Find a Dealer in Your AreaThe windows in your home do not last forever. Frequent use, sunlight, rain, and hail all take a toll on your windows. Which way they face on your home and how often they are opened can affect overall life. The materials used for the frames also have different lifespans. Composite windows generally outlast all other materials!
Average Window Lifespan by Material
Not all window frames are created equal. Here is the general breakdown of how long you can expect different window types to hold up. How long do composite windows last? Compared to other materials, 20-30 years longer on average.
| Window Material | Expected Lifespan | Pros/Cons |
| Vinyl | 20–40 Years | Low maintenance and durable, but can expand/contract in extreme heat. |
| Wood | 15–20 Years | Beautiful and insulating, but prone to rot if not painted/sealed regularly. |
| Aluminum | 15–20 Years | Very strong, but poor insulation (conducts heat/cold) and prone to corrosion. |
| Composite Windows | 30–50 Years | The “gold standard.” Extremely durable and mimics the look of wood. Also referred to as fiberglass windows. |
5 Signs It’s Time to Replace With Composite Windows
If your windows are hitting that 20-year mark, keep an eye out for these red flags. Usually, if you’re seeing more than one of these, a replacement is more cost-effective than a repair.
1. The “Foggy” Look (Blown Seals)
If you see condensation or streaks between the panes of glass that you can’t wipe away, the seal has failed. The insulating gas (usually Argon) has escaped, meaning your window is no longer doing its job to keep your home temperature in control.
2. Physical Decay and Rot
This is most common in wood frames. If the wood feels soft to the touch or you see visible mold and crumbling, the structural integrity is gone. Once rot starts, it can spread to the framing of your house.
3. Sky-High Energy Bills
If your HVAC system is working overtime but your house still feels “drafty,” your windows are likely the culprit. You can often test this by holding a lit incense stick near the frame; if the smoke dances, you’ve got a leak.
4. Operation Frustration
You shouldn’t need a workout routine just to open a window. If they are sticking, swollen shut, or won’t stay propped up, it’s a safety hazard—especially as an escape (egress) in the event of a fire.
5. Outside Noise is Getting Louder
Modern double pane windows are excellent at soundproofing. If you can suddenly hear your neighbor’s conversation or every car that passes by like you’re standing on the curb, your windows have lost their STC (sound transmission class) making them less effective at sound deadening.
Are Composite Windows Better Than Wood or Vinyl?
What is Composite any way? In the world of windows, composite refers to a frame made from a combination of two or more distinct materials—typically a mix of wood fibers and plastic polymers (like PVC).
The goal of a composite window is to “engineer out” the weaknesses of single-material frames. It aims to provide the structural strength and thermal insulation of wood without the high maintenance (rotting and painting), while offering the durability and weather resistance of vinyl without the tendency to warp or look “plastic.”
What Are Composite Windows Made Of?
Low Maintenance: Unlike solid wood, composites are generally rot-proof and fungal-resistant. Most come with factory-finished colors that never need to be scraped or repainted.
Wood-Plastic Blends: Many composites, like Andersen’s Fibrex, use reclaimed wood sawdust mixed with thermoplastic. This creates a material that is twice as stiff as vinyl, allowing for thinner frames and more glass area.
Fiberglass Composites: Infinity from Marvin uses Ultrex “pultruded fiberglass” (glass fibers saturated with resin). This is technically a composite that is extremely stable, meaning it won’t expand or contract much when the temperature swings from freezing to boiling.
Thermal Efficiency: Because they contain wood or thick resins, composite frames are excellent insulators. They don’t conduct heat or cold as easily as aluminum frames do.
Who Installs Composite Windows?
If you’re new to window shopping and are not yet familiar with The Window Experts, we conduct our business based on offering the Best Products, installing them using the Best Processes, and hiring and retaining the Best People.
What this means is that the products we offer are considered to be the best window and doors in their product line. Out best composite windows are from Infinity from Marvin. These are Pultrated Fiberglass Ultrex composite window. Stronger than other manufacturer’s composite materials. Stronger than Fibrex by Anderson. Stronger than Pella’s Impervia brand.
Moving to the installation process, we have perfected the art of window installation. This process starts with accessing your needs, careful measuring and estimating, error free ordering from the factory, storing and distributing to your home, and expert installation from our highly trained and experienced teams. Always a Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee on very window we sell and install.
Hate rude employees? Good. So do we. Our people are trained to be the most helpful and respectful employees empowered to please you, our client. You’ll never be treated poorly, regardless of the department you contact or concerns you may have.
Enhance Your Home With Expertly Crafted Replacement Windows
If you are ready to work with us, please call or complete one of our appointment request forms. Details of ongoing specials are a click away on our “special offers” button!