How Long Do Windows Last by Window Type?
- UPVC windows:
20-30 years (even up to 35 years) when excellently fitted and sufficiently maintained. - Aluminium windows:
30-45 years and they’re not prone to warping, swelling or cracking over that time. - Timber windows:
30-40 years (some are known to last for 60 years with effectual preservation).
After reading about how long windows are meant to last, you will understand the influence it has on thermal efficiency, heating bills and potential mould and damp. Once windows are culpable for draughts coming in and the attraction of moisture, it makes heating homes more costly and can signal the beginning of condensation and damp. Floundering window designs are also known to affect the valuation of properties.
UPVC windows, aluminium windows and timber windows have varied lifespans. Awareness of how they wear as they get older and identifying when they’re on the decline could help you avoid any expensive repairs and needing to prematurely buy new replacement windows in Scotland.
How Long Do Windows Endure For?
Modern double-glazed windows tend to last for about 20-25 years, but there can be anomalies depending on the design type. Longevity may also be determined by whether you select a UPVC, aluminium or timber material, installation quality, the amount of weatherproofing offered, product standard and maintenance.
To your likely surprise, traditional single-glazed windows, specifically those constructed from timber, can have a lengthy life if looked after. But the problem with them is that in comparison to contemporary double-glazed windows, they don’t provide anywhere close to the same level of energy efficiency and insulation, plus they’re poor at thwarting damp. Considering all that, double glazing would seem to be the most logical choice from a practicality and financial point of view.
What Can Impact Window Lifespan?
These are some of the things that could curtail a window’s life and affect its performance:
- Weather conditions
Refraining from carrying out maintenance can cause timber windows and low-quality UPVC windows to wear quickly when exposed to persistent rain, frost, temperature fluctuations and damp weather. - UV exposure
UPVC and timber windows of average quality installed at south-facing elevations struggle to resist fading, warping and seal degradation in the face of strong sunlight. - Coastal areas
Two things are essential for a window to cope with coastal conditions: a high-grade material and orderly upkeep if you want to stop the components from corroding. - Material quality
Standards vary between each UPVC, aluminium and timber window sold. The window styles that normally survive longest are those with excellent coatings, sturdy profiles and first-class glazing. - Artisanship and installation
Windows that are poorly made and poorly installed are bad for attracting draughts, moisture ingress and ending up with worn out seals. This can transpire even if manufactured using top-class materials. - Hardware and component class
In many instances, the first thing to fail are locks, handles and hinges. There’s less likelihood of that happening when robust, corrosion-resistant hardware is employed. - Upkeep and window care
Timely aftercare is an important cog in window performance longevity. Maintenance needs to entail regular cleaning, repainting and sealing (specific to timber windows), lubrication of moving parts and monitoring of seals.
How Long Do Double Glazed Windows Normally Last?
15-20 years is the length of time you can expect to get peak thermal performance out of insulated glass units (IGUs) in double and triple glazed windows. You may get longer than 20 years with high specification A-rated units that are well-sealed and contain an argon or krypton gas filling, but on the assumption they are professionally fitted and can withstand bad weather.
Several signs suggest the failure of an IGU. Amongst them is the appearance of misting or fogging between the glass panes, arising from a broken-down perimeter seal, which gives moisture a passage to invade the space separating the glass layers. Condensation is another signal and implies that the insulation gas has escaped and moisture has replaced it. Failed or damaged perimeter seals spark heat loss and minimise insulation. An emergence of draughts near the glazing edge also hints at a seal failure or the surfacing of gaps.
As soon as any of this becomes apparent, the unit performance has likely floundered, even though the structural composition of a window might be perfectly fine.
What Aspects Affect Double Glazing Lifecycles?
To expand your learning of how long do windows last, here are a few aspects that can shorten the life of double-glazed windows:
- Poor Installation
If not fitted to precision, sealed and fixed windows can be left incorrectly levelled, inviting water ingress and accelerating seal or frame failure. Accurate installation is imperative. - Inadequate spacer bars
A spacer bar’s function is to separate glass panes. Any flawed spacer bar is liable to corrode and conduct heat too easily, increasing the chance of condensation rearing and insulation dropping. - Thermal Pumping
This is the term used to describe when the glass and frame contracts and expands because of heating and cooling cycles. On doing so, it puts stress on window seals, triggers insulating gas leakage and eventually spawns sealing failure. - Sealant Degradation
The role of perimeter sealant is to hold together the glass panes and maintain the insulating gas. As it degrades, initiated by UV exposure, temperature extremes and chemical breakdown, misting, condensation and diminished thermal efficiency can manifest. - Pressure Changes
Violent changes in atmospheric pressure often put stress on IGU seals, commonly with windows sitting in openings at high-rise buildings or at homes situated where the weather wildly fluctuates. It may aggravate seal failure and induce weather ingress.
How Long Do UPVC Windows Normally Last?
20-35 years or more is the predicted lifespan of modern UPVC windows.
Old-style UPVC windows are bad for discolouring and yellowing, but up-to-date UPVC windows have a formulation that stops discolouration, meaning they stay looking as good as new. Additionally, modern UPVC has enhanced UV stability, preventing it from cracking or becoming brittle. Also, it’s miles ahead for energy efficiency.
You don’t need to commit much time to maintaining modern UPVC – an occasional wiping of the frames using a soft cloth and some mild detergent will normally get rid of any dirt and grime. Moving parts should be kept lubricated too and there’s no requirement to repaint or re-stain like you do with timber windows.
High-quality hardware is a must if you’re to avoid any mechanical failure with UPVC windows. As a UPVC frame is steel reinforced, it has significant structural integrity and reduces the possibility of warping, distortion etc. sparked by load or temperature changes.
How Long Do Aluminium Windows Normally Last?
A present-day thermally broken aluminium window has a survival rate of about 30-45 years. Its thermal break serves as an insulating barrier between the internal and external aluminium profiles for the prevention of heat loss, condensation and frame distortion.
A powder-coating procedure is followed to embed an aluminium finish, yielding a rich effect that is impervious to fading, peeling or weather damage.
It also won’t suffer any corrosion or rusting, as the aluminium forms a protective oxide layer, complementing a resilient coating, which is a handy touch if you want a material geared for a home in a coastal spot or with temperamental weather conditions.
There’s barely any maintenance with aluminium windows: just keep the frames clean and lubricate the hardware from time to time.
How Long Do Wooden Windows Normally Last?
Premium timber is capable of enduring for anywhere from 30 years to around 50-60 years, depending on how much attention you pay to it.
Softwood windows are the cheaper form of timber and offer less density and more absorbance, so will often swell or rot. They can last 25-35 years, but again, that relies on preservation.
Hardwood windows, namely those crafted using oak, mahogany or teak, possess greater density, greater durability and greater moisture-resistance, so their potential lifespan is 50-60+ years with continual maintenance.
Repainting, re-staining and re-treating every few years is crucial to stop rotting, warping or swelling coming to fruition. This protects against moisture, UV damage and pest infiltration.
Which Frame Type Lasts Longest?
Our table explains it all and signposts some other important points…
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
Make no mistake, the build quality of a window and the environment it’s exposed to will influence longevity. With that in mind, a well-crafted UPVC window in a decent climate could end up enduring longer than a poorly-crafted aluminium or timber window that’s situated somewhere in unfavourable conditions.
When Should Windows Be Replaced?
The showing up of condensation in a double or triple-glazed unit, manifestation of draughts and air leaks, problematic window operation, frame mould or damp, increasing energy bills etc. all signal that it’s time your windows were replaced.
You could end up needing window replacements much earlier than anticipated if they’re poorly fitted.
Here’s when problems can rear their head:
- Frames aren’t level or square
- Worn seals or low insulation around window edges
- Loose fixings
- Gaps behind trims or cills
To reiterate what we said earlier, without quality installation, even high-quality windows won’t do the job they’re supposed to.
Advice On Extending Window Lifespan
With effective maintenance you can often prolong the performance of windows. Follow these tips on doing it:
- Clean frames and glass: Every 2-3 months, clean away any dirt or debris to reduce staining and avoid coatings and seals becoming worn.
- Lubricate moving parts:To keep hinges and locks working smoothly, lubricate them every 6-12 months with a light silicone spray or specialist lubricant.
- Check seals and gaskets: Keep an eye out for any cracks and gaps forming in seals and gaskets every 6-12 months.
- Inspect drainage channels and trickle vents: To ensure water can drain, remove leaves, dirt or insects that may cause a blockage. Do this about every 6 months.
- Watch out for moisture or mould:Inspect the frames every 6-12 months in case of moisture or mould, as they can prompt structural damage or glazing failure.
- Regular opening:Open and close the windows regularly to stop any stiffness setting in.
If you found this article on how often do windows need to be replaced insightful, ERG would encourage you to read about what is a good u value for windows.
