How to Spot When Your Timber Windows Need Replacing

This article was published on April 18, 2025

It’s not always obvious to spot when your timber windows need replacing, but there are signs to look out for! Your windows are an integral part of your home, bringing kerb appeal, and performance, and it’s important to ensure that they’re taken care of and that any damage is addressed quickly.

When it comes to noticing the deterioration signs of your timber windows, there are many possible causes for concern to look out for. Depending on the level of damage to your window, depends on the best course of action. At times, it may be the case that you may need to repair or replace the timber frame, yet in other instances, you will have to replace your timber windows entirely!

Whether you’ve already noticed signs of decay, or you’re curious to inspect for any faults in your timber windows, we’re here to help! Keep reading to learn about how you can spot when your timber windows need replacing.

Signs Your Timber Windows Need Replacing

When timber windows become damaged, it’s important to act fast so that you can prevent any additional issues occurring, and you can quickly bring modern window performance back to your property. 

So what are the signs you should be looking out for?

Rotting of The Timber Frame

A major concern that must be actioned is if your timber frame has become rotted. If you’ve noticed that the wood feels squishy, or crumbly, this is a huge indicator that your frame has rotted. The severity of your rotting depends on your next steps – extensive rotting definitely requires replacing the whole window, while very small early set rotting may possibly be repaired – contact us today for a professional assessment. 

If you notice rotting, we would likely recommend you replace your window entirely, rather than just repairing the frame, as this will almost definitely mean your windows are overdue for a change.

High Energy Bills and Draughts

Have your energy bills unexpectedly soared? It might just be that your timber windows are no longer retaining the heat within your home, letting draughts in and increasing your reliance on central heating. An easy way to check this would be to stand near to your windows and simply look out for any cold breezes within the room.

While it may be possible to repair your timber frame, it is likely a better and more reliable solution to invest in modern timber windows, so that you can bring high thermal insulation to your property. At ERW, we craft the most energy efficient timber windows, elevating homes through outstanding heat retention qualities, and beautiful aesthetics – view our range here.

To learn more about energy efficiency, and its importance within homes, click here.

Condensation and Mould

Another important consideration to look out for is to spot any condensation and mould built up in your windows. This common issue is often caused by ineffective seals, or poor insulation, which will also result in substandard energy efficiency. 

If your condensed windows begin to grow mould, we would definitely recommend that your timber windows need replacing, as mould can be harmful to both you, and your timber window frames.

Gaps and Cracks

We’d also recommend that you look out for any gaps and cracks within your windows. If your windows are cracked, or damaged, this will allow for moisture to get into your windows, leading to condensation, as well as the draughts that would enter your home, again resulting in a lack of energy efficiency.

In the case of gaps and cracks, we’d recommend that you check around the frame to ensure that this has not occurred within your window. If you find that they are present, it is advised that you should get your windows repaired, or replaced as soon as possible.

Flaking Paint

Another cause for concern that is often overlooked by many homeowners is flaking paint on your timber window frame. This is because peeling paint may be a result of underlying moisture, or rotting of the timber – which will call for the replacement of your windows.

Even if the flaking paint is unrelated to the health of your timber frame, it is also important to ensure that this issue is fixed. This is because leaving your wooden frame exposed to the elements will accelerate decay regardless. Your option would then be to either repair the frame, or to repaint in a higher quality coating.

Discolouration

The simplest signs such as discolouration are also important to look out for when inspecting your timber windows. Discolouration is a key indicator that your windows may be rotting, stressing the importance of inspecting the reasoning behind the change in colour.

Not only from a performance point of view is discolouration a bad thing for your windows, but it also hinders kerb appeal. Perhaps your windows are old, and due a refresh, and it may be advisable to replace the window altogether to give your home that much needed refresh.

Warped Timber

If you notice that your timber frame has started to look either bent, twisted, or out of shape, your windows may be warped or swollen. This disfiguration can be caused by a number of reasons, such as built up moisture, and rotting, issues which will likely lead to the replacement of your windows.

The warping of your windows may even lead to a lack of functionality, which we will explore below.

Difficult Operation

As a result of warped timber, or other faulty operating systems – you may find that you’ll encounter issues such as locking failures, or an inability to open your windows. In this circumstance, we would recommend getting your windows inspected, so that you can discover the cause of this fault. 

Even if the operation fault is unrelated to damage, or decay, it still isn’t something that you should have to deal with. Again, this may be a sign that your timber windows need replacing, and that it may be worthwhile taking the leap and giving your windows a refresh. If you’re looking to explore our beautiful timber windows, crafted with high functionality, click here.

Insect Damage

Are you noticing holes in your window frames? Wood boring insects may be the cause. These insects may be the culprit for a lack of window performance, and decay. If this is the case, we would definitely  recommend replacing your timber windows.

If you’re looking to identify any possible insects that may be behind this infestation, you may be able to identify them via Pest Solutions’ website.

Damaged Glass

If your glass pane has sustained damage of any sort, whether that be chipping, cracks, or any other imperfections, you will need to replace your windows. In this instance, you will need to act at the earliest convenience to prevent bugs, draughts, and water getting in your home.

Summary – The Perks of Installing Modern Timber Windows

In most cases, we’d say that it isn’t worth putting a bandage over an issue when it comes to your timber windows, particularly if they’re dated. Through investing in modern timber window replacements, you can even make a return on your investment in the long run, as you benefit from energy efficiency which helps to save on your bills, as well as adding value to your home.

Guarantee exceptional window performance when you choose our range of bespoke timber windows! We actively innovate to implement the latest industry leading energy performance measures into our timber windows, combining quality with beauty to truly elevate homes for years to come. If you’re ready to bring modern performance into your home, click here.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to visit our showroom to view our timber windows in person, please book your visit before arriving and contact us at 01642 456167 or email sales@erwltd.co.uk, and a member of our team will be in touch.