Your home's double-pane windows and their seals should last about 20-25 years. However, their lifespan greatly depends on the quality of the window manufacturing process and initial installation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Window and Door Replacement
Double-paned windows can last up to 20 years, while fiberglass can last up to 40. Aluminum windows fall in between these ranges, with an average lifespan of about 30 years.
If you currently have single hung windows with only one pane of glass and high energy bills, double paned windows are worth the cost, especially if you are replacing all home windows at once. Keeping even a couple of single paned windows, however, will limit the overall energy savings you will see.
Either way, once a window starts to fog, it's starting to fail. What's happening is pretty simple: double-paned windows are sealed to maximize insulating ability. If that seal breaks, cracks, or otherwise fails, moisture can enter between the panes.
Double-pane windows can last eight to 20 years, but if moisture gets between the panes, you might notice condensation and fogginess. A desiccant is often used as a temporary measure to dry up the moisture.
Many window design professionals agree that new, quality windows should last between 15 and 20 years before you start to think about replacing them. Most companies producing vinyl windows often provide a 20-25 year warranty, which is essentially a lifetime warranty – the expected lifetime of the product.
If you have a single pain of glass on your window, then it can be resealed. On the other hand, if you have a double pane window—or thermal pane—then it can't be resealed. If the seal has been compromised on an insulated, thermal pane window, you have to replace it.
When a window seal fails, moist air seeps in between the glass panes and condenses on your windows, causing window fog. And while the fog may eventually go away with weather changes, now that the seal has failed, the problem will keep coming back.
How can I tell if my double pane window is broken? The primary indicator of a broken window seal is moisture between the window panes. If your windows are foggy, but nothing happens when you try and wipe away the condensation, the fog is inside the window.
Double-Pane Window Replacement Cost
The average cost to replace a double-hung, double-pane window ranges from $450 to $1,000. A double-pane vinyl window ranges from $450 to $600 to install, while a double-pane wood replacement window costs between $800 and $1,000.
In a double-glazed window, the deformation of the pane struck by the ball causes higher pressure in the air between the two panes. This high pressure opposes the deformation, making it harder to break the window.
Triple pane windows can be up to 50 percent more energy efficient than a single pane window, and up to 20 percent more efficient than a double pane. If you live in an extremely cold climate, double and triple pane windows can have a significant impact on your heating and cooling bills.
Yes. If your windows are more than 20 years old it is probably time to start thinking about replacing the lot. Many professionals agree that if homeowners can afford it, they are better served by replacing all their windows in one order. The installation team can complete the full job in a couple of days.
The Rule of Thumb in Years
Windows are not meant to last forever. You could buy the best brand name windows in the world and they are still going to eventually break down and need to be replaced. The fact of the matter is that the basic rule of thumb with windows is 15 to 20-years.
Inert gasses are less heat-conductive than air or a vacuum space. However, if the seals that protect the edges of the IGU develop a break, then the inert gases can escape and ambient air and moisture can enter the space between the panes, resulting in the IGU losing its extra insulating value.
If the window's glass appears more distorted than your other windows, the seal has likely failed. Fogging, hazing or the presence of moisture between the two panes are common signs of window seal failure. The fogginess may come and go with the weather conditions.
Depending on the quality of the window, it may be guaranteed for anywhere from three to 15 years, and if the seal fails within that time, the manufacturer will often provide a new IGU.
Condensation in double-pane windows happens when there's a critical difference between the temperature levels inside and outside the glass pane. This condensation is akin to the condensation on the outside of a cold glass when left out under the sun.
Double pane windows have a layer of gas (usually Argon) in between the two panes that acts as insulation. If the seal is broken moisture will accumulate and you will experience condensation, or fog, in between your two panes of glass.
You can expect double or triple-pane (insulated) window glass to last 10 to 20 years, and an average of about 15 years, until the seal around the glass panes leaks and the inert gas escapes. When this happens, the insulating ability of the window is lost.
Fiberglass vs Vinyl Windows
Fiberglass windows can last up to 50 years, which is amazing. But as you'd expect, they are a much greater upfront investment than vinyl windows. Fiberglass windows also aren't as readily available as vinyl, and they can be more of a challenge to install.
Generally speaking, you can expect your windows to last approximately 20-25 years if you purchase them from a reputable brand and have them installed by professionals in the field. If you keep them in good shape, they could last even longer.
The average lifespan of residential windows is 15 to 30 years. Well-maintained products may last beyond the 20-year mark, but once your windows start approaching two decades old, it's time to think about replacing them.