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Windows do not last forever. At some point, you will need to replace the windows on your Indianapolis home — but when? That all depends on the material your windows are made from, the climate in your area, how well you care for your windows, and how well the windows were installed. Keep reading for a more thorough understanding of how long your windows will last and when it may be time for new windows.
What Are Your Windows Made From?
Many more rustic, country-style homes are originally fitted with wood windows. These look lovely, but they do not last very long. Wood starts to deteriorate when exposed to moisture. You can expect to get about 10 out of a good set of wooden windows. Cheaply made ones may start deteriorating rapidly after just 5 years.
Vinyl windows are not much better than wooden ones. They might look nicer on the surface as they age, but if you look closely, you will probably see areas where the vinyl has peeled back, away from the glass. Once this starts happening, the windows become leaky. Vinyl windows last about 10 years — sometimes much less if they are low-end, builder-grade models like those sold in home improvement stores.
High-end composite windows made from materials like Fibrex® last a long longer. Fibrex is resistant to rot and moisture damage, so it does not warp like vinyl or deteriorate like wood. Renewal by Andersen protects Fibrex windows with one of the best warranties in the industry. They will last you for decades — longer than either wood or vinyl windows — and with less required maintenance during that time period.
How Well Do You Care For Your Windows?
Another factor to consider is how well you care for your windows. If you regularly clean your windows and lubricate any hinges, you won’t need new windows as soon as if you were to neglect window maintenance completely. Maintenance is especially important when it comes to wood windows. Scraping and painting them every couple of years can extend their life, but if you let the paint fleck away and never replace it, you can bet your windows will be rotten and deteriorated before long.
Do Your Windows Show Signs of Damage?
Every brand and model of window ages differently, so the best way to evaluate whether you need new windows is to quickly look over your current windows. Here are a few signs they need to be replaced soon.
Drafts: Do you feel cold air blowing in around the window? This is a sign of a failed seal, which greatly reduces energy-efficiency.
Leaks: If water is leaking in around the window frame, you had better replace the window before your home suffers moisture damage.
Deterioration: By the time wood starts chipping away, the window needs to be replaced.
High Energy Bills: Failing windows are one of the most common causes of heat loss and sky-high energy bills in Indianapolis homes. New windows are much more energy-efficient than those made even 10 years ago.
Are you unsure whether you need new windows for your home? Contact Renewal by Andersen to schedule a free, in-home consultation. Our trained technicians can come examine your Indianapolis home for signs of window failure and recommend top-quality replacement windows that are right for you.