1. Drafts and air leaks
If you feel a draft near a closed window or door, that is the clearest sign it is no longer doing its job. Weatherstripping deteriorates over time and frames can warp, opening gaps through which cold air gets in.
The impact: according to Hydro-Québec, air leaks and ventilation account for about 25 % of a home's heat loss.
2. Condensation between the panes
Fog or water droplets between the two panes of a double-glazed window mean the hermetic seal is broken. The insulating gas has escaped and the window has lost much of its insulating capacity.
The impact: a window with a broken seal loses a good part of its insulating power. Trapped moisture can also cause mould on the frames.
3. Hard to open or close
A window or door that sticks, squeaks or takes real effort points to a structural problem: a warped frame, a worn mechanism or tired hardware.
The impact: beyond the daily nuisance, a window that is hard to operate becomes a risk in an emergency — it may not open to allow an evacuation.
4. Energy bills climbing
If your heating and cooling bills rise with no explanation — no rate increase, no change in habits — your doors and windows may be the cause.
The impact: according to Hydro-Québec, ENERGY STAR® certified windows can cut heating costs by up to 10 %; according to Natural Resources Canada, they are about 20 % more energy efficient than the average window.
5. Visible deterioration
Peeling paint, rotting wood, mould, rust on metal frames, marked uPVC discoloration: all are signs a replacement is due. Beyond looks, that deterioration compromises the insulation and the structural integrity of the opening.
The impact: a deteriorated frame lets water into the walls, and that damage costs far more to repair than the window itself.
What to look for in a replacement
- For windows: 100 % pure, non-recycled uPVC with welded frames of at least 5 5/8 in. A sealed unit of at least 1 1/4 in. double-pane, low-conductivity spacers such as Swisspacer, and Low-E built into the glass.
- For doors: 22-gauge steel, thicker than the standard 24 or 26, triple magnetic compression weatherstripping, and R16 urethane injection.
- For the warranty: beware of degressive warranties. The best manufacturers offer a 20-year warranty with no depreciation, transferable to the next owner.
A planned replacement costs less than an emergency repair, and it saves on energy bills from day one.
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