How Long Does Double Glazing Last?

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The lifespan of your double glazing will depend on a number of factors. Some double glazing might get around 50 years of use, whereas others may not last even half that. Because of the variation, it’s important to recognise when your double-glazed windows are starting to fail so that you can replace them.

In this article, we explore the factors that will affect how long your double glazing will last and explain how you can tell when your double glazing is failing.

double glazing window with a nice landscape view

So how long will my double glazing last?

The technology in modern double glazing has come a long way. Advancements in thermal performance and other elements have significantly improved resilience and increased the lifespan. As a result, double-glazed windows typically last around 20 years, though this may increase or decrease depending on the following variables:

Location

Are your windows sheltered or exposed? Double glazing exposed to heavy windows and torrential rain will wear over time more quickly than if it were sheltered. If you live in a coastal area, the acidic saltwater may also degrade your windows more quickly.

Manufacturing quality

Not all double glazing is created equal. Make sure you purchase your double glazing from a reputable manufacturer.

Installation quality

Your windows should be sealed perfectly in the opening without any gaps. Poorly fitted windows will allow water to seep through, causing damp, rust and mould problems.

How can I tell if my double glazing is failing?

Be on the lookout for any signs that your double glazing is reaching its end.

There is condensation between the panes of glass

Condensation will occur when the seal between the two panes of glass has failed. When your double glazing is no longer sealed, the inert gas that sits between the two panes will seep out and get replaced with moist air. In addition to causing condensation, a failed seal will render the double glazing virtually useless, as it will lose the ability to retain heat and block out sound.

There is a draught coming from the windows

This is another symptom of a failed window seal. A new draught coming from your windows would indicate that the window is no longer sealed.

There is significant damage to the windows

While all things will show general wear and tear over time, significant areas of rot or large cracks will indicate that your windows are coming to the end of their lifespan. It’s important you replace these windows sooner rather than later to prevent mould from forming.

Your furniture is fading

Double-glazed windows are equipped with UV-protection. If the double glazing starts to fail, your furniture will be exposed to UV and may begin fading as a result. Faded furniture can lose its appeal and value. If you notice your furniture starting to fade, we recommend replacing your double glazing as soon as possible.

The window is struggling to open or close

Moisture that has seeped in from a broken seal may start to rust the components of the window. This may make the window more difficult to open or close.

Should I replace my double glazing?

If you notice any signs that your double glazing is failing, you should seek to replace it as soon as you can. The longer you leave it, the worse it will become. As more moisture finds its way into your home, you may find that mould begins to spawn. This can have serious repercussions for your health.

Your best course of action is to purchase new double glazing from a reputable supplier. At Bridgewater Glass, we’ve been supplying and installing glass for over 75 years. As double glazing specialists, we tailor our products to your needs. So whether you need double-glazed windows or double-glazed doors, we can provide the design and installation that’s perfect for your home.

Contact our team today for your free quote.

4.8 rating based on

16 reviews

Excellent

Dominic Todd

Bridgewater we’re recommended by a friend after we had been let down last minute by one of the larger so-called reputable companies! BWG were friendly from the outset with no pushy sales pitch, just s... Bridgewater we’re recommended by a friend after we had been let down last minute by one of the larger so-called reputable companies! BWG were friendly from the outset with no pushy sales pitch, just straightforward and a good competitive price. The surveyor and follow up visits were exactly when we wanted them and we even chose the day of the installation. We have pebble dash so there was inevitable damage at the installation stage which was beautifully and professionally restored before they left. The installers were friendly, knowledgeable and thorough and followed each window install with a clean-up. It was honestly like they had never been there (apart from the lovely windows!). Needless to say we would definitely use them again and would highly recommend and we will use in the future. Other companies had told us that we needed scaffolding and that we would need to remove our shutters before the install. BWG did everything without any of that and the shutters weren’t damaged in any way. Lots of companies out there trying to take advantage of people - this company isn’t one of them! Highly recommended. Sincere thanks.

9 months ago

Anonymous

Very happy with their work and done at a reasonable price. We had two broken panes of glass in our bedroom wardrobe suites, one, plain bevelled glass, the other dark tinted. Took a bit of time for th... Very happy with their work and done at a reasonable price. We had two broken panes of glass in our bedroom wardrobe suites, one, plain bevelled glass, the other dark tinted. Took a bit of time for them to get hold of the tinted glass, but they repaired both mirrors and now installed back in the bedrooms. they match the remaining mirrors in the suites perfectly. So pleased we used them and a definite 5 out of 5 from us.

Paul R.

Had a visit yesterday to resolve an issue with our back door. Problem now fixed ! As usual a very prompt and efficient service. The 2 men were friendly and very courteous.... Had a visit yesterday to resolve an issue with our back door. Problem now fixed ! As usual a very prompt and efficient service. The 2 men were friendly and very courteous.

1 year ago

Mark

Had been having difficulty getting repair to our bay window double glazed units. Three of four top sections with coloured and leaded inserts had cracked or shattered over the years. Walked round the c... Had been having difficulty getting repair to our bay window double glazed units. Three of four top sections with coloured and leaded inserts had cracked or shattered over the years. Walked round the corner to Bridgewater's shop and bingo! Job arranged quickly, one window used to match the pattern and a few weeks later we have fine replacements. No mess, great friendly customer service and fair price. Many thanks.

2 years ago

Cindy

Bridgewater glass were absolutely fantastic fast socialable, helpful and a decent price, amazing service thanks guys...

Mr & Mrs S

We had a new composite front door supplied & installed by BW glass. Excellent choice of styles & colours and helpful advice. Their installer took away our old door, tidied up all the rendering & frame... We had a new composite front door supplied & installed by BW glass. Excellent choice of styles & colours and helpful advice. Their installer took away our old door, tidied up all the rendering & framework around the new door once installed. Very clean and professional- great service.

After the glass shattered in our skylight, some other local firms wouldn't even look at it. Bridgewater, however, sent someone out very quickly to measure up and the replacement unit was installed yes... After the glass shattered in our skylight, some other local firms wouldn't even look at it. Bridgewater, however, sent someone out very quickly to measure up and the replacement unit was installed yesterday. Lewis and Ben were prompt, pleasant, efficient and tidy. Very happy to recommend a local business!

Harvey Road, Croxley Green

Had two windows that weren't shutting properly such that it was practically blowing a gale through each one. Jamie identified the problem with the hinges and organised a visit. Fitters were very effi... Had two windows that weren't shutting properly such that it was practically blowing a gale through each one. Jamie identified the problem with the hinges and organised a visit. Fitters were very efficient and had it all all sorted in 25 minutes. Thanks guys.

3 years ago

James Fitzgerald

Chap called Liam helped me a source a window restrictor which was Needed to complete a job before Christmas ...

4 years ago

Alan

Have I gone back in time where honest friendly customer service used to be standard? These guys did a tiny job for me and were all of the above. Thank you!... Have I gone back in time where honest friendly customer service used to be standard? These guys did a tiny job for me and were all of the above. Thank you!