When is it best to replace windows

[volks]

Hello! Recently bought a property with older double glazing, think it's marked 88 as year of manufacture. It's obviously old so won't be that efficient, but despite this the bungalow keeps its heat fairly well and i shut some heavier curtains overnight.

No blown panels, but the window frames look worn and there is some notable noise from outside at times.

I will probably end up replacing them but wanted to check if there is any other way to tell if it's worth an upgrade? I've ordered a basic laser thermometer to check any heat loss (not paying for an infrared camera just yet!) But wondered if there is any other easy "tell" that an upgrade would be worth it?

 

[Koolpc]

If they are doing their job then i would leave them be for now.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Yep, agree.

 

[Notch7]

if its upvc in good condition, provided it is at least 24mm thick double glazing you could replace the glass for the latest spec soft coat / low e / warm edge spacer bar

if you get condensation its worth doing for that alone

 

[Odds]

Drop a feather down the window. It worked for Ted Moult.

 

[volks]

Thanks all. Will check with a feature and temp guage then weigh it up. Feels fairly warm with curtains shut so yeah, might hold off for a few more years.

 

[conny]

Drop a feather down the window. It worked for Ted Moult.

Showing your age with that name!

 

[Odds]

Showing your age with that name!

I know...but i figure a feather is easier and cheaper than hiring a helicopter to land outside yer 'ouse.

 

[volks]

Follow up questions, how do you easily measure glass thickness? Hard to tell given the frame but I think it's thinner than 24mm.

Temperature guage doesn't show too much heat loss between the surrounding wall and glass pane when heating is off, only a few degrees. Few cold spots around edges so may put a bead of sealant to stop drafts.

 

[ronniecabers]

without removing one or using a gauge ( or experience ) you can't accurately. If its existing upvc , then it will be one of three , 20mm , 24mm or 28mm overall, but then depends if you have 6mm or laminate glass anywhere as that will then alter the spacer bar size too

 

[volks]

without removing one or using a gauge ( or experience ) you can't accurately. If its existing upvc , then it will be one of three , 20mm , 24mm or 28mm overall, but then depends if you have 6mm or laminate glass anywhere as that will then alter the spacer bar size too

Fair do, thanks for the reply!

 

[ronniecabers]

Post a pic up of the spacer bar and I'll see if I can tell

 

[volks]

These are the worst ones. Thanks so much for helping out!

 

[ronniecabers]

That looks like a 20mm spacer bar to me ( old sigma bar at that ) , so a 28mm unit.

Let me tag @crank39 , see if he agrees ( might take him a while to answer though)

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Follow up questions, how do you easily measure glass thickness? Hard to tell given the frame but I think it's thinner than 24mm.