What is the lifespan of uPVC windows?
Well-made uPVC windows typically last 25 to 30 years, and good frames can reach 35. The sealed glass units usually give up first, often somewhere between 15 and 25 years. Profile quality, installation and hardware decide the outcome more than age alone.
What shortens the life of uPVC windows?
- Thin-walled, low-grade profile that discolours or flexes
- Poor installation, such as frames that are not packed and fixed correctly
- Cheap hinges, handles and locking gear
- Failed edge seals on the glass units, which cause misting between the panes
- No cleaning or lubrication of the moving parts
Which parts usually fail first?
Hardware and glass seals wear out before the frame does. Hinges, handles and gaskets can be replaced, and a misted sealed unit can be swapped without replacing the whole window.
Does a guarantee tell you how long they will last?
A guarantee shows what the installer stands behind, not the true lifespan. Our uPVC windows are installed by a FENSA-registered team and covered by a GGFi guarantee. Lifespan still depends on exposure and upkeep, and North London’s polluted, weathered elevations benefit from an annual wash-down. Replacing a failed unit early is usually cheaper than replacing the frame, as long as the frame is still straight and sealing well.
Thinking about new windows? We supply and fit across Stamford Hill, Haringey, Enfield, Barnet, Ilford and the rest of North and East London, with a 10-year guarantee and FENSA-registered installation. Call 020 8800 1838 or request a quote.