Nothing is ever made to last forever, and windows are not exempted from this notion. However, the number of years that windows are supposed to last depends on certain factors. But basically, the following types of windows have these corresponding life expectancies:
- Wood – 30+ years
- Fiberglass – 20 – 40 years
- Vinyl – 20 – 40 years
- Aluminum – 20 – 30 years
- Skylights – 10 – 20 years
- Insulated (Double Pane) – 10 – 20 years
Factors Affecting the Lifespan of Windows
It is essential to consider the life expectancy of windows when you are considering a window replacement project in your home or commercial building. Meanwhile, the lifespan of windows can be severely affected by the factors below:
- Location
A window that is exposed to the elements will have its lifespan affected significantly. The effects of the elements such as wind, moisture, heat, etc. will reduce the number of years of the durability of the window, unlike windows that are not exposed directly to the elements.
- Maintenance
The kind of maintenance you adopt will affect the lifespan of a window significantly. For instance, pressure washing wooden windows would reduce their lifespan while the force of the pressure washer can break the seal between the glass and frame of insulated windows, which causes the inert has to escape and reduces the insulation level of the windows.
- Hot and Cold Cycles
The processes caused by heat during the day and cold at night also affects the lifespan of windows. As a result, you should factor in this inevitable process into your choice of windows for window replacement.
- Poor Installation
Poorly installed windows will be difficult to operate and this will place significant stress on the windows or their frames, which will shorten their lifespan.
Signs That You Must Upgrade Your Windows
If you are thinking about window replacement, assess the condition of the windows in addition to the age of the window. Here are signs that indicate that window replacement should be carried out anytime soon.
- High Energy Bills
A significant increase in the cost of energy consumption is an indication that the windows are leaking did to drafts or broken seals.
- Warped Window Frames
This problem is typical of wooden windows, which makes them cause leaks, flooding, and ultimately window failure.
- Complicated Operations
If windows become difficult to open or close, window replacement should be on top of your agenda.
- Moisture Between the Panes
As soon as start noticing condensation between the panes of double-pane windows, the seals have damaged and you need to start window replacement to improve the energy efficiency of your home.
