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Experts Talk Construction, Energy Efficiency and More

Spring is here and that means we want fresh air! It’s time to pop open windows, slide open patio doors and let the sunshine and breeze in.

However, before we relish in this new season, it’s time to assess the health of the aforementioned windows. Did they survive the winter and weather’s wear and tear, not to mention years long use?

As one of the most underappreciated items in our homes, windows hold a great deal of power in terms of resale and energy costs. Ensuring your windows are in tip top shape or determining replacement windows are necessary can be stressful and confusing.
How do you know it’s time to replace your windows? Do energy efficient windows really make a difference on home costs? What are current window trends?

We chatted with three area experts to find out.

Below, Tony Romenesko, Account Manager at Zuern Building Products & Design Center; Tyler Kiel, Sales Manager, Windows of Wisconsin; and Jon Marnati/Sales Manager at Renewal by Andersen talk construction, energy efficiency and more:

When Should Someone Consider Replacing Their Windows? 

TK: Consumers should consider replacing their windows when they become drafty, develop mold in the wood, or experience glass seal failure, leading to fogging between the panes. If there are no obvious issues such as rot, structural deterioration, or loss of functionality, the decision ultimately depends on what the homeowner is willing to tolerate daily, such as cold drafts, difficulty cleaning, or an unsightly appearance. Common reasons for replacement include cracked glass or seal failure, wood deterioration or rot, and operational issues like windows being painted shut. However, there is no set timeframe for window replacement, as regular maintenance—such as cleaning, staining, or painting—can help extend their lifespan.

JM: There are many factors that could indicate it’s time to look into replacing your windows. You may have recently noticed that one or more of your windows have become difficult to open, have started to rot/decay, or have become drafty. Maybe there’s too much sound pouring in from the street in front of your home, or condensation has begun building up between your double pane glass. Or, perhaps you noticed your energy bills had been steadily on the rise. These are all common problems and an indicator that it’s time for a window replacement.

As for a timeframe, that really depends on the framing material your windows are made of. Vinyl windows have the shortest lifespan, while well maintained wood windows as well as composite can last much longer.

TM: There are a few clear reasons for replacement – seal failures in the glass (when it’s cloudy between the panes), rotten wood and/or air and water leakage. Many issues could be related to the installation of your existing windows, so sometimes as long as you need to address those issues, it’s a good time to put a new one in. Before jumping right to replacement on more minor issues though, it’s a good idea to see if your problems could be fixed with maintenance like painting; or adjusting and lubricating hardware, panels or tracks that windows or doors slide in.

What Trends Are You Seeing Lately?

TK: Ebony (black) windows, especially without grids, are a popular trend for both interior and exterior designs. The Infinity from Marvin line is an excellent option due to its highly durable acrylic finish, which resists color fading far better than painted vinyl windows.

TM: There continues to be a trend towards using non-wood alternatives like vinyl, fiberglass or other composites. Dark colors, inside and out, remain very popular as well. In new homes, we continue to see the sizes of windows and doors increase with many homeowners looking to maximize daylight, views or access to the outdoors.

Energy Efficient Windows: How Do They Save a Homeowner Money?

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TK: Window energy ratings get a lot of attention, but overall construction matters more. Key factors include weather stripping and material expansion and contraction — vinyl expands and contracts 87% more than Marvin’s Ultrex fiberglass, and Fibrex expands and contracts 75% more. Most energy ratings focus on glass, but long-term durability is crucial, as vinyl doesn’t improve with age. Modern windows with Low E coatings and Argon gas enhance efficiency, comfort, and noise reduction, especially over single-pane windows. However, most homeowners replace windows due to drafts, not glass insulation. While energy savings vary, new windows improve comfort, ease of use, and peace of mind.

JM: Energy efficient windows will typically consist of a Double or triple pane window filled with an insulating gas, such as argon or krypton. Other factors such as Low-E coatings will also help with directing heat and cold during our different seasons. It is important to understand that there are several different qualities of glass and manufacturing methods that can directly impact both cost and energy efficiency.

TM: The vast majority of windows sold today have double-pane glass with LowE and Argon gas. They are very good at preventing temperature transfer from the outside and in. Because most manufacturers either use the same glass company or have similar specs, a lot of the variance from one brand to the other is through the non-glass materials in the window and the overall window design.

Triple-pane is a great option to bump that efficiency up a bit, though the payback to the homeowner is hard to quantify. The bigger benefit, in my eyes, is in condensation prevention – especially for wood interior windows. The interior pane on triple-pane glass is generally 5-10 degrees warmer than on double-pane and that can play a big role in preventing or reducing winter condensation.

What Are Some Myths About Replacing Windows?

TK: Some companies push homeowners to replace all their windows at once, but it’s better to prioritize the worst ones first if budget is a concern. Quality windows aren’t cheap, and cheap windows aren’t good. Misleading marketing tactics like “Buy 1, Get 1” or “Free Installation” often inflate retail prices to create the illusion of a deal—don’t fall for it. While new windows can improve efficiency, they won’t eliminate all condensation issues, which are caused by exterior temperatures and indoor humidity levels. Interior blinds can worsen the problem by restricting airflow to the glass.

JM: I think the largest myth is that if my windows are showing condensation then they must be failing and need to be replaced. The reality is that windows do not cause condensation and, at the same time, can’t eliminate condensation. Your windows are alerting you to excess humidity trapped in your home, telling you when you need to reduce the moisture level.

New windows will be better insulated, so indoor humidity can’t escape. The moisture that suddenly appears in cold weather on the interior or exterior of window and patio door glass can block the view, drip, or freeze on the glass. It can be an annoyance. While it may seem natural to blame the windows or doors, interior condensation is really an indication of excess humidity in the home. Exterior condensation, on the other hand, is a form of dew; the glass simply provides a surface on which moisture can condense. The condensation between the panes of glass, however, is an indication of a seal failure. What that means is that the seal holding the insulating gas between the panes of glass has failed, and the window should be replaced.

TM: Not all window companies employ pressure sales tactics and that “deal” they’re trying to lock you in at is nothing more than a trick to get you to hand over money as quickly as possible before you consider other options. There are companies and contractors that will respect you, your home and your time; educate you on your options and offer you an honest price on one window or a whole house – today or whenever you’re ready. On top of that, it’s usually true that you can get a lot better window at a better price by avoiding the most aggressive companies.

What’s One Thing Readers Should Know About Window Styles/Trends?

TK: Trends and styles will always change, but your home and project should reflect your preferences—especially if you plan to stay long-term. However, it’s important to keep resale value in mind, as overly bold choices could negatively impact your home’s worth. Exterior and interior colors are more flexible than ever, but if you’re not planning major changes, it’s best to match what you already have. Be true to yourself and your home.

JM: Know that you have several options available to you and you aren’t stuck with the current style of windows that you have. A design consultant can give you your options and help make your dream become a reality.

The quality of windows and materials on the market today vary widely and can directly impact the results you receive depending on your purchase. Remember to take into consideration not just functionality, but style, ease of operation, energy efficiency, and durability just to name a few. Some lower quality types of windows will come out of the box as an “energy star” window, but after a couple years of being exposed to the elements, would lose their energy efficiency rating and start to experience issues.

TM: While composite materials have seen the most growth in the industry over the last 20 years, wood interiors with maintenance-free exteriors (Clad-Wood) are still the gold standard when it comes to authenticity, fit and finish, highest quality components and design flexibility. The look- alikes all seem to fall short in one or all of these categories and wood interiors still make up a large percentage of our business. There have been many strides to make Clad-Wood windows perform much better than they have in years past and you can always mix-and-match materials in your home to get the most bang-for-your-buck in areas with higher design emphasis or where maintenance-free interiors outweigh the final look.