How Long Do Windows Last? 9 Signs It's Time For Replacements.

The windows on your home not only serve visual and aesthetic purposes but functional purposes as well. Unfortunately, they lose much of their functionality over time, failing to seal heat, cold, and sound. At some point, this loss of functionality will come to a head, prompting a window replacement. The question is, when does this point usually arrive? In other words, how long do windows last?

The answer to that question is a little complex. Here are nine signs that it’s time for a window replacement company in St. Louis.

Table of Contents

• How Long Do Windows Last in General?
• Different Window Types: How Long Should Windows Last?
• How Long Do Wood Windows Last?
• Vinyl Windows – How Long Do They Last?
• What About Andersen – How Long?
• Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Do Windows Last?

The lifespan of a specific window is dependent primarily upon the material that it’s made from. In other words, some window materials last longer than others do.

Vinyl will generally last for between 20 and 40 years. Wood, when properly maintained, will typically last around 30 years. On the other hand, aluminum generally only last around 20 years.

However, it’s important to note that these are not hard and fast numbers. Truthfully, the only way to determine whether or not a window has passed its expiration date is by looking out for specific signs. If you can answer yes to any of the following questions, they may need to be replaced.

1. Are Your Windows Drafty?

A good set prevents heat and cold from making their way into its corresponding home. Unfortunately, as they deteriorate, they slowly lose their ability to do this. Eventually, they will become drafty, creating inconsistent temperatures in a home even when said home’s air conditioner or furnace is running.

If you regularly feel large drafts while standing next to your windows, it’s probably time for you to replace them. Modern windows are very energy efficient and provide much more excellent insulation than the ones you have installed.

2. Are Your Windows Difficult to Open?

When windows are freshly installed, they’re exceedingly easy to open. You essentially just have to push them up with a flick of your wrist to set them in an open position.

Unfortunately, over time, windows take on debris. The buildup of this debris, along with the natural shifting of the house upon which the windows are installed, makes the opening of the windows progressively more difficult.

While lubricants can help stave off a replacement for a while, eventually, a replacement will be the only viable option. If you feel like you’re doing curls every time you try to adjust your window pane, it’s probably time to make a change.

3. Do You Struggle to Clean Your Windows?

An essential part of window upkeep is cleaning. Unfortunately, many old windows make cleaning as tricky as possible, necessitating that you remove them from their frames. Because of this, the owners often come up short in their cleaning duties.

Are yours getting progressively dirtier because you can’t easily clean them? If so, you might want to opt for a replacement. Modern types are extremely easy to adjust, making them very easy to clean.

4. Are Your Windows Difficult to Lock?

Over time, as the house upon which a window is installed shifts, the window itself can become misaligned. Not only can this result in difficulty opening the windows, but it can result in difficulty locking the window as well. In other words, it can compromise the window’s security.

It’s never a good idea to gamble with the security of your home. If your window doesn’t lock reliably, you would be wise to make a replacement.

5. Do Your Windows Look Awful?

As time passes by, they become more and more damaged. This is just a simple byproduct of being constantly exposed to the elements. Dents form, cracks present themselves, and frames begin to lose a little bit of their glow.

If the constant wear and tear have taken its toll on them, there’s no shame in changing them. The aesthetic of your home is important and is worth spending money on. No matter how well-kept your front lawn and house are, if they look old and shabby, it will give a poor first impression.

6. Are Your Windows Single-Paned?

For years, single-paned windows were the only option available to the average homeowner. Fortunately, that eventually changed, allowing homeowners access to much greater protection and energy efficiency.

If you still have single-paned windows in your home, you should replace them with double-paned ones. While this replacement might be costly initially, it will eventually pay for itself through drastically reduced energy bills.

7. Are Your Energy Bills Getting Costlier?

When a window’s energy efficiency capabilities start to decline, you’ll notice. Not only will you feel drafts around them, but you’ll also see it in your energy bills. In particular, you’ll notice that they’re getting more and more costly.

While they aren’t guaranteed to be the source of your high energy bills, they are a possible culprit. They perform an essential role in insulating your home. Over time, the sealants in a window can deteriorate, allowing heat to pass through the gaps, while single-paned windows are naturally less insulated than their double-paned counterparts.

A change might be needed if you’ve had them for over 20 years.

8. Can You Easily Hear Traffic Noise?

Another sign that they need to be replaced is if you can easily hear traffic noise in your home while your windows are closed. They are letting through sound waves with little to no resistance if you can. In other words, they’re doing a poor job of insulating your home.

9. Are Your Windows Out of Style?

The simple fact of the matter is that styles change. What was popular in 2005 is not necessarily popular today. Windows are no exception to this.

You don’t want to leave your house decorated with aesthetically antiquated windows. A replacement will be needed to bring your home up to speed. An outdated set is detrimental to the value of your house, lowering its curbside appeal.

Different Window Types: How Long Should Windows Last?

Your window lifespan will vastly change according to the material used, and the most long-lasting materials may not be what you expect.

How Long Do Wood Windows Last?

Each type of material will have completely different levels of longevity. It may surprise you to learn that wood, despite being a natural material and therefore degradable, actually lasts longer than

PVC or vinyl: wood windows can last 60 years or more if properly maintained and isn’t damaged by storms or hail. Wood, or timber, as is often the case, can be stripped back and repainted, extending its lifespan significantly.

Wood is solid and has astonishing longevity but does require regular cleaning and maintenance; if this is ignored, its lifespan shortens drastically. Aluminum Clad Wood is a solution to this issue that allows you to enjoy the natural beauty of the wood and a wide variety of color options, but there is a downside; the cost can be prohibitive to customers, leaving many potential buyers no choice but to select cheaper alternatives.

How Long Do Vinyl Windows Last?

Vinyl windows should last for decades, assuming the quality is high enough and installed correctly. One of the main benefits of choosing vinyl as a window material is that it is very low maintenance. You can expect to have your brand new vinyl installed and not have to concern yourself with them for many years.

Vinyl is a flexible and durable material. More basic vinyl can last anywhere between 10 and 20 years, but this increases when the quality improves; some of the best on the market can last for 40 or more.

As a general rule of thumb, the average vinyl window will last between 20 and 40 years.

How Long Do Andersen Windows Last?

Andersen windows are reliable and high-quality that offer excellent value to homeowners. Though Andersen is a manufacturer, rather than a window type or material, you can generally expect their windows across the board to last for at least a few decades.

Their premium offerings, like the A-Series and E-Series ranges, have excellent longevity. Andersen is not typically made of only one material but combine the strengths of many. The E-Series, for instance, has a wood interior and sturdy aluminum exterior; the result is a highly durable end-product that will last for most people’s lifetimes.

Even the most budget-friendly option, the 100 Series, is made of a material stronger than vinyl, a Fibrex composite that will last for decades.

Once you have decided on a material type for your windows, you will also want to choose a window style.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Windows Last For 30 Years?

Yes! They can last 30 years – and even longer – if you purchase suitable materials and choose a quality manufacturer. It’s equally important to have your windows professionally installed and regularly maintained.

Should I Replace All Windows At Once?

If your windows look drab and need changing, replacing them all at once is more cost-effective. A professional team can come and install your entire new set of windows in only a few days. Installing each window one at a time may spread the cost, but the expense of calling out a professional to install a new window can quickly see the total price rise beyond what it would have been if they had been replaced all at once.

Several options are available to suit your budget if you need to replace your windows.

How Long Do Windows Generally Last?

As you are now likely aware, this depends significantly on the type of material. Wood, if properly maintained, can last for 60 years, while vinyl is somewhere between 20 and 40 on average. To play devil’s advocate, they generally last around 25-30 years on average before they need to be changed.

How Long Should Windows Last In A House?

The windows in a house, much like the windows used elsewhere, will last as long as the materials and your level of care and maintenance allow.

To save money long-term, you should aim for a set to last for at least 25 years. The cost of the windows themselves is only one part of the more significant expense; installation costs alone can quickly see a cheaper set – that need to be replaced more frequently – ultimately becoming the most expensive option.

What Windows Last the Longest?

As established earlier, wood can last for many decades longer than vinyl, but this does depend on regular maintenance. A composite material like Fibrex or wood with an aluminum covering offers some of the best longevity for windows.

Fiberglass is quickly becoming a popular material for windows – it is incredibly long-lasting and doesn’t require the same maintenance as wood. Fiberglass windows can last as long as 50 years without needing replacement but are one of the most expensive window types on the market.

Do You Need to Replace Your Windows?

And there it is, the answer to the question, “how long do windows last?” Do your windows have any of these problems? If so, it’s probably time for window replacement.

Penny Window is the company to call if you need a window replacement in St. Louis or its surrounding areas. Established in 1953, we are the premier window replacement company in St. Louis. Penny Window is a family-run business with over 60 years of experience in window making. We’ve been committed to providing exceptional windows and service to our local communities for the entirety of that time frame.

You can expect a highly personalized, friendly service from our team of experienced professionals committed to meeting your every expectation. Our team combines a high level of training and expertise with a positive attitude and willingness to listen to the needs of our customers.

Penny Window has thrived for over 60 years because of a simple formula: we offer great value products, decades of expertise, and workmanship while providing personalized service to homeowners and contractors across greater St. Louis and St. Charles county.

If you’re interested in replacing your windows soon or want to get an idea of the options available, get in touch to arrange a free estimate today

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