Updated June 2026 · CW Doors & Windows
Top signs your windows need replacing
Windows give you plenty of warning before they fail. Here are the early signs to watch for so you can plan replacement on your terms — not in an emergency.
Visible signs
Misting, fogging or condensation trapped between the two panes.
Cracked, discoloured or yellowing uPVC (typically after 25+ years on south-facing elevations).
Visible rotting or soft spots on timber frames.
Gaps appearing between frame and brickwork.
Operational signs
Window won't close fully, or has to be slammed to engage the lock.
Persistent draughts even with the window closed and locked.
Handles loose, broken, or wobbly.
Hinges visibly sagging or rusting.
Energy bill signs
Heating bills rising despite no change in usage.
Cold spots near windows in winter.
External noise increasingly noticeable through the glass.
Internal condensation forming on the glass in heated rooms.
What we check on a survey
When we visit, we open every sash, look at the seals round each pane, check the hinges and friction stays, and look for misting between the glass. Misting means the sealed unit has failed, and that can sometimes be fixed with a new unit rather than a new frame.
If the frames are sound we will say so. If they are swollen, rotten or the locks no longer engage, replacement is usually the better spend. Replacement windows start from £450 fully fitted, and every survey is free and measured within 5 days.
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