVC Fairly limited
Aluminium Very broad
Timber Generally broad
Cost
UPVC Usually, the lowest priced
Aluminium Usually, the highest priced
Timber Mid-range
A window’s longevity can be determined by the climate it’s in and how expertly it’s built. Thus, a quality UPVC window in a favourable climate has a good chance of outlasting an aluminium or timber window that’s in harsh conditions.
When Do Windows Need Replacing?
Replacement windows are called for in scenarios when condensation appears within a double-glazed or triple-glazed window unit, draughts and air leaks become apparent, window operation proves difficult, mould or damp forms, seals get damaged or heating bills increase in price.
Strive for the best possible installation so that you’re not left having to buy new windows sooner than you should.
Here’s a round-up of instances when difficulties may emerge:
- Frames that aren’t square or level
- Window edges lack proper sealing or insulation
- Loose fixings
- Gaps behind trims or cills
Tips On Extending A Window’s Life
It’s all to do with maintenance and these are the kind of steps you can take to extend window performance:
- Wipe frames and glass: Curtail staining and avoid seals getting worn with the removal of dirt and debris about every 2-3 months.
- Lubricate moving parts: Use a light silicone spray or specialist lubricant every 6-12 months to lubricate hinges, locks etc.
- Check seals and gaskets: Give them a looking over every 6-12 months in case of any cracks or gaps.
- Examine trickle vents and drainage channels: Every 6 months, check that leaves, dirt or insects aren’t blocking them so that water drainage isn’t affected.
- Watch out for moisture or mould: Do this every 6-12 months, as either can cause structural issues or a glazing failure.
- Regular window operation: Opening and closing your windows on a frequent basis will see that the mechanisms continue working smoothly.
Now that Bon Accord Glass has brought you up-to-speed with how often do windows need to be replaced, maybe dive into our article about is a lower u value better next?
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Our friendly team will be pleased to help with any questions you may have.