Do You Know When to Replace a Window?

Do you know when to replace a window? Knowing the best time to remove your old windows and get new ones can make a huge difference for your home’s safety and security. 

But, do you really need to replace your windows right now? Considering how significant a home improvement project impact window replacement can be, it’s understandable that you might feel some hesitation about replacing your windows right now.

However, the best time to replace your windows is almost always sooner rather than later. Impact windows are one of those preventative measures where it’s better to have it, and not need it, than to need it, and not have it.

In the middle of a major hurricane is not the right time to realize that you need new impact windows for your home. How can you tell when it’s the right time to replace a window?

Here are some ways that you can know you should replace your windows:

When to Replace a Window 1: If You Haven’t Replaced Your Windows in the Last 20 Years

Most windows have a useful life of about 20 years (sometimes less, sometimes more). The median age of homes throughout Florida varies from one county to another, but reporting featured by the St. Pete Catalyst noted: “that the median home age in Pinellas County is 45 years, the highest in Florida.” 

Meanwhile, Spectrum Bay News 9 reported that: “more than 50% of the homes purchased last year in the Tampa Bay area were more than 30 years old.” (Note, the article was published in August of 2025, so the statistic references 2024 data).

For many of these homes, the windows in the home when it is sold are the windows that have been in there since it was first built. And sometimes, that means the windows aren’t up to the current Florida Building Code (FBC) requirements. 

Why? Because, not only does the FBC itself undergo periodic revision to bring it in line with the latest version of the International Code Council (ICC) standards, but because the designated area for wind borne debris regions (WBDs) has expanded year-over-year. So, an area that wasn’t a WBD zone 10 or 20 years ago could be one now, meaning that while impact windows weren’t required when the house was built, they may be required now.

It’s important to note that you aren’t required to change your windows as soon as the FBC changes. Your home is ‘grandfathered in’ under the older requirements while you continue to live in it as a primary residence. However, it’s still a good idea to modernize to keep up with the most current safety standards. Also, if you do end up replacing your windows, the new windows will have to match the new code.

In short, if your home is more than twenty years old and it’s never had its windows replaced, it might be high time to get that service done! Either because the windows are nearing (or technically past) the end of their useful life, or because they’ve fallen out of FBC-mandated specifications.

When to Replace a Window 2: If The Glass is Cracked or Chipped

Sometimes, over the years, a window in a window opening may suddenly develop stress cracks for no apparent reason. 

It could be because of the building frame settling, causing the window opening to warp in such a way that the glass experiences more pressure than it can handle. It could be because Billy from three doors down hit a baseball that happened to catch your window head-on. Maybe the insulated glass unit (IGU) was overfilled with gas and exposed to too much heat during a recent heat wave, causing the air to expand and crack the glass.

There are any number of ways that an older window (especially a non-impact window) could develop a chip or crack in its glass. 

Regardless of the specific cause, cracked or chipped windows are a clear sign that your windows will need to be replaced.

Why are cracked/chipped windows such a big deal? Because, they’re a major liability in a storm.

Even a mild rainstorm could let moisture into the home if the window glass is cracked (especially if it’s a non-impact unit with only one pane of glass). The worst case scenario is what would happen during a major hurricane.

A cracked or even chipped glass pane would be much more susceptible to breaking outright in the face of a storm than an undamaged one. Even if that glass was tempered safety glass instead of annealed regular glass. The crack or chip is an irregularity in the surface of the glass that can serve as a stress point. When pushed on by 130+ mph winds or hit with flying debris, the crack or chip could cause the whole window pane to shatter.

When a window breaks during a storm, it allows the wind to enter the home directly. This creates sudden, catastrophic pressure changes. If wind is entering the home, it will push against the interior walls and the underside of your ceiling, massively amplifying the amount of stress that your home experiences from the incoming wind.

This can lead to internal walls collapsing, roof blowouts, and more. Even if the structure doesn’t outright collapse, a broken window lets in lots of moisture, storm debris, and pests, which can lead to other problems for your home like mold/mildew growth and infestations.

If a window is cracked, then it’s best to replace it as soon as humanly possible rather than putting it off, especially during hurricane season.

When to Replace a Window 3: If Your Windows Are Drafty

Windows that are older, haven’t been maintained properly, or just weren’t installed correctly in the first place may develop drafts. 

Cracks in the caulking around a window, a lack of insulation, or even misaligned window sashes can lead to air flowing through the window relatively freely despite it being closed. This is a huge problem for a couple of reasons.

First, air leaks often mean that outdoor moisture or pests have a way into your home, leading to infestations that persist regardless of how many times you call the exterminator. Once ants, termites, and other bugs find a way into your home, they’ll keep coming back.

The second major issue is that drafts can hurt your home’s energy efficiency. Drafty windows let hot air from the outdoors get into your home while allowing the cold, conditioned air to leak out. To keep your home cool, your AC will then have to work harder to pump in more cooled air, which will then leak, creating a vicious cycle that overtaxes your air conditioner. 

Not only does this run up your electricity bill, it can lead to extra wear and tear on your AC unit, meaning it will need to be repaired or replaced more quickly than it would have if your home was properly insulated.

If you have a noticeable draft near your windows, it’s probably a good idea to replace them sooner rather than later. 

When to Replace a Window 4: You’re Having Difficulty Operating Your Window

Have a window in the home that tends to stick when you try to open it or shut it? That could be an indicator of a bigger problem!

Windows that have misaligned sashes may stick when you try to open or close them, making it difficult to operate. Hanging and sliding windows might slide a bit, then stick. 

Casement and awning type windows might refuse to budge regardless of how much you turn the crank. This could be because of a broken crank mechanism, a rusted armature, or a bent latch.

Regardless of the issue, whether it’s a sash-to-frame misalignment or a total mechanical failure, you shouldn’t have to put up with stuck windows! If you’re having trouble getting your windows to open or close, it may be time to get them swapped out for new ones!

Why Now Is the Perfect Time to Replace Your Windows!

If your windows need to be replaced, there’s no time like the present!

The sooner you replace your old, worn-out windows, the sooner you can enjoy the energy efficiency benefits of having better-insulated windows, the protection of impact-resistant glazing, and the pride of knowing your new windows look amazing.

Additionally, you never know when a major storm will form near Florida and bring high winds and rain to your area. If you have impact windows protecting all of your window openings, you’ll be in a much better position than if you didn’t have new windows.

Safeguard your home, lock in current season prices, and start saving money on your monthly electric bill as soon as possible! Reach out to Karoly Windows & Doors to get started.