The Lifespan of a Window and Door- What You Should Consider When Looking At Windows & Doors

When building a home, windows are not always among the most thoroughly researched products. Often, the primary consideration is price. Homeowners know they need windows and doors, and they typically focus on how large they want them to be and how many they want in each room. However, factors such as installation methods, material selection, and climate suitability are often overlooked. Those decisions are frequently left to the builder.

One important question that is often overlooked is: How long should windows and doors last?

When building a new home, most people are not thinking about when they will need to replace their windows and doors. At Access Window and Door Design Centre, however, longevity is at the forefront of every product we design and manufacture. We believe windows and doors should last a minimum of 50 years, and we engineer our products to meet that expectation. A great deal of effort goes into air sealing, water management, and the internal components of our products. However, the most important factor in the long-term performance of any window is proper installation. Even the highest-quality window can fail prematurely if it is not installed correctly. Poor installation can reduce a window’s lifespan from decades to as little as five to ten years.

New Builds Vs. Replacements.

The ideal installation scenario is during a new build, before exterior finishes have been applied. This provides installers with full access to the wall assembly and allows them to properly integrate the windows into the building envelope. A window performs more functions than almost any other component on a home. It must provide structural integrity, thermal performance, moisture management, ventilation, and natural light. Because of these many responsibilities, proper installation is essential.

In our experience, replacement window installations are rarely done correctly. Consider a home with a stucco exterior. To remove and replace a window, the stucco surrounding it often must be cut away. During this process, the cutting blade can easily damage the house wrap behind the stucco. Since the house wrap serves as a critical moisture barrier, protecting the home from the elements, any damage compromises the integrity of the wall system. The most common repair is to seal the damaged area with caulking. The problem is that caulking is not intended to last forever. Over time, it can crack, shrink, or separate, allowing moisture to penetrate the wall assembly. This can lead to hidden water damage that may go unnoticed for years.

Another common practice during replacement window installations is the use of a brickmould, an exterior trim piece that frames the window and conceals the gap between the window and the exterior cladding. While brickmould can provide an attractive finished appearance, it also introduces another component that expands and contracts independently from the window frame as temperatures fluctuate. Over time, this movement can create small gaps between the brickmould and the window frame, allowing moisture to enter. Water infiltration can cause damage within the wall cavity long before there are any visible signs on the surface. As moisture accumulates, mould growth can develop, potentially leading to structural deterioration and compromised indoor air quality.

We have included an image below of a wall that was opened only a few years after replacement windows with brickmould had been installed. The damage we discovered was extensive. Needless to say, the homeowner was shocked by what was hidden behind the wall.

Not all Windows are Created Equal

With so many window and door options available, choosing the right product can feel overwhelming. Wood, aluminum, fibreglass, PVC. How do you know which material is best? While each material has its place, no single conventional material is ideal for every application or climate. At Access Window and Door Design Centre, we have simplified the decision-making process by designing products that perform exceptionally well in virtually any climate.

Our designs utilize REHAU profiles and an advanced material known as RAU-FIPRO, which combines modern technology, design flexibility, and outstanding thermal performance. REHAU transformed the extrusion industry by combining the benefits of fibreglass-reinforced materials with the advantages of PVC while minimizing the drawbacks of both. The result is a premium window system engineered for durability, energy efficiency, and long-term reliability. RAU-FIPRO features a high-performance uPVC outer layer, allowing the frame corners to be fully welded, while the reinforced core provides exceptional structural strength. Welded corners significantly reduce the risk of joints separating due to expansion and contraction, helping maintain a secure, weather-resistant seal throughout the life of the window. The result is a product that is stronger, more stable, and designed to outlast many competing window and door systems, regardless of climate or temperature extremes.

Built to Last

Superior materials are only part of the equation. What truly sets Access products apart is the expertise and attention to detail behind them. From engineering and manufacturing to testing and quality control, every stage of development is focused on producing windows and doors that deliver exceptional performance for decades. This commitment allows us to confidently stand behind the longevity of our products.

For more information, be sure to read our blog: “High-Quality North American Windows vs. Imports: Is There Really a Difference?“