Whether you’ve just bought your first home or have been comfortably living in your dream home for years, window repair and replacement is something that will likely be necessary in the foreseeable future. It may seem intimidating to figure out when it’s time for new windows, but knowing when to replace windows can be as easy as recognizing a few easy-to-spot symptoms of older windows. We’ll discuss how often to replace windows in detail below.
How Long Do Windows Last?
Generally speaking, you can expect replacement windows to last around 15-20 years. Vinyl windows can last longer and will usually come with a lifetime warranty, meaning they’ll be covered for the lifespan of the product.
If you’ve just moved into a new-to-you home and aren’t sure of how old the current windows are, having them inspected is a smart move to let you know how much time you have before you’ll need to replace them. Alternately, if you’re seeing any of the below signs in your home or windows, it may be time to replace sooner rather than later.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Windows
High Energy Bills
If your home’s energy costs are rising despite a hard-working HVAC system, it may be due to your home’s windows. Old windows could be behind higher than normal energy costs for your home, allowing outside air to leak in and making it harder to keep your home comfortable.
Windows Show Signs of Cracks or Damage
Any damage to windows can affect the integrity of the protection they provide to your home. With that in mind, if you notice any visible damage like cracks, that’s a pretty good indication it’s time to replace your home’s windows.
There are a few different kinds of cracks that occur on windows. Knowing what to look for could help you years down the line when it’s time to replace your windows again.
- Impact cracks are caused by physical damage, such as a rock hitting a window. These have a radial point of damage with cracks forming out of the impact point.
- Stress cracks start small and get larger over time. Often seen near the edges of the window, these should be taken care of quickly before further damage occurs.
- Pressure cracks happen with dramatic temperature changes or incorrectly installed windows. The windows will often curve with this sort of crack, so it’s important to replace your window quickly here as well.
Windows are Hard to Open or Close
Before you write off your sticking windows, give them a good cleaning. A buildup of dust and dirt can cause windows to be difficult to open and close. Also assess whether the window sash is nailed or painted shut. If you’ve done that and the windows are still hard to maneuver, it may be time for new windows.
If your window sticks and is hard to open or close, equipment inside the window itself may be damaged or nearing its end-of-life date. Listen closely to the window as you attempt to open or close it: any creaking or grinding noises as you move the window can help confirm whether replacement is necessary.
Moisture or Fog Between Window Panes
If you see moisture or fog in between the panes of your windows, you’re experiencing seal failure, meaning air has gotten into the space between your two panes. Double-paned glass provides protection and energy efficiency benefits to your home, and the argon gas Window World uses serves as a great insulating agent to keep your home warm in winter and cool in the summer.
However, when the seal fails to keep the argon gas in, that insulation is no longer in effect. You may see this reflected in rising energy costs on your monthly bills.
Benefits of Modern Vinyl Windows
We exclusively sell vinyl replacement windows for the many benefits associated with this durable, energy-efficient material. It’s a weather-resistant material made to hold up to most weather conditions and last around 20 years, making it a practical choice for homeowners.
Vinyl’s ease of maintenance means the upkeep involved is rarely more than a good rinse of your windows with a regular household detergent and water. Plus, since the color in vinyl is embedded, you won’t need to worry about chips, scratches or color fading over time.
As mentioned above, vinyl is also an energy-efficient addition to your home with excellent insulating qualities. Even without the thoughtful construction of the inner workings of our windows, the vinyl frames themselves provide a good layer of thermal insulation.
Upgrade Your Windows with Window World
Our high-quality window replacements are carefully engineered and installed to fit well with your home, providing a secure, comfortable living space for your family! If you have any further questions on whether it’s time to replace your home’s windows, contact us for a free estimate and for answers to any questions you may have about the process. We’re happy to help make your home a more comfortable and attractive place for you and your family to live.
For more signs it’s time to replace your home’s windows, check out our video below: