How Long Do Vinyl Windows Last?

A house is a lifelong investment. You dedicate your time and money to regular upkeep, so you surely want to find quality features for your home. Windows are such a prominent feature of your home that it only makes sense to invest in a material that matches your aesthetic and will last. How long can you count on your vinyl windows to stick around?

Lifespan of Vinyl

Vinyl windows typically lasts longer than both aluminum or wood. With an average lifespan of 20 years, in the right conditions and with regular maintenance, a vinyl window may survive up to 40 years.

Environment

Vinyl stands up well to most environmental damage. Extremely high temperatures can warp aluminum; wood windows sometimes don’t stand up well to high humidity. Vinyl windows are a pretty safe choice in all climates: they’re especially resistant to moisture damage and are often more energy-efficient than wood or aluminum (although those materials can be built to offer similarly high levels of efficiency). Exposure to the sun has the potential to fade darker colors, though, so for a long-term investment, choose lighter neutral tones. This lends itself to less future maintenance: they don’t require frequent paint touch-ups like fiberglass or wood. 

Maintenance

It goes without saying that proper care and maintenance improve the lifespan of any investment. Take special care to treat your windows through regular cleaning and intermittent repairs. Gentle, non-abrasive soaps will keep them clean, which helps prevent damage that will shorten the life of your windows.

Without regular cleaning, the tracks will gum up and stop the window from operating properly. You have windows installed so you can open them and let fresh air in from time to time, and letting grime build up prevents you from enjoying them. Layering debris and dirt will also cause discoloration. Keeping the windows and their tracks clean and dust-free is your only concern, though; you won’t have concerns about peeling or chipping paint with vinyl.

Other Considerations

Check on the efficiency of your glass as well. Layered glass sealed with argon gas is used with all window frame materials, and it has a lifespan of 20 years. That means that your window frames could potentially outlast your glass, but replacement is relatively uncomplicated and usually recommended around the same time. If you’re looking to update the face of your house, vinyl also comes in a wide range of styles, which gives you ample options when it’s time to remodel. 

How it all stacks up

When all is said and done, vinyl is a strong, reliable option. Its durability is unmatched. It’s the most cost-effective material, too, offering a good combination of energy efficiency and a low price tag. Low maintenance, durable, and with a long lifespan, it’s easy to understand why the popularity of vinyl is rising.