5 Indications Your Windows are Old

You purchased your home several years ago and only had a short conversation with the previous owner when you were sitting down to sign the contracts. You didn’t think to ask the age of the windows, but you do know the home is at least 40 years old.

From the look of things, even when you moved in you noticed that those windows looked worn out, cracked, and old. While that may make it easy to realize when windows in your home are getting old, it can be a bit more difficult, especially if they are the vinyl and don’t show the same signs of wear and tear you might find from wood framed windows.

Here are five signs that could very well indicate that your windows are getting old and need to be replaced.

1. They look old.

The older something is, the more likely it will carry its age in its appearance. If you notice those windows look old, it’s a pretty good indicator that they are.

2. They don’t open or close easily.

Good quality, newer windows open quite easily, especially compared to older windows. Even if they look similar to the styles today, older windows can become corroded, collect dust and dirt along the tracks, and become difficult to open.

Wood windows may have been painted over several times, which can make it difficult to open and close.

3. The glass is pitted.

When the glass becomes pitted, it could be from many different factors. Age is one of the most common, but it can also be the result of dirt that collects on the exterior portion of the glass and becomes caked or baked onto it by the sun. It can also be caused by a failure of the seal between the glazing of the window itself.

4. You have no idea how old they are.

If you don’t have a clue how old the windows are in your home, it’s a pretty good indication they are old. Windows should be replaced at least every 15 years, if not sooner, depending on the quality and brand that are in place now.

5. The windows have become drafty.

You could be losing a lot of heat during the winter, thus costing you money you shouldn’t have to spend. If the windows are drafty, it could be due to a number of things, but it’s more likely the result of windows simply being old.