Did you know that the average lifespan of a window (not including the glass) is usually around 20 years? However, this doesn’t mean that you should replace your windows every 20 years. Depending on how much and how well you maintain your windows as well as what kind of damage your windows have sustained, you may need to replace your windows sooner or later than the 20-year mark.
So, in simple terms, how often do windows need to be replaced? Keep reading more below to find your answers.
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How Often Do Windows Need to Be Replaced?
Whether or not you will need replacement windows depends on how damaged your windows are. Most windows are made of vinyl while old windows tend to be made of wood. Of course, the older your window is, the more likely it will be in need of repairs.
But wood windows are especially vulnerable since they aren’t as durable as vinyl windows or windows made of other materials. Wood windows can easily soak up rainwater which can then start to grow mold and rot. Over time, mold and rot can destroy the frame of the window and cause it to splinter and collapse.
You should be able to see this kind of damage, but if you catch the damage early on, you might not realize there’s anything wrong with your windows. If you know that your windows are already more than a decade old and that you haven’t been maintaining them, you should suspect that the windows might have some level of damage.
Of course, not all damaged windows need to be replaced right away. Some windows might have only very minor damage that doesn’t require any special treatment. On the other hand, there are more serious types of damage such as broken windows or cracked windows which will require new windows to fix.
Vinyl windows tend not to sustain as much damage as weaker types of windows. However, even vinyl windows can wear down with age. For that reason, it’s important to check up on your windows every so often to make sure that they’re still in good shape.
Depending on all these factors, you may need to replace your windows long before they are 20 years old. But what are the main signs that you should replace your windows sooner than later?
Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows Right Away
If you already know that your windows are old, you should expect that you might need window replacement or repair at some point in the near future. One of the main signs you need to replace your windows includes cracked glass. Even if your windows only have small cracks in them, you shouldn’t hesitate to have them replaced.
That is because water (and moisture in general) can enter your windows through the smallest of cracks. When moisture gets between your window pains, you might notice that your windows seem to be foggy for no reason. The reason is a buildup of moisture between the window panes.
If you only have single-pain windows, then the same moisture will be able to enter your home and create some serious damage. When moisture seeps into your home, you risk the development of mold growth, rot, and mildew. More than that, insects such as termites might be able to crawl more easily into your home through your broken windows.
Old windows, whether they’re cracked or not, may create drafts in your home. This may be from a crack in the glass, but it also may be because your windows are no longer sealed as well as they used to be. When this is the case, you run the same risks of having cracked windows.
When the seal on your windows begins to loosen, water will more easily be able to seep into your home and cause damage. Insects might be able to sneak in through your windows as well. This is not to mention that you will start spending more money on your electricity bill because your windows will not be able to insulate your home as well as before.
If you notice any of these signs, don’t hesitate to replace your windows.
The Cost of Replacing Windows
Fortunately, once you replace windows in your home, you won’t have to worry about them again for years to come. For that reason, you shouldn’t try to avoid the price of replacement windows even if they might come with a high price tag.
Also, keep in mind that you often get what you pay for when buying new replacement windows. While you might be able to save some money on certain window options, the cheaper windows you buy, the more likely you will need to replace them again sooner than later. On the other hand, if you invest in more expensive windows such as vinyl, you won’t have to worry about your windows because they will be durable enough to withstand the test of time.
All you have to do is match your budget with the highest-quality window you can afford and you can toss away your window worries for good.
Everything You Need to Know About Replacing Your Windows
How often do windows need to be replaced? While some windows can last 20 years or even more, most don’t because they suffer damage and a lack of maintenance. Certain types of windows may be more vulnerable to damage than others which can also affect how often you need to replace them.
However, once you get some new high-quality windows, you can be sure that you won’t need to worry about your windows for a long time. To learn more, explore our website.
