Are Old Windows Still Safe to Use if Not Leaking or Cracked

May 7, 2021 | Windows

Home » Are Old Windows Still Safe to Use if Not Leaking or Cracked

At Rusco Windows, we get asked a lot of questions about when people should replace or upgrade their windows. However, one question that we hear repeatedly deserves extra attention since it can be easily overlooked. That question is “Are my old windows safe to use?” The answer might surprise you.

Consider the Materials of Your Windows & Frames

If you examine your windows and notice the frames are damaged or suspect that the casing is painted with lead-based paint, your windows may require immediate attention (see https://www.epa.gov/lead/protect-your-family-sources-lead) It is possible to remove the paint and get the lead portion removed and replaced. If your home was built prior to 1978, our professional installers will test for lead before installation.

Consider the Maintenance History of Your Windows

Window maintenance is something that the vast majority of homeowners and renters neglect. Windows need more care than a quick wipe down of the windowpanes once or twice a year is. The better the window is maintained throughout its lifetime, the longer the window will last. Windows can survive 20 to 25 years, or longer, with proper maintenance. If you know that the window has not been properly maintained and is older than 20 years, you are better off contacting a professional like us to come out and perform a visual inspection of the window.

Is It Time to Upgrade Your Windows?

Windows, like most things, have gotten better over time. Today, we have double and triple-paned windows, new technology, and energy-efficient windows. One example is the addition of Argon gas, which improves thermal insulation and helps maintain better cooling and heating efficiency due to the gas acting as an additional insulation layer.

Contact Rusco Windows today to learn more about your windows and whether they are safe to continue to use or not. We can also answer all your questions regarding current windows brands and styles. Together we can help you make sure that your home has all of the protection and beauty that it deserves!

Contact Rusco Windows & Doors to Learn More

Name(Required)
Would you like to receive text messages from Rusco?
I'd like to receive updates about Rusco at the phone number provided. Note: Messaging frequency may vary and data rates may apply. Reply Help for assistance or STOP to cancel.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

How to Prepare Your Home for Window and Door Installation

Installing new windows or doors is one of those home upgrades that feels like a fresh start. Better insulation, improved security, and an instant curb appeal boost—what’s not to love? But before the crew rolls up with power tools, a little preparation can go a long...

Understanding the Different Types of Roofing Materials

What’s the one thing standing between your family and a rainstorm? Hint: it’s not your umbrella. It’s your roof. And while we may not give it much thought when skies are clear, the right roofing material can make all the difference when the weather turns. Selecting...

Customizing Your Windows: Styles and Features to Consider

Windows are more than just portals to sunlight and backyard views. They shape your home’s personality, improve energy efficiency, and enhance curb appeal. If you plan to replace old windows or design a new build, customizing your windows can make a big difference in...

Common Parts of a House Exterior

Even if you’re a seasoned property manager or have owned and maintained your home for years, it can be difficult to know all the parts of a house exterior.  It may seem overwhelming to learn about the exterior of the house, which is why our team at Rusco has put...

Choosing the Right Entry Door to Boost Your Home’s Curb Appeal

Have you ever judged a house by its door? Most people do (whether they realize it or not). Your front door is more than a functional slab of material. It’s the smile of your home, the first hello to every guest, and a subtle indicator of what may be inside. So, is...

How to Inspect Your Windows for Storm Damage

Storms don’t always announce their damage with a bang. Sometimes it’s a slow leak, a hidden draft, or a barely noticeable crack that becomes a major headache later. After a heavy storm rolls through, inspecting your windows isn’t just a precaution; it’s a necessity....

Dangers of Hiring Storm-chasing Construction Crews

These types of contractors typically descend upon a neighborhood or area in the wake of a severe storm. Especially one involving hail and/or wind damage. The process usually works like this. You hear a knock at your door, and a stranger is there claiming to be a...

Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Roof

If your roof could talk, it might whisper “Help” whenever it rains. Most homeowners don’t give much thought to their roof until there’s a leak; by then, it’s often not just the roof that needs attention. You could be looking at damaged ceilings, insulation problems,...

How Windows Can Affect Your Home’s Insulation

Have you ever wondered why your home feels like an icebox in winter and a sauna in summer despite your HVAC system working overtime? The culprit may not be your heating and cooling system but your windows. Heat gain and loss through your windows usually account for...

Signs You Need to Upgrade Your Front Door

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, up to 30% of your home’s cooling and heating energy is lost through inefficient doors and windows. That’s more than a dent in your utility bills; it’s a complete budget ambush, and your front door may be the ringleader....