Windows have a limited lifespan, this lifespan depends on the material from which these windows are made. For plastic or metal windows, their lifespan is between 30 and 50 years, whereas for wooden windows, the lifespan is between 20 and 40 years. That will also depend on their maintenance.To get an idea of the age of your windows, you can apply this test by lighting a candle and bringing it closer to your window.
- If you observe 3 flames, it means your window is triple-glazed with a maximum lifespan of 15 years, so it’s still in good condition.
- If you observe 2 flames, it means your window is double-glazed, with a lifespan between 15 and 30 years. You can keep the frame and replace the glass.
- If you observe only one flame, your window is single-glazed with a lifespan between 30 and 50 years. In that case, you can replace the glass while keeping the frame.
The reasons for renovating or replacing your windows
There are always compelling reasons that push a homeowner or apartment owner to change or renovate their windows.
The reasons for window renovation
When repairing a window, it’s better to call a professional repairer. For example, to replace handles, change the hinge, or replace the hardware and seals. If it’s a major damage, replacing the window is wiser than renovating it. If it’s about old windows, you may no longer find replacement parts like hinges or hardware.
Reasons for window replacement
Several reasons contribute to the replacement of your windows besides energy efficiency, namely:
Ensuring better insulation:
Replacing your old windows allows you to save energy and thus reduce your heating and cooling bills. Indeed, good insulation makes your home much less energy-intensive, considering that heating is the highest expense for a house. Replacing your carpentry can save you up to 30% on your electricity bills.
Peace and quiet :
If your house is located near a road, an airport, or a train station, you will experience a lot of noise. To protect yourself from noise nuisances, you should consider changing your joinery (windows, French doors, and sliding glass doors).
Having more security :
Choosing openings with a locking system can act as a deterrent against burglary.
For more brightness :
To have more brightness, you should consider creating new openings or modifying existing ones to make them wider and contribute to the lighting of the interior of your house. For example, changing the front door to a French door or a sliding glass door, replacing your old windows with aluminum or PVC windows, enlarging the surfaces of the glazed openings for more brightness.
To have a more modernized appearance :
If you’re considering modernizing your home, you can change your windows, gate, front door, or even your shutters with modern materials like aluminum or PVC. You will have a range of colors to choose from.
Less maintenance and more comfort :
Unlike wood, which requires regular maintenance and special care to avoid thermal and acoustic reductions and to protect it against weather and insects, aluminum and PVC are materials that require less maintenance and provide comfort for your home.
The valorization of your property
If you’re considering putting your house up for sale, replace your old windows and doors with materials that provide better energy and sound performance. This change will add value to your property.
Grants for new windows
Renovation work will allow you to benefit from several financial aids and tax credits. For more information, you can consult the official website for grant programs at www.leprogrammebatiments.ch
