Year-End Home Review: Grading Your Windows and Doors

End of year is a natural time for home assessment — and because window and door decisions involve both safety and significant investment, a structured approach beats a vague "I should do something about those windows." Here's a framework we use when walking homes with new customers.

The Five Questions

For each window and door, ask:

1. Is it impact-rated? If you don't know, assume it isn't unless you have documentation saying otherwise.
2. Does it seal properly? No drafts, no visible gaps, locks and latches engage fully.
3. Is the glass intact? No chips, cracks, failed seals (indicated by fogging between panes), or significant scratches.
4. Is the frame in good condition? No visible corrosion, warping, soft spots, or damaged sections.
5. Does it operate correctly? Opens, closes, and locks as intended without sticking or requiring excessive force.

How to Score

Five "yes" answers: pass. Continue with annual maintenance. Four "yes" answers: monitor closely, plan maintenance. Three or fewer "yes" answers — or any "no" to question 1: this window or door belongs on a replacement list.

Triage the List

Not every imperfect window needs to be replaced immediately. Prioritize:

• Large openings (sliding glass doors, picture windows) — highest structural risk in storms
• Primary entry points (front door, back door, garage) — highest security and storm exposure
• Bedrooms — safety egress in emergencies, plus occupant exposure during sleep
• Secondary rooms — lower priority, address after the above

What to Do with Your List

If you have five or more windows and doors on your replacement list, a full-home project will be more cost-effective than addressing them piecemeal — we can bundle permitting, staging, and labor. If you have one or two critical openings, a targeted replacement makes sense. Either way, calling us in December or January means you're protected before June 1.