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Windows last between 15 and 30 years on average. The glass tends to last for around 20 years, while the frames last up to 50 years. This varies by the type of window frame material, glass quality, location, and level of maintenance. Wood frames have the shortest lifespan and require repainting or resealing every couple of years, while fiberglass has one of the longest lifespans.

Your new windows may let in more noise than your old windows because they are not the right size or they were installed improperly. Improper installation, or choosing windows that are too small for the opening, can create gaps around the window that let in noise.

Another factor could be the STC and OITC ratings. If your new windows have lower ratings than your old windows, this means they have lower performance when it comes to dampening noise from the outdoors.

On average, bay windows are three times as expensive as a standard double-hung window, so up-front cost is a major drawback. They also let in more natural light than most other types of windows, which can be a positive thing, but it can also lead to more aggressive fading and UV damage to furniture and flooring. Larger windows allow for more heat transfer, so bay windows tend to be less energy-efficient due to their size. Finally, window treatments for bay windows can be more challenging to find, and they’re more expensive than those you’d place over standard-sized windows.

Because egress windows are meant for emergency exiting and entering, they need to be an accessible size. The smallest an egress window is allowed to be is 15 inches in width and height, with an opening of around 4 square feet.