How long do windows last? The answer to that question can affect your ability to enjoy your home to its fullest for years to come. With well-maintained windows, you’ll achieve optimal daylight, energy conservation, and home protection. To that end, the following guide will help you evaluate the current condition of your windows and predict when your home will need replacements.
What Is the Average Lifetime of Your Home’s Windows?
When asking a question like “How long do windows last in a house?” the material that yours are made of is an important detail. Since some materials are more durable, they will naturally last longer. The necessary maintenance and the climate that the windows’ materials are in will also play significant roles.
How Long Do Windows Last With Wood Frames?
Although the original windows in older homes have wooden frames, the material is, in fact, the least durable. That is because factors like heat, moisture, and heavy use will limit its longevity. Therefore, on average, wood window frames last between 15 and 30 years.
Additionally, although wood-based windows are cheaper to install, they require more consistent maintenance, seeing as you’ll have to paint and seal the frames every few years. Even with good care, extreme temperatures and frequent moisture will cause the wood to warp or rot.
How Long Do Windows Last that are Vinyl Windows?
Vinyl is another popular material for window frames, and generally speaking, it is a little more durable than wood, typically lasting 20 to 40 years. Vinyl windows also require very little maintenance. Just make sure to use a mild detergent mixed with warm water, and wash the frames with a non-abrasive cloth. Afterward, use a clean, dry cloth to wipe away the excess water.
However, while vinyl is more resistant to moisture, things like extreme heat and UV rays can still cause the material to warp. Premium vinyl lasts longer than low-cost windows, so there is a tradeoff to be aware of between the upfront cost and the longevity of the frames.
How Long Do Windows Last Made of Aluminum?
Aluminum windows offer greater durability than both wood and vinyl. These frames last upwards of 30 years and require very little maintenance and upkeep. In fact, the upkeep for aluminum window frames is similar to that of vinyl frames; always use non-abrasive cloths to avoid leaving scratches in the material. Aluminum frames also require lubrication for their tracks and rollers, typically once every six months. You can use a silicone spray to get the job done.
The biggest drawback of these frames, though, is that they absorb heat. What that means, unfortunately, is that in extreme climates, homeowners with aluminum window frames lose the energy efficiency benefits of installing new windows.
Fiberglass: A Worthwhile Choice
Fiberglass windows offer the best in both durability and performance. They last between 30 and 50 years and won’t require consistent care. Fiberglass doesn’t warp, contract, or expand, which means it performs well in all climates.
In terms of care, you’ll want to clean fiberglass window frames twice a year. Use a mild dish detergent mixed with warm water, and apply it with either a sponge or soft cloth. Rinse and dry with a separate cloth, and lubricate the window’s moving parts with silicone spray. If you notice dust accumulating on the frames in the meantime, wipe the frames clean with a damp cloth.
Tips for Longer-Lasting Windows
Keeping your windows lasting for as long as they reasonably can often go beyond simple maintenance. Consider these recommendations to ensure yours stand the test of time:
Install New Seals
A damaged seal lets moisture, wind, and temperature variations enter your living space. Those elements can cause condensation to form on the glass or frames. How long do windows last with damaged seals, then? Not long; if you notice moisture on a window, replacing its seals is the best means of resolving the issue.
Replace Cracked Glass and Damaged Screens
Asking, “When do windows need to be replaced?” is somewhat more complex than you may initially think. That’s because you might not need to replace all of your windows at one time. If only one window has a crack in the glass or a torn screen, focus on replacing those components promptly. Speedy repairs will restore the proper use of the window, and they’ll also prevent the window’s frame and housing from suffering water damage.
Paint and Seal Wood Frames
Every few years, plan to add a fresh coat of paint to your wood frames. Once the paint starts to chip or peel, the windows will need service. That is an intensive project, as it requires removing the loose paint and sanding the frame before applying a fresh coat. Professional window repair companies have the skills and equipment necessary to deliver the best results.
Add Interior and Exterior Protection
You can protect your frames and boost your home’s energy efficiency with window coverings. Use curtains, blinds, and shades to limit the amount of sunlight that accesses your living spaces. In the winter, those same window coverings will help you retain more heat.
Outside, consider installing awnings or shutters. These additions will protect your windows from damage during storms or high winds. Shutters, in particular, can provide even more energy efficiency benefits by blocking more of the sun’s rays.
Know the Signs That You Need Replacement Windows
Replacement windows are similar to your home’s original windows in that their longevity depends on the construction and material of the window. If your biggest concern involves the question, “How long do replacement windows last?” a fiberglass model is the best option to consider.
Nevertheless, when should you replace windows? These signs will tell you it’s time for an upgrade:
Warped Glass
Over time, exposure to the sun’s rays and extreme temperatures will warp glass, effectively distorting everything you see as you look through the window.
Drafts and Temperature Variations
If you notice that you have rising energy bills, new windows can be a wise investment in your home. Before looking at your HVAC system for the cause, conduct a simple inspection of your windows. Drafts coming from closed windows indicate weak frames, broken seals, and other types of wear and tear damage.
Windows Fail to Open or Close Properly
Poor window operation can affect your comfort, indoor air quality, and your ability to escape during an emergency. Windows that are too loose may not stay propped open, and that can pose safety risks. If you struggle to use your home’s windows, installing replacement windows might be a necessary course of action.
Condensation and Moisture
How long do windows last when water damage is an issue? It’s a problem that can creep up quickly if you miss the early signs of condensation. Moisture around multiple windows in your home indicates a need to replace all of your windows. Long-term moisture exposure will rot the wood and drywall around them; it will also lead to mold growth and impact the quality of your indoor air.
Frequent Glass Breakage
An older home that still has its original windows might suffer cracks or broken parts more regularly. Modern windows have impact-resistant glass, a feature that extends the lifetime of the glass and adds a layer of security to your home.
UV Exposure
There’s a common myth that the glass in any home’s windows will block the sun’s harmful UV rays. If you want proper UV protection inside your home, it might be worthwhile to upgrade to new replacement windows. You’ll have the opportunity to design your windows with extra features, including UV protection. While you won’t see the coating, you’ll enjoy the benefits of having that extra protection.
Privacy and Security Concerns
You can make it difficult for criminals to target your home by adding tint to your window glass. A house with tinted windows guards the privacy of everyone inside. Even if you only add tint to the windows on the first floor of your home, you’ll feel more peace of mind in your home. Choose the color and opacity of the tint to match your style preferences.
Better Efficiency Is Needed
When you design your new windows, you’ll choose between single, double, or triple-glazed windows. A single glaze only has one pane of glass per frame, a double-glazed window has two, and so on.
Air or gas will fill the space between each pane, creating barriers that insulate the glass and boost the window’s efficiency. In addition, double and triple-glazed windows are more difficult to break and work better to block ambient noise. They may come with higher upfront costs, but the benefits make them worth the investment.
Don’t Delay Your Need for New Windows
Returning to the original question, “How long do windows last?” the short answer is that it depends. Nevertheless, now that you have a better understanding of the time frame, you can make a more informed decision about your need to upgrade. You’ll be able to act more speedily in starting the replacement project, and you won’t have to worry about losing the benefits that good windows provide. If you have any questions or need window replacement in Lake in the Hills, give us a call!
