I put Andersen Terratone windows in my first house in 1978 and they're still there. What happens is that technology improves the efficiency of windows, so the old regular insulated glass unit wouldn't be as efficient as the newer low "E" glass with argon between the panes.
That being said, there have been an inordinate number of crappy vinyl window producers that stay in business a few years and disappear due to lousy product. You'd be lucky if they lasted 10 years.
Even my old Andersen windows could be upgraded by replacing the sashes to the newer technology.
The point is go with a quality company from the start, if you're making that sort of investment in your house.
Ron

I have a PDF document that I found online that seems to uncover the dirty little secrets of vinyl windows. It's a lengthy document that explains their weak points, but what they can do to the structure they're installed in. Quite interesting. Let me know if you're interested in it.

The cheapest of modern windows won't even last 10 years.

The problem is largely that modern windows use materials and construction methods that have to be backed up by a sizable manufacturing infrastructure. It's like the difference between a wooden, horse-drawn buggy and a modern car. The horse-drawn buggy is built from and can be repaired with ubiquitous materials and simple tools, whereas a car is a conglomeration of highly specialized parts that come from big factories, built with very expensive machinery. A wooden window can be maintained with common hand tools, paint, rope, glazing compound and glass cut to size at the local hardware store. Whole new sashes can be built from scratch with simple woodworking machinery. Modern windows are full of parts you have to replace rather than maintain, and many of those parts are not standardized. Unless you want to start thinking of windows as a sort of disposable component of your house, buy them from a company that will still be around when you need parts.

That makes sense. When we first remodeled nine years ago we installed Kolbe & Kolbe, which my GC likes very much, wooden frames with special coating on the exterior. The coating has a ten year guarantee and we see no sign of failure yet. This time around we are installing some picture windows so we'll stick to the same manufacturer.

I am not impressed with vinyl anything. Even vinyl photo albums degrade your photographs. I hear bad things about the outgassing and pollution. My policy is to avoid plastics anytime they are just the cheaper option, and only use them when they are actually the functionally superior option. It cuts my plastic use down to about a quarter of what it used to be.

If in future I ever find myself restoring or remodeling another old house, I think I'll keep and restore the original windows and get wood framed storm windows, rather than replacing them as we did with this house. We live and learn.

Rosefolly

This is only my opinion / preference, but I would much rather do simple maintenance than to have to replace the entire unit. This disposable culture we're in is just ridiculous.

Rosefolly, Your statement "If in future I ever find myself restoring or remodeling another old house, I think I'll keep and restore the original windows and get wood framed storm windows, rather than replacing them as we did with this house. We live and learn" is so key. IN addition, if you are restoring a 100 or so year old home, the original windows LOOK right in the home. New windows just don't cut it...IMO. And, on top of it all, wood is the best insulator of the choices available.

braytonak, You are so right about the disposable culture.

The best windows for your home are the originals (in most cases) they are "custom" - Replacement window industry has done a great job marketing - but when you think about it - how have windows that are 30,40,50 yrs old in my case 75 yrs still performing - single pane & all. 2yrs ago I had the Window Doctor - rehab every one of our double hung windows - new parting strips, ropes, re-weighted where necessary - worth every penny!

We had alum triple track storms upstairs old, by PO & wood storms on 1st level - I had the house painted this spring & caved & put all new Harvey triple tract on all the windows

Good luck

We bought a 1912 era home 18 years ago. Luckily most of the windows are original but not all. We have scrimped and saved to replace the ugly aluminum windows our otherwise beautiful house sported. We replaced four windows 5 years ago for quite a bit of money and recently replaced three more windows for $4,400. (!!) Fiberglass outside, wood inside. They are custom made by Milguard and match the originals. We have two more aluminum windows to go. I would have given anything to have found the originals in the shed but no such luck.

I don't like vinyl and am all for repairing etc. but in many areas you can't find anyone to fix old windows much less restore them. And I can' t do it myself.

If you start with a high quality product and do your part (seasonal maintenance) most "quality" windows will last your lifetime.

Most window failures that I witness in the field are due to

Improper installation
Lack of homeowner maintenance.

Window repair companies are out there but can be upwards of $75 per hour plus parts.

Michael