When it comes to owning an Indianapolis home, your windows are one of the most important features. Not only do they change the feel and aesthetic of your home, but they also control your home’s energy efficiency and your ability to stay comfortable year round. The fact is that as windows age, they become less effective at doing all of these things, and they need to be replaced. But how often should you expect to replace your windows?
The Lifespan of a Window
According to most experts, modern windows are designed to last right around twenty years. In the past, windows only lasted 10-15 years because of poor quality window framing materials that aged and changed. Thanks to technological developments like Fibrex, we now have window frames that are extremely resilient to aging and can last much longer. However, even if Fibrex frames could last fifty years without damage, there are other window components that will wear down over time, such as internal seals and any moving components. That is why the 20-25 year mark is still the high end for most window lifespans.
Signs that it’s Time for Replacement Windows
The biggest challenge that comes with windows is knowing exactly how long the old windows have been there, especially if you have bought or sold an older home. You may not have any idea of when the windows were last replaced in your Indianapolis home, but you can often gather some clues by looking at the windows themselves.
Wood and aluminum frame windows are far less common today than they once were, so if your house still has these types of windows, it’s a pretty good sign that your windows are aging. If you have vinyl windows, you can inspect the seals around the glass and look to see if your windows have any modern glass treatments applied to them. Early vinyl windows are now reaching the end of their expected lifespan and the seals are beginning to leak, condensation is becoming a problem, and people are beginning to see a breakdown of the moving parts. These are all signs that it is time to think about replacement windows for your Indianapolis home before you spend another season trying to keep your home comfortable, or fighting with leaks around your windows.
Renewal by Andersen offers the latest in replacement windows and technology. Whether you have an exact age for your existing windows or not, you can look for the tell-tale signs that your windows are aging and start planning ahead for new windows by calling today to schedule your free consultation.
