You’re sitting in your living room on a cold Teesside evening. The heating’s on, but the room still feels chilly. There’s a faint breeze near the window and your latest energy bill is higher than ever. You start to wonder: should I repair these draughty windows, or is it time to replace them altogether?
You’re not alone. It’s a common question for many homeowners across Middlesbrough and the wider North East. Especially in older semi-detached homes built decades ago. Over time, even the best double glazing begins to show signs of wear – seals loosen, frames shift, and once-cosy spaces start to lose their warmth.
Knowing whether to repair or replace can feel confusing. This guide will help you understand why windows become draughty, how to spot the warning signs, and how to decide the best option for your home – with expert advice from Celestial Windows, your trusted local specialists.
Why Windows Become Draughty Over Time
Windows aren’t designed to last forever. Over years of exposure to changing weather, sunlight, and temperature, the materials naturally start to break down. Small gaps and seal failures appear, letting cold air creep in and warm air escape.
One of the main causes of draughty windows is seal failure. The rubber or silicone seals around the glass can dry out, crack, or loosen. When that happens, your window loses its airtight barrier, and cold air starts seeping through.
Frame warping is another common problem, especially in older homes around Middlesbrough and Teesside. Repeated cycles of heat and cold make uPVC, timber, and aluminium frames expand and contract. Over time, this movement can cause the frame to shift slightly, breaking the tight fit that once kept draughts out.
If your home still has older double glazing, the problem could be the glazing itself. Early double-glazed units often lose their insulating gas or allow moisture between the panes. This doesn’t just cause misting – it reduces thermal performance, allowing heat to escape more easily.
Sometimes, the issue begins right from installation. Poorly fitted windows can leave small gaps between the frame and the wall. These gaps might go unnoticed for years, but as the house settles, the problem gets worse.
Each of these issues reduces energy efficiency and comfort. Fortunately, with expert inspection, you can identify the cause and decide whether repair or replacement offers the best long-term fix.
Key Signs That Your Windows Are In Trouble
Before deciding whether to repair or replace, it helps to understand what’s really happening with your windows. Some problems are small and easy to fix. Others point to a much bigger issue.
Here are the most common signs your windows may be failing, and what each one means.
Cold Air Near the Frame
If you can feel a chill or faint breeze when you walk past your window, that’s a clear sign of air leakage. Run your hand along the edges. If you notice cold air, the seal or frame alignment may be compromised. This type of draught not only makes your room uncomfortable but also forces your heating to work harder.
Higher Energy Bills
A sudden increase in your energy bills often suggests that heat is escaping somewhere in your home. Draughty or poorly sealed windows allow warmth to leak out, especially during winter. Even small gaps can add up, increasing your household costs every month.
If your bills are rising but your usage hasn’t changed, your windows could be part of the problem.
Condensation Between Glass Panes
If condensation or misting forms inside the double glazing, it means the sealed unit has failed. The gas that once insulated your window has escaped, allowing moisture to enter. This reduces your window’s thermal performance and means the unit is no longer airtight.
You can’t repair this type of failure by wiping it away – it usually requires replacement of the sealed glass unit.
Difficulty Opening or Closing Windows
Stiff handles or windows that don’t close properly are more than just an annoyance. They can signal frame warping or hinge misalignment, both of which allow air to enter. Over time, this can cause further movement, leading to cracks or gaps that worsen the draught.
If you notice this problem, it’s best to have the hinges, locks, and seals checked before they fail completely.
Visible Damage or Rot
Cracked, peeling, or soft window frames are signs of water damage or rot. This is most common in older timber windows that have absorbed moisture over the years. Once the frame’s structure begins to break down, it becomes difficult to create a proper airtight seal again.
In some cases, minor repairs or re-sealing can help. But if the damage is extensive, replacing the unit may be the only lasting solution.
Take a few minutes to walk around your home and inspect each window. Note any draughts, condensation, or visible wear. The age and condition of your windows are key factors in deciding whether to repair or replace – and spotting the early signs can save you money before winter sets in.
Repair: When It Makes Sense
If your windows are generally in good condition, repairs can be a quick and affordable fix. Many draught problems start small – a loose seal, a stiff hinge, or a tiny gap around the frame. These issues don’t always mean you need to replace the entire window.
One of the most common repairable faults is failed or worn window seals. Over time, seals can shrink or crack, allowing air to leak in. Replacing these seals restores the tight, weatherproof fit and instantly improves warmth and comfort.
Another frequent problem is hinge or lock misalignment. When a window doesn’t close properly, even by a few millimetres, cold air can sneak in. Adjusting or realigning these fittings is a simple and inexpensive task that can stop draughts straight away.
In some homes, small gaps appear where the frame meets the wall. These can often be fixed by re-sealing or applying new weather-stripping, creating a proper airtight barrier once again.
Choosing to repair your windows offers several advantages:
- It’s less disruptive
- Costs far less than a full replacement
- Can extend the life of your existing double glazing for years.
Replace: When It’s the Better Investment
Sometimes, repairing draughty windows only delays the inevitable. If your windows are old, inefficient, or have been repaired several times before, replacement is often the smarter long-term choice.
Windows older than 20 to 25 years naturally lose their insulating power. The seals, hinges, and frames begin to deteriorate, and even the best repairs won’t restore their original efficiency. If you’re constantly battling draughts or noticing persistent mould and condensation, it’s a clear sign the window has reached the end of its lifespan.
Replacing outdated units brings far more than just cosmetic benefits. Modern double and triple glazing offers superior insulation with low U-values, keeping your home warmer for less. You’ll notice an immediate difference. No more cold spots, lower heating bills, and a quieter, more comfortable home.
New windows also require less maintenance. Today’s uPVC and aluminium frames resist warping, rot, and fading, saving time and upkeep costs. And if you’re considering a home refresh, replacement windows can instantly improve kerb appeal and increase property value.
At Celestial Windows, every new window is manufactured locally in Middlesbrough and designed for the unique climate of Teesside and the North East. Our A-rated energy-efficient glazing provides lasting protection against draughts, while our FENSA-certified installers ensure a perfect, weathertight fit every time.
Choosing to replace with Celestial means choosing quality, comfort, and peace of mind. We’ll guide you through every step – from your free quote to the final fitting – so you can enjoy a warmer, more energy-efficient home for years to come.
Cost Comparison: Repair vs Replacement
When deciding whether to repair or replace, cost often plays a big part. While repair is usually cheaper upfront, replacement offers greater long-term value – especially if your windows are older or repeatedly failing.
Typical UK Costs
According to leading UK home improvement sources such as Checkatrade and Which?, small window repairs like seal or weather-strip replacements typically cost between £60 and £120 per window.
If a double-glazed glass unit has blown or misted, replacing the unit (not the frame) usually ranges from £100 to £200, depending on size and style.
In contrast, full window replacement – including new frames and fittings – can cost between £400 and £800 per unit on average. Larger or bespoke designs may cost more, but these installations often come with energy-efficient glazing that reduces heating bills year after year.
The Value Beyond Cost
While repairs fix immediate problems, they may not address the root cause. Constantly resealing or repairing ageing windows can add up over time. Replacing them with modern, A-rated double or triple glazing delivers measurable benefits:
- Lower energy bills thanks to improved insulation.
- Increased property value due to modern, efficient fittings.
- Reduced maintenance and fewer future repairs.
- Enhanced comfort – no draughts, condensation, or cold spots.
How to Make the Right Choice for Your Home
Choosing between repair and replacement doesn’t have to be complicated. By assessing your windows step by step, you can make a confident, informed decision.
Your Simple Decision Checklist
- Check the age – If your windows are over 20 years old, replacement may be more cost-effective.
- Look for visible issues – Condensation, cold draughts, or soft frames signal deeper problems.
- Assess energy efficiency – High heating bills could mean your glazing isn’t performing properly.
- Compare costs – Get both repair and replacement quotes to understand value over time.
- Get a professional survey – A trusted installer can pinpoint whether repair or replacement is best.
At Celestial Windows, we make that decision simple. Our local experts provide free, no-obligation surveys to help you choose the right option for your home. Whether you need a small repair or a full window upgrade, we’ll offer clear advice and transparent pricing — with no pressure, ever.
Take the first step towards a warmer, more efficient home today. Book your free inspection with our Middlesbrough Windows team, and let’s make sure your windows are ready for the North East winter.
