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In short, it depends. After 20 years, the glass in your windows is less energy efficient, which can cause increased electricity bills. You might also see signs of water damage or natural wear and tear over the years. However, with proper maintenance, some window frames can last up to 50 years, so you may only need to replace the glass to save on energy. 

At the same time, window replacement is a major investment, so replacing the glass in rooms most impacted by outdoor temperatures is one way to avoid going all-in to replace your windows.

Replacing basement windows can be worth the cost if replacement is necessary. If your windows are leaking and leading to water damage in your basement, it’s absolutely worth replacing them. Similarly, if your basement windows are no longer insulating your basement or pose a security risk, you need to replace them.

In some cases, you may be able to save money by repairing a window instead of replacing it. A contractor can help you decide the right course of action.

You can choose 5/8-inch plywood or 3/4-inch plywood—anything thinner than these sizes may not withstand the impact of debris propelled by strong winds or can be easily torn off by intruders. Remember that the durability of the wood board is crucial, particularly for safeguarding your windows during severe storms. The effectiveness of using wood boards for protecting the investment you made in your home relies on using the appropriate material and ensuring proper installation.

You will need about half of a caulking cartridge to caulk one window. The average home has eight to 10 windows, so you would need about 4 or 5 cartridges to caulk every window in an average-sized house. However, you may not need to caulk all the windows at once. If just one window has a pesky draft, you may only need half of a cartridge to fill in the gaps.