Winter has arrived, and with it comes the biggest test of your home, as weaknesses in your roof and window frames can lead to unpleasant chills throughout the coldest, darkest nights of the year.
It is a point where draught-proofing and insulation take priority as active measures to keep your home warm in the winter, but it is also essential to take care of any issues with your home as soon as possible.
If there is a problem with your windows, for example, it often pays to get in touch with an expert fitting service to fix it as soon as possible in order to avoid discomfort and save money rather than waiting for spring.
With that in mind, here is how window replacement works during the winter, when you should replace them entirely, and what to do if there are any complications.
When Is It Time To Replace Your Windows?
Some signs that your windows need replacing are more obvious than others. If you have a broken window pane or if they do not open or close properly, it is more evident that it needs to be repaired or replaced quickly.
However, there are other signs that you may need to replace your windows even when they look intact, in favour of energy-saving alternatives.
Draughty Rooms
If you walk into a room and it not only feels especially cold but you can trace a chilly wind coming from outside, this means there is a problem with the window seal that is allowing cold air into the room.
If it is particularly difficult to keep the room warm or it is particularly cold, the frosty wind bleeding into the room through your window could be the culprit.
Increased Heating Bills
This is not always noticeable until after winter, but windows that let warm air out often cause greater strains on your heating system, greater energy use and higher bills overall.
This also means that it can take longer for radiators to heat up a room completely, it can use up more energy, and it can lead to pockets of cold air near your windows.
Replacing your windows can provide immediate benefits in terms of the latter, but also save money in the long run.
Condensation
Winter brings with it considerably more rainfall than other seasons, which can increase condensation. Whilst not a problem by itself, too much condensation can cause damp, particularly if it appears around windows.
As with other issues, this is typically the result of an issue with the seal around a window degrading over time. At some point, the window is beyond repair, and the entire frame will need replacing.
More Noise From Outside
One of the biggest advantages of double and triple glazing is reduced external noise, something that is essential if you live near a busy road or close to a retail or entertainment district.
If you are noticing a lot more noise than usual, then replacing the windows may be a necessity in order to make your home more peaceful at night.
When Should You Replace Your Windows In Winter?
- Increased draughts and wind chill.
- Higher heating bills.
- Condensation.
- Noise from outside.