Windows are one of those things you don't think about until they start causing problems. And then you wonder: are these just getting old, or is there actually something wrong?
Here's a straightforward guide to window lifespans and the signs that tell you it's time to act.
How Long Do Windows Typically Last?
The short answer: a long time, if they're good quality and well-maintained. Here's a rough guide by material:
- Aluminium windows — 30 to 40+ years. Aluminium is highly durable and doesn't rot or corrode in normal residential conditions. The hardware (hinges, locks, weather seals) often gives out before the frame does.
- uPVC windows — 30 to 40 years. Modern uPVC is UV-stabilised and designed for long service life. Like aluminium, the seals and hardware tend to be the first things to wear.
- Timber windows — 20 to 50+ years, depending heavily on maintenance. Well-maintained timber windows can outlast any other material. Neglected ones can deteriorate in a decade. The range is wide because maintenance makes all the difference.
These are generalised ranges — the actual lifespan of your windows depends on the quality of the original product, the installation, your local conditions, and how well they've been looked after.
Signs Your Windows May Need Replacing
Age alone isn't always the trigger. Here are the signs worth paying attention to:
Draughts and air leakage
If you can feel cold air coming through around a closed window, the seals have failed or the frame has warped or shrunk away from the opening. Some draughts can be addressed with re-sealing; persistent ones usually mean the window itself needs replacing.
Condensation between the panes
In double-glazed windows, moisture trapped between the two panes of glass means the sealed unit has failed. The glass fogs up and won't clear — and the thermal performance drops significantly. The sealed unit (or the whole window) needs replacing.
Difficulty opening, closing or locking
Windows that stick, jam or won't latch properly are a security risk as well as a nuisance. Sometimes this is a hardware issue that can be fixed without replacing the window. Other times — especially with timber — it points to swelling, warping or structural movement that needs more significant attention.
Visible rot, rust or corrosion
Soft or discoloured timber, rust on steel components, or white corrosion on aluminium frames are all signs of material degradation. Minor surface issues can sometimes be addressed; deeper rot or structural corrosion means it's time to replace.
Rising energy bills
Windows are one of the biggest sources of heat loss and heat gain in Australian homes. If your heating and cooling costs have crept up, your windows may be contributing — especially if they're single-glazed and older.
Repair or Replace?
Not every problem calls for full replacement. Here's a rough guide:
- Hardware issues (hinges, handles, locks) — usually repairable without touching the frame
- Failed double-glazed units — the sealed unit can often be replaced without replacing the frame
- Minor timber maintenance (repainting, re-sealing) — worth doing to extend life
- Significant rot, major warping, structural corrosion — replacement is the better long-term answer
- Single-glazed windows that are simply old and draughty — worth considering full replacement for the energy and comfort gains
The Cost of Waiting
One thing worth knowing: windows that are failing don't just cause discomfort. Water ingress from poorly sealed windows can damage reveals, walls and even structural timbers over time. The repair bill from ignoring a failing window can end up significantly larger than the window replacement itself.
Not Sure Where Your Windows Stand?
Book an inspection and we'll come out, take an honest look and give you a straight assessment — what's worth repairing, what's worth replacing, and what can wait.