What You Need to Know About Vinyl Replacement Windows for Your Home

Get familiar with vinyl replacement windows and increase curb appeal for your Wilmington home

Nothing dampens curb appeal and worsens your energy bill like old, drafty windows. Sooner or later, your Wilmington home’s vinyl windows will need to be repaired or replaced. When that day comes, it helps to know what to look for and how to replace broken vinyl windows quickly and easily.

But just when do vinyl windows need to be replaced? More importantly, where can you get vinyl replacement windows that fit perfectly with your home’s existing architecture and aesthetic? Read on to discover the answers to both of these questions and more.

How long do vinyl windows last?

Vinyl windows feature frames made of polyvinyl chloride or PVC. That's the same durable material used to make PVC pipes, house siding, and even certain types of doors.

While vinyl is among the sturdiest window materials, it isn’t invulnerable. Over time, your vinyl window frames will become worn down, warped, or otherwise damaged. Most vinyl windows last for between 20 and 40 years. That's quite a big range of possible lifespans, so let's take a look at some factors that can impact vinyl window durability for more accurate estimates.

Factors that affect vinyl window durability

For starters, how often your window frames are exposed to sunlight affects how long they’ll last. Vinyl windows break down more quickly if they sit in the sun for most of the day. Energy-efficient windows that are shielded by the shade, meanwhile, are more likely to last longer.

Other factors that can affect your vinyl windows’ lifespan include:

• Weather – The more your vinyl windows are rained or snowed on, the faster they’ll degrade. Since Wilmington gets a whopping 57.61 inches of rain per year on average, exposed vinyl windows might not last up to the 40-year mark.
• Insects – Ants, cockroaches, mosquitoes, fleas, bedbugs, and any other common pest insects can do a number on your vinyl window frames.
• Cleanliness – To keep your vinyl windows looking great for decades, clean them with soap and regular water occasionally. Otherwise, all that debris could cake on and gradually warp their frames over time.

When to replace vinyl windows

Say that you’ve had vinyl windows for 30 years, right in the middle of their average lifespan. How can you tell when it’s time to start shopping for replacements? In truth, there are several big signs you can’t miss.

When vinyl windows are hard to open or close

If you like opening your sliding vinyl windows to let in some fresh air from time to time but find them hard to open or close, it's time for a new set. Windows that are hard to open or close might have warped or suffered structural damage that compromises their shapes and seals. That leads to the next big sign…

When you feel drafts or hear noise through vinyl windows

If one or more of your vinyl windows lets in cool or hot air when they shouldn't, or when you hear incessant noise from the street, it usually means the windows need to go. Old windows that no longer fit into the walls have warped or broken, or the glass panes might have suffered small cracks near the sides. In either case, getting new vinyl windows is the best way to solve these issues ASAP.

When condensation builds up in vinyl windows

When condensation builds up between the glass panes, it’s a surefire sign that your vinyl windows’ seals have been compromised, too. Condensation buildup looks bad, is annoying to wipe away all the time, and can make your home look a lot older than it actually is.

When your energy bill has skyrocketed

If you take a look at your energy bill for the month only to find that it's much higher than you expected, it might be due to a draft. Drafty windows let hot or cold air escape in the winter and summer, respectively, so your heater or AC system has to work double time to keep your home temperature controlled. That's bad news for your utility bill and the environment.

When vinyl window frames are warped, chipped, or damaged

Of course, you’ll also know that it’s time to replace your vinyl windows if you can see visible damage. If a wet sponge or scrubbing rag takes care of most of the mess, it’s no big deal. But if the frames are chipped or cracking, for example, it might be time to give your home a facelift and purchase a new set of single-hung or other windows altogether.

How to replace old vinyl windows

By far, the best way to replace old vinyl windows is to visit knowledgeable window replacement specialists. Window retailer showrooms should have many different replacement windows for you to examine. Plus, seeing new windows up close and personal could help you ensure a given set looks perfect before buying.

One last tip – if possible, purchase vinyl replacement windows with limited lifetime warranties. A warranty will protect your wallet if your new vinyl windows don't last as long as your old ones or if they accrue damage over time. Fortunately, Window World of the Port City’s showroom has just the vinyl windows for you, and they come with excellent warranties. Our repair specialists are ready and waiting to help, so visit us today!