Windows: lifespan and cost
Windows are both an upkeep and an energy question. The table shows how long different windows last and what a replacement usually costs per window.
The ranges apply to a normal house. Actual cost depends on size, access and region. Lifespan means technical lifespan with normal upkeep.
| Component | Lifespan | Replacement cost |
|---|---|---|
| Wooden windows | 40 yrs (30-60) | 8 000-18 000 kr |
| Wood-aluminium windows | 45 yrs (35-60) | 10 000-22 000 kr |
| PVC windows | 35 yrs (25-45) | 6 000-14 000 kr |
| Insulated glazing units | 30 yrs (20-40) | 4 000-9 000 kr |
How long does a window last?
A well-maintained wooden window can last a very long time, longer than many modern windows, because it can be renovated piece by piece. PVC and wood-aluminium windows need less care but cannot be repaired the same way once they are spent. The insulated glazing units in the window have their own, shorter life and may need replacing even when the frame is sound.
What does replacing windows cost?
The price is usually per window and depends on size, type and whether the whole frame is replaced or only the glass. Replacing every window in a house at once is a large item, but often lowers heating costs. The cost in the table is for one normal-sized window, fitted.
What the age of the house tells you
Some build years carry known risks for exactly these parts. Here are the most common ones.
PCB in sealant Houses built 1950–1975
PCB was used in the sealant around windows and in facade elements.
Post-war reconstruction house (material shortage) Houses built 1945–1955
Reconstruction-era house — simple build standard, often due for an upgrade.
Is it worth renovating old windows instead of replacing?
Often yes, if the timber is sound. Older windows in heartwood are made to be re-puttied and painted, and a renovation is cheaper than new. If the frames are rotten, replacement pays off better.
What does condensation between the panes mean?
Condensation inside a sealed unit means it has failed and lost its insulating gas. The unit then needs replacing. It says nothing about the frame, which can be perfectly fine.
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