How Long Will Replacement Windows Last in San Diego Homes?
Upgrading the windows in your San Diego home is a major investment! Fortunately, it’s an upgrade that you should only have to do once, even if you spend a lifetime in your home. There are some caveats, however, that you should definitely keep in mind before you decide which replacement windows to install in your San Diego home.
Differences in Frame Materials in Replacement Windows
There are basically four different materials from which window frames are made:
- Vinyl
- Fiberglass
- Wood
- Aluminum
Each of these materials has its pros and cons, but it’s important to note that the vast majority of replacement windows sold in San Diego have vinyl frames. Vinyl windows are chosen by most homeowners due to their energy efficiency, durability, and relative affordability. You can expect to get at least 20 years out of your vinyl replacement windows, and even more (up to 40 years) if you go with windows that use a high-quality vinyl blend.
Fiberglass windows can last up to 50 years, but they are significantly more expensive than their vinyl counterparts. Aluminum windows can also last 25 to 40 years, but aluminum as a frame material has fallen out of favor in recent years due to their inefficiency relative to vinyl and fiberglass windows.
Wood windows can last many years, but are highly dependent on the level of maintenance they receive. Properly maintained wood windows can last 100 years or more, but will require regular sealing and occasional repairs. Vinyl, fiberglass, and aluminum windows require very little maintenance, other than occasional cleaning.
Environment Matters with Replacement Windows in San Diego
How your replacement windows hold up over time is partially dependent on the environment of your home. In San Diego, living close to the ocean can definitely impact the lifespan of your windows. The salt air affects different materials differently, so it’s important to make a good selection with regard to your window frames.
Wood windows, while beautiful, are not a great choice for San Diego homes located near the coast. Keeping them looking good and performing well requires constant maintenance, since wood is subject to rot and damage from the salt air. Better choices are windows with fiberglass or vinyl frames. These materials hold up well to the salt air, resisting corrosion, warping, and rust.
Many homeowners near the coast opt for vinyl windows simply due to cost. Fiberglass windows offer homeowners a bit more when it comes to insulating properties, but since coastal San Diego cities don’t see the high temperatures that inland communities do, this isn’t typically a huge selling point.
The bigger issue with windows installed in coastal homes is that most manufacturers will have clauses in their warranties that exclude them from covering windows installed in homes near the ocean. If you want full coverage for your windows, you need to work with a replacement window company in San Diego like BM Windows that offer special coverage for their coastal customers.
Conclusion
When shopping for windows, it’s important to work with a replacement window company in San Diego that will take your situation and needs into account. There’s no one perfect window brand for every home. You may want the most durable windows on the market, while for others, a more budget-friendly, but less durable option may suffice.