What is My Window’s Lifespan?

The saying goes, “Some things only get better with age!” The windows in your home are, unfortunately, not one of those things. How do you know if your windows have hit the end of their lifespan? The truth is that replacement windows have varying lifespans. You’ll find some windows only last around 5-7 years, while other windows can last upwards of 15 years! Although nothing lasts forever, it’s helpful to know which replacement windows have the longest lifespan and will continue to perform at their best for years to come.

What Impacts a Window’s Lifespan?

There are various factors that impact the window lifespan, and the weather is one of them. Vinyl windows that are exposed to areas with bright sun might not last as long as windows that are at least partially covered with shade—and this is especially the case if this window is engineered with poor quality materials. Window usage is another factor that can impact how long your windows will last. The more you slide them and unlock them, the more wear and tare they experience. Windows that you tend to open the most frequently will wear quicker than those that remain closed all the time. While window parts can easily be replaced if they are not working correctly, in some cases it might be better to replace the entire window.

Window Materials

Speaking of materials, this is another big factor of a window’s lifespan. Middle grade vinyl windows will last around 15 years, while premium vinyl can last as long as 20 or 25. This is due to the titanium dioxide within the vinyl. It helps the windows maintain their structure over the years and prevent them from warping, cracking, or peeling.

On the other side of the coin, low grade vinyl may only last 5 to 7 years. Often times these windows come from big box home improvement stores, or even professional window companies that offer extremely low pricing. These bottom dollar windows aren’t designed to last you a long time—they are essentially place holders that will get you by for a couple years.

Wood is another material option that can last a considerable amount of time. However, this ultimately depends on how well you take care of them. If you neglect to maintain your wood windows, they are prone to peeling, chipping, and possibly rotting away.

Window Installation

Your window installation plays a large role in the lifespan of your window. If your windows are not properly installed, this can result in energy loss and overall shortening of the window’s lifespan. Even the most expensive windows won’t last as long as they should if they are improperly installed, so be sure that you hire a professional to get the job done right.

The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank in order to get windows with a long lifespan—contact Universal Windows Direct to find out more.