When Is It Time To Replace Condominium Windows?

Should window units in condos be replaced after 15 years? Well, that depends on the condition of the window units. Windows units are replaced for a number of reason normally associated with cost effectiveness.

For example, if the cost of repairs to restore the windows to a satisfactory performance level is greater than the replacement cost, then common sense dictates that they should be replaced.

Also, a change in technology, such as the advent of thermopane units, may make it advantageous to replace older singlepaned windows with thermopane units.

The quality of the materials used in the manufacture of the original window frames and the cost of maintaining good performance could mean a shorter economic service life making replacement of your windows necessary after about 15 years.

Another reason to replace windows would be if they were of good quality, but poorly installed and deteriorated prematurely. For example, wood-framed windows not properly protected could develop wood rot within the first five to 10 years after installation and if this wood rot is not identified and fixed in the early stages, it may be widespread and more economical to replace the windows than repair them.

All condominium corporations now require a reserve fund study to be carried out. The engineering firm carrying out that study would have had a responsibility to evaluate the condition of your window units and estimate their remaining economic service life and, in this way, identify an approximate time when they should be replaced.

If you are concerned either that the window units are being unnecessarily replaced, or that while it is necessary to replace them they shouldn't have to be replaced this soon, discuss this matter with your board of directors. Ask them to obtain clarification from the consultant who prepared your reserve fund study as to why the window units are being considered for replacement at this time