7 Signs it's time to Replace your Windows

Key Takeaways

The answer to the question “How long should windows last?” is 15-30 years
There are 8 signs that it’s time to replace your windows: high energy bills, poor window operations, condensation, outside noise, decay and water damage on window frames, drafts, outdated style, and difficulty opening and closing windows
Pros of replacing old windows include increased energy efficiency, home comfort, safety and security, and property value
Generally it is not safe to keep old windows

If you think you need to replace your windows, it’s best to take action early. In this article, the question of how long do windows last will be answered. As well, signs that it is time for a window replacement, the benefits of replacing old windows, and if it is safe to keep old windows will be discussed. If you are unsure as to whether you should move forward with replacing your windows, this will hopefully help you come to a decision that is ideal for you and your home.

How Long Do Windows Last?

The average window lifespan is between 15 to 30 years. However, this does depend on a variety of factors such as the weather conditions, materials used, and even the brand of the manufacturer. Different types of windows tend to last longer than others.

For example, skylights and double-pane windows have the lowest life expectancy at 10 to 20 years with an average of 15 years, aluminum windows are generally expected to last 15 to 30 years with an average of 20 years, and fibreglass windows have the highest life expectancy at 20 to 45 years with an average of 35 years, while vinyl and wood windows fall just behind at an average of 30 years.

Signs to Replace Your House Windows

The lifespan of your windows is not the only sign that it is time to replace them. The following are additional signs to keep in mind and watch out for when contemplating whether or not you should replace your windows:

Difficulty Opening and Closing Windows — Over time your windows can become harder to use as they begin to be unbalanced due to the settling of the foundation. This causes them to either fall closed too easily or get jammed more and more frequently. If you are finding it difficult to open and/or close your windows, it is likely time to consider getting them replaced.

Pros of Replacing Old Windows

Replacing your old windows can be a big decision, but there are many benefits that come from their replacement that can make the decision a little easier. These benefits include:

Increased Energy Efficiency — With new windows, your energy bill could go down by as much as 20%. In this way, the investment you’ve made in replacement windows could start to pay for itself.
Enhancing Indoor Quality and Home Comfort — New windows also mean a more even temperature throughout your house. No more cold drafts in the winter and radiant heat will be reflected out in the summer, providing you with more comfort year round.
Increased Safety and Security — Your old windows may not have had locks, but modern windows come with tempered glass and advanced latch systems for better security, allowing you to feel safer in your home.
Improving Property Value — If you’re planning on selling your house, you can expect around a 70% return on investment due to the increase in your property value. Even if you’re not planning to sell anytime soon, the enhanced curb appeal of new windows is well worth the investment.

Overall, the various pros of replacing your old windows with new ones definitely outweigh whatever cons there may be and have hopefully helped you make the right decision for yourself.

High Energy Bills

One of the first – and most obvious – signs that you need new windows is an unusually high energy bill. If your windows are no longer doing their job in keeping the heat in (or out), your HVAC system will have to work harder – and use more energy – to maintain a comfortable temperature. This can cause your energy bills to skyrocket and is a definite sign that it’s time for new windows.

Is It Safe to Keep Old Windows?

Along with thinking about the question of how often should windows be replaced, it is also important to know if it is safe to keep your old windows.

Ultimately, keeping older windows is not safe. Even if they are still functioning well, old windows tend to make an easy entry point for would-be thieves and home invaders. New windows, though, are typically made from shatterproof materials, which makes them a lot more secure and stronger against attempts at forced entry.

Poor Window Operations

Another sign that you might need new windows is if they’re starting to operate poorly. If your windows are difficult to open or close, are letting in drafts, or are otherwise not functioning properly, it’s time for a replacement. Not only is this an annoyance, but it can also lead to more serious problems down the road if left unaddressed.

Condensation

Window condensation or frost build-up is an indicator that your windows need to be replaced. This is often a sign of poor insulation and can lead to all sorts of problems, including mold and mildew growth. In order to reduce window condensation and frost build-up, it’s best to have them inspected as soon as possible.

Outside Noise

If you’ve noticed that the noise from outside has gotten noticeably louder, it might be due to your windows. Over time, windows can degrade and lose their sound-dampening properties. If you find that outside noise is becoming a nuisance, it might be time for new windows.

Decay and Water Damage on Window Frames

If you can see decay or water damage on your window frames, it’s definitely time for a replacement. Not only is this unsightly, but it can also lead to more serious problems if left unaddressed and more repair costs.

Drafts

Another sign that your windows might need to be replaced is if you feel drafts coming from them. This is often a sign of poor insulation and can lead to higher energy bills. If you notice drafts, it’s best to have your windows inspected as soon as possible.

Outdated Style

Last but not least, if your windows are simply outdated in terms of style, it might be time for a replacement. While this isn’t necessarily a functional issue, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on selling your home or just want to update the look of your property.

Let Us Install your New Window

Whether you’re dealing with increased energy bills, window damage and frame decay, condensation, or one of the other issues on this list, it’s important to take action to prevent unnecessary damage to your home and its contents.

At Glass Repair Canada, we understand the importance of proper window replacement and installation services. With expert installers, industry-leading prices and materials, and a focus on customer service, you can rely on us for all of your window replacement needs. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to request a free quote for your next project!

FAQs

Windows typically last between 15 and 30 years. Different types of windows will last longer than others depending on the materials used to make them, but the average lifespan tends to be around 20 years which is when you should start to consider replacing them.

There are many signs that your windows are outdated. The most obvious one is, of course, how old it is. Other signs include high energy bills, difficulty opening or closing your windows, condensation or frost build-up, decay and water damage on the frames, drafts, loss of sound-dampening properties, and any other issues with their functionality.

Double pane windows are able to last between 10 and 20 years, with the standard lifespan often being 15 years.

Fibreglass windows last the longest out of all the different types with a life expectancy of 20 to 45 years and an average lifespan of 35 years. Vinyl and wood windows also tend to last longer than other types of materials. Wood windows have the same life expectancy as fibreglass at 20 to 45 years, but fall a little short compared to its average lifespan which is 30 years. Vinyl also has an average lifespan of 30 years, but its life expectancy is slightly shorter at 20 to 40 years.

To be safe, you should replace your windows every 15 to 20 years as this is when their functionality generally starts to decrease. However, it’s important to pay close attention to how your windows are working as you may need to replace them earlier than this if they start to prematurely lose their ability to operate in a proper fashion.

Yes, windows can last 30 years, though that does seem to be the end of their lifespans. Windows made from wood, vinyl, and fibreglass are most likely to last that long, but skylights, double pane, and aluminum windows are not.

Yes! If your windows are 25 years old, it’s definitely time to replace them. Even if they appear to be working, they are probably nearing the end of their lifespans.

7 Signs it’s time to Replace your Windows