Original windows vs modern

[Account Closed]

Howdy BP team - I’m buying a home in ATX as a primary that I’ll likely rent out in a few years. The home was built in the 50’s and still has original windows installed, most of which have been painted shut for energy efficiency. 

I’m thinking about replacing the windows with more modern, efficient and functional windows but everyone seems to coo over the notion of original windows. I didn’t think windows from the 50’s would be noteworthy enough but I’ll admit my ignorance. 

Would I be destroying value (real or perceived) by updating or replacing these windows?

[Dan H.]

Originally posted by @Seth Borman:

In general the old wood windows will last for another hundred years. Vinyl windows will last about 20-30. You won't really save any money with vinyl windows in the long run. It's a short term proposition.

That said, restoring wood windows takes a lot of work. It's kind of fun, though, if you're into that sort of thing.

I think it interesting you think vinyl windows have a life of only 20 to 30 years.  I live and have rentals in a mild climate area, but I have never seen a vinyl window that looks close to end of life (not including physical damage).  Aluminum sliding windows the tracks decay in my area in ~40-50 years.  The aluminum casement windows last longer.  With maintenance, in my area, casement windows from the 1950s are still usable but they are all single pane (inefficient) so they are being replaced.  This is not really due to window failure (as is the case with the track windows).  

The place we purchased many of our vinyl windows from have a lifetime warrantee.  Ours vinyl windows that are almost 20 years old, look and function similarly as when installed (but again I am in a mild climate area).  I think I am expecting at least 50 years in my market and if the window supplier is still in business they will get stuck replacing them.