How long do windows last?
How long windows last
| Type | Published service life | Roots plans for |
|---|---|---|
| Aluminium windows | 15–20 years | Year 18 |
| Wood windows | 30+ years | Year 30 |
| Vinyl / fiberglass windows | 20–40 years | Year 30 |
Service life is a planning horizon, not an expiry date. It tells you when to start budgeting, get a second quote, and stop paying for repairs on something near the end — not the day it stops working.
Sources
- Aluminium windows: InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, cross-checked against the NAHB/Bank of America Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (February 2007) (Aluminum windows, 15 to 20 years).
- Wood windows: InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes, cross-checked against the NAHB/Bank of America Study of Life Expectancy of Home Components (February 2007) (wooden windows, upwards of 30 years).
- Vinyl / fiberglass windows: InterNACHI's Standard Estimated Life Expectancy Chart for Homes. Single source — NAHB gives figures for aluminium and wood windows but not vinyl.
Service-life figures are typical estimates drawn from published industry references. Where a second reference covers the component, the figure is cross-checked against it and any disagreement is set out above; where only one reference covers it, that is stated. Actual life varies with installation, water quality, climate, and maintenance, and these figures shouldn't be relied on for insurance, lending, or warranty decisions.
Maintenance is what decides where in the range you land
The published range is wide for a reason: two identical units, installed the same day, routinely fail years apart. What separates them is upkeep.
For windows, the tasks that matter most:
- Inspect window and door seals — Failed caulk and weatherstripping let water into walls and heat out of the house.
Roots tracks the age of every component in your home alongside the upkeep that extends it, so the replacement is a planned expense instead of an emergency.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do windows last?
- It depends on the material: Roots plans a replacement between year 18 and year 30, depending on which of 3 types you have.
- When should you replace windows?
- Roots plans between year 18 and year 30, depending on the material. Measure from installation, and treat it as a budgeting horizon rather than an expiry date.
Roots builds your home's maintenance plan automatically: every task above, timed to your home, with reminders and a Home Health Score that tracks your progress.
Get Roots free →