Windows are an investment. You expect your windows to last for decades, and hope that it will continue to provide you with natural light and energy efficiency.
But at some point, you will need to replace some or all of your windows, and if you can afford it, that time may be now.
Window Lifespan vs. Window Technology
Windows are expected to last about 20 or so years on average. We often see windows last a lot longer. Many homes still have windows from the 1980s, when double pane windows were becoming more common.
Still, over time, these windows will start to get older, and as they do, they’re more likely to have a number of different problems:
- Seal Failure – Double and triple-pane windows rely on airtight seals to keep insulating gas between the panes. As seals break down, condensation begins to form inside the glass. This fogging reduces visibility and signals a permanent loss of insulating value.
- Warping or Frame Deterioration – Wood frames can rot and vinyl can warp under UV exposure. Once frames shift, gaps form that allow drafts and moisture inside.
- Hardware Wear – Locks, hinges, and cranks eventually loosen or break, leaving windows harder to operate and less secure.
- Energy Loss – Older glass coatings and frame technologies don’t match modern efficiency standards. Even if the window looks intact, outdated products let in more heat during summer and lose more warmth during winter.
- Aesthetic Decline – Paint peeling, discoloration, or damaged grids may not affect function immediately, but they do impact curb appeal and resale value.
Each of these has an effect on the function and appearance of the window. Typically, at this age, these windows can also no longer be repaired.
Yet, even if your windows are still functioning, there is another reason to consider replacement: the technology.
Windows today are *substantially* better than the windows of the past. Windows manufactured today are considerably more energy efficient than those built 20 years ago. Older double-pane windows often lacked low-emissivity (low-E) coatings, argon gas fills, and advanced thermal breaks in the frame. Modern windows typically combine multiple layers of low-E coatings with inert gas fills and insulated spacers, reducing heat transfer far more effectively. The result is a window that performs significantly better in both heating and cooling seasons, lowering energy costs and improving overall comfort compared to older models that were once considered state-of-the-art.
This also isn’t like other energy efficiency improvements over the last 15 years, where technology has improved incrementally. These windows are so much better that some people are replacing windows that are in perfect shape just to obtain the energy efficiency and longevity benefits.
So, if your windows are over 20 years old and you’ve been considering a replacement, you can feel confident that the new windows that we use today are not just slightly better than your existing windows, but arguably substantially show.
See for yourself. Visit our showroom and see what makes our windows so much different.