Age Isn’t Just a Number When It’s Time for Window Replacement

Oct 26, 2023

Our windows give us light and fresh air, which can boost energy levels, reduce stress, and increase overall happiness. So, if windows are important for our health, shouldn’t their health be just as important to us?

“The lifespan of windows is about 15-20 years,” said Wendy Cline, co-owner of J & B Construction. “Factors like weather elements and the level of maintenance can affect the life of your windows.”

Wendy suggests that the lifespan of your windows is probably up if you see one or more of the following:

Damage Because of Exposure to the Elements

Especially in locations that see four seasons, windows go through a lot—harsh winds, rains, freezing temperatures, and strong UV rays. There are four signs that the elements were just too strong for your windows:

Cracks and Dents: Not only are cracks and dents eyesores, but they are also leaking energy from your home.
Warped Glass: “Misshapen glass can cause several problems, a few of which are leaks and drafts,” Wendy said. “More likely than not, warped glass is difficult to repair. An entire window replacement may be necessary.”
Foggy Glass: If windows are becoming difficult to look through, it may be a sign that the window seal is broken.
Decaying Window Frames and Sills: If your frames and sills have become exposed to moisture, it can lead to a decay of the frames due to rot and mold. “Decaying frames can lead to structural damage if they are not addressed,” said Wendy.

Condensation

A collection of water droplets of water when humid air meets a cold surface, condensation happens most often in between the glass panes of windows. “Windowpanes are often separated by a seal to reduce heat transfer. When that seal breaks, moisture forms on the inside of the outer pane, which can lead to mold and mildew,” Wendy said. “A cracked seal is a telltale sign that it’s time to replace windows.”

Single-Paned Windows

If your house was built or updated around the 1960s, it’s possible the windows are single-paned, a popular style during that period. “Single-paned windows offer little to no insulation and lack energy efficiency,” said Wendy. “Today’s windows are made with two or three panes, which can reduce your carbon footprint, increase home value, and most importantly, lower energy bills.”

Poor Operation of Windows

When windows are worn and damaged, it takes a fair amount of effort to open and close them. They may jam or close too quickly when the parts have gone through wear and tear. “Every window should have a sufficient lock, not only to act as a seal, but also for security reasons,” Wendy said. “If it doesn’t, it’s time to get window that function properly.”

J & B Construction, based in Germantown, provides homeowners throughout southeastern Wisconsin only the best replacement windows from some of the industry’s most trusted manufacturers—Pella and Marvin. These replacement windows offer beauty, durability, and energy efficiency. To get started replacing your windows, contact J & B Construction at 262-437-0537.

Enjoy Peace Of Mind

The only complaint I have is when I have J&B do my roof in another 30 years or so, is Dave their sales man (a great guy) would not guaranty I could get the same great crew I had this time. They did a fantastic job. Much better than the last roofing company did. A nice bunch of guys. Did a very nice job cleaning up. I'd give them 10 stars but 5 is the limit. If you need a roof done this is the company you want to do it. One more point I need to make. The guys that did the chimney flashing are artists. I went up on the roof when they were done and was very pleased with not only the roofing job but the sculptured sheet metal work. It's kind of a shame it's on the roof and not hanging on the family room wall :). You get the point. Hire em. You'll like em.

Dave H

We live in a historic designated neighborhood and recently had our 30 year wood shingle roof replaced with another wood roof and new gutters. From Day 1 of the project to the final day, the entire team was responsive, professional, and very competent. When some minor changes were proposed by us they quickly and effortlessly complied. After going through this experience with J&B, I would highly recommend them to anyone considering a roof and gutter replacement, whether it be a simple or complicated project.

John Lamb

J & B did an amazing job from start to finish. The initial meeting at my home took place exactly at the time that was agreed upon and Scott was thorough in his explanations and transparent about costs. When the time came to begin the project, the team that showed up was friendly, professional and timely in getting the project done. The cleanup afterward was such that it looked like they hadn't been there at all. The roof looks great, there were no surprises and Scott came by to inspect the work and explain the warranty upon job completion. I would highly recommend them.

Kenneth Simons

My neighbor had their roof replaced and I was really impressed with the speed, carefulness and quality of the work I saw. Asked her for her experience and she told me she would highly recommend J & B. I called Scott to set an appointment. He showed up on time and was very thorough in his assessment, also letting me know about some other issues and advise on where to get help. J & B is a fantastic company to deal with - their people are incredibly careful about the work they do, clean up and leave the property in the same condition as when they started, were careful about plants and the house, and work very efficiently. The office staff is great about following up, checking in and very responsive to anything that comes up. I was happy with the price charged. If you are looking to replace your roof, you should be calling J & B to get the job done.

David W.

We had work done by the J&B team at a commercial property and were very pleased with the whole process. Their estimator met us onsite and communicated with us every step of the way. They went over the scope in detail and the work performed exceeded what we were expecting. They found some additional concerns during the installation that were quickly addressed and communicated to us and to our surprise, there was not an additional charge. Our tenants reached out to share how respectful the employees were during the installation and how clean everything was left afterwards. As the project was wrapped up, we were walked through the completion paperwork and provided the warranty information. Very impressed with the professionalism of this company and would not hesitate to refer their services or use them again in the future.

Jessie C.