When Should You Replace Your Windows?

The short answer: replace your windows when repair can no longer fix the underlying problem — a failed glass seal, a rotted or warped frame, or single-pane glass in a home you plan to keep long-term. Cosmetic wear, a stuck lock, or worn weatherstripping usually doesn't require full replacement.

The clearest signal: a failed seal

If you see permanent haze or condensation trapped between the glass panes, that's a failed insulated-glass unit seal. It's not dirt, and cleaning won't fix it. Once the seal fails, the insulating gas has escaped and moisture has gotten in — the glass unit (or the window) needs replacing.

Structural signals

Soft, discolored, or visibly warped frame material — especially on wood windows — points to moisture damage that repair alone won't resolve. A window that's noticeably out of square, or one where you can see daylight around the frame when it's closed, is in the same category.

What doesn't necessarily mean replace

A stuck lock, worn weatherstripping, a broken sash cord or balance, or peeling paint on an otherwise sound wood frame are all commonly repairable. If the frame itself is structurally fine, a repair is often the more cost-effective fix — see our guide on repair vs. replacement for how to make that call.

Age as a factor, not a rule

There's no fixed expiration date, but most double-pane windows perform well for 20–30 years before seals and hardware start failing at a higher rate. Original single-pane windows in older Indianapolis homes are well past that point regardless of visible condition, and typically justify replacement on efficiency grounds alone.