Signs It's Time to Replace Your Commercial Windows and Doors

Darnell Dietrich
Dec 15, 2025
7 min read

You should look at your commercial windows and doors often. If you ignore problems, your energy bills can go up. Safety can also become a problem. Drafts can make you use more energy. You might use up to 30% more energy. The table below shows how much you can save. You can save money by replacing old windows and doors.

Energy Cost Reduction	Source
10-40%	AeroSeal Corp
9% lower operating costs in green buildings	AeroSeal Corp

You should ask experts for help. This can keep your property safe and save energy.

Key Takeaways

Check your commercial windows and doors often. Watch for signs of age, damage, drafts, or water inside the glass. Finding problems early can save you money. It can also make your building safer.

Think about getting new windows and doors if yours are old. New ones can help save energy. They can lower your energy bills by up to 30%. This makes your building better for the environment.

Pick a professional to put in your windows and doors. An expert will make sure they fit right. This helps save energy. It also helps your windows and doors last longer and stay safe.

Key Signs for Commercial Windows and Doors

Age and Lifespan

It is important to know how old your windows and doors are. Most commercial windows last about 20 to 30 years. Vinyl windows usually last around 20 years. Double-pane windows can last from 8 to 20 years. Commercial doors last between 10 and 30 years. If your windows or doors are older, you should think about getting new ones. Old windows and doors do not protect your building well. They also do not help keep energy costs down.

Vinyl windows: average lifespan of 20 years
Double-pane windows: lifespan ranges from 8 to 20 years
Commercial doors: lifespan of 10 to 30 years

Visible Damage

Check your windows and doors for cracks, chips, scratches, or warping. These problems can make your building less safe. Damaged windows and doors can attract people who want to break in. They also show that the building is not cared for. Broken glass or frames can make it hard to use emergency exits. If you see these problems, you should fix them soon.

Cracks in the glass
Chips along the edges
Warping of the frame
Scratches and peeling

If you wait too long, damage can get worse. This can lead to more crime and expensive repairs.

Drafts and Air Leaks

Drafts and air leaks make your building feel uncomfortable. They make your heating and cooling systems work harder. Air leaks can use up to 40% of the energy for heating and cooling. Drafts can make energy use go up by 10–25%. Leaky windows and doors let in outside air, dust, and humidity. This can make the air inside worse and raise your bills.

Drafts happen when there are gaps or pressure changes.
Cold glass can cause water drops and moisture problems.

Condensation Issues

Condensation on windows and doors means there is a problem. It happens when warm, wet air touches cold surfaces. High humidity and bad airflow make it worse. Old windows with poor insulation have more condensation.

Cause	Explanation
Differences in temperature	Warm, moist air meeting cold surfaces leads to condensation, especially during seasonal changes.
Humidity levels	High indoor humidity from activities like cooking and showering increases condensation risk.
Poor ventilation	Inadequate ventilation traps moist air, causing buildup on windows.
Window quality and insulation	Older, poorly insulated windows are more prone to condensation than newer, well-sealed ones.

If condensation stays, it can cause mold, rot, and damage. Water can get into window seals, frames, and walls. This can cause warping and cost a lot to fix.

Note: Mold and mildew from condensation can make the air inside worse and hurt your health.

Difficulty Operating

Windows and doors should open and close without trouble. If they are hard to use, you may need new ones. Old windows often stick or jam. They can slow down your business and make things unsafe.

Operational Difficulty	Description
Difficulty in Operation	Older windows may become hard to open or close, requiring excessive effort.
Obstructed windows	Can create safety hazards, impacting employee and customer safety.
Energy Inefficiency	Weak seals and outdated designs lead to higher energy costs.
Excessive Noise Pollution	Less sound insulation means more noise from outside.

If you cover windows or doors for safety, fewer people may come in. Easy-to-use windows and doors keep workers safe and help your business.

Outdated Appearance

Old windows and doors can make your building look bad. New designs use clean lines, big glass panels, and strong materials. New windows and doors can make your property worth up to 7% more. People like buildings with new features and better comfort.

Impact Area	Description
Market Valuation Increase	Properties with upgraded windows saw a 7% increase in market valuation due to improved energy performance.
Tenant Retention	Improved comfort led to decreased tenant turnover and higher lease renewal rates.
Energy Efficiency	High-performance windows enhance energy efficiency, a priority for tenants.

New windows use triple-pane glass, insulated frames, and green materials. Big windows and glass doors make spaces bright and connect inside and outside.

Increased Energy Bills

If your energy bills keep going up, your windows and doors might be the reason. Old or broken windows and doors let heat out in winter and in during summer. Energy-efficient replacements keep heat in or out and lower bills. The money you save can pay for the new windows and doors. You might also get rebates and tax credits if you upgrade.

Energy-efficient doors and windows use less energy and cost less.
New windows make your property worth more and attract buyers.

You should look at your energy bills and compare them to last year. If you see a big jump, think about getting new commercial windows and doors.

Why Timely Replacement Matters

Energy Efficiency

You can save money on energy bills with new windows and doors. These new models keep warm or cool air inside your building. The Department of Energy says up to 30% of heating and cooling energy can escape through windows. If you use energy-efficient commercial windows and doors, you can save about 25% to 30% on energy costs. Double or triple-pane glass and Low-E coatings help stop energy from escaping. These upgrades also help the environment by lowering your building’s impact.

Tip: If you get energy-efficient windows and doors, your utility bills can go down and your business can be more eco-friendly.

Safety and Security

Replacing old or broken windows and doors keeps your property and people safe. Old glass can break easily and hurt someone. Weak frames or old locks make it easier for someone to break in. New commercial windows and doors use strong materials and better security features. For example, reinforced glass and strong locks help stop break-ins and keep your building safe.

Feature	Benefit
Retrofit Security Glazing	Stops forced entry without losing style
Riot Glass	Adds a strong, nearly unbreakable barrier
Reinforced Frames	Protects against vandalism and theft

Building Value and Comfort

Getting new windows and doors makes your property worth more and feel better. New windows and doors keep out noise and make your building look new. Comfortable buildings bring in more tenants and customers. Studies show that new windows can make your property worth more and lower repair costs. You also avoid big repairs if you act early.

Better energy efficiency
Newer look
Lower repair costs
Higher property value

Note: Getting new commercial windows and doors is a smart choice because it makes your building safer, more comfortable, and saves you money.

What to Do Next

Repair vs. Replace

You might not know if you should fix or replace your commercial windows and doors. First, look at how old they are and what is wrong. If there is just a small crack, fixing it can be a good idea. But if there are many problems or the windows and doors are old, getting new ones can save you more money over time.

Here is a table that can help you make a choice:

Factor	Description
Type of glass	Some glass types are easier to repair, while others may need full replacement.
Complexity	Custom designs can cost more to fix or replace.
Extent of damage	Large or deep damage usually means you need new windows or doors.
Insurance coverage	Check if your insurance helps pay for repairs or replacement.
Timeline	Repairs are often faster, but big jobs may take longer.
Type of material	Some materials last longer and are easier to fix.

Think about energy savings too. New windows and doors can make your bills go down. If fixing them costs more than half the price of new ones, it is better to replace them. Fixing things again and again can cost more in the end.

Tip: If the window frame is still strong and only the glass is broken, you can fix it. If many parts are not working, it is better to get new windows or doors.

Choosing a Professional Partner

You want your commercial windows and doors to last a long time and work well. Pick a company that knows what they are doing. Look for these things:

Good work so windows and doors fit right and save energy
Knows how to work on commercial buildings for a perfect fit
Friendly customer service for easy talking and help
Choices that match your building’s look and needs
Safety features like strong glass and good locks
Energy-saving products to help you spend less

Experts make sure your windows and doors close tight and keep out air and water. They do the job safely and follow the rules for the warranty. McDowell Glass gives you all these good things. You get great service and results that last a long time.

You protect your building when you watch for signs of window and door problems. Acting quickly brings many benefits: