When it comes to home repairs or upgrades, windows are typically not one of the most exciting projects to undertake. Windows don’t bring the excitement of designing your dream kitchen or remodeling an outdated bathroom, but quality home windows can do wonders for the curb appeal of your home, not to mention your energy bills.
When you have windows that are cracked or scratched, foggy, don’t open, and let in hot or cold air depending on the season, it might be time to consider repairing or replacing your windows.
It might be difficult to determine which is best for your home. Use this guide to help you decide if you need window repair or window replacement.
Window Repair vs. Window Replacement
One of the first things to consider when deciding between purchasing replacement windows or repairing a window is the age of your home, the type of window, and the damage or issue you are having.
Repair
Windows on holder homes are surprisingly easier to repair than replace. This is because older windows tend to be simpler than newer ones. Repair will typically be less expensive than replacement.
If you have cracked windows or broken glass, you can typically replace the glass (called the sash) without replacing the entire window. On single-pane windows, if you have broken muntins or mullions (these are the vertical and horizontal dividers you might see on windows), you can simply repair them.
Stuck sashes, slow sashes, and window casings can all also be repaired rather than replaced, saving you quite a bit of money. Minor water leaks can also be repaired. You might even be able to DIY that repair, depending on your level of comfort.
Replace
The lifespan of windows is usually about 20 years, so if you are nearing the end of this time period, it might be time to consider replacing them.
Certain types of windows can’t easily be replaced either, such as double- or triple-paned, sealed windows. Some of the newer windows cannot be repaired at all, so you don’t have a choice between repair or replacement.
Other situations when you should replace your windows include structural issues, fog or condensation on the inside of the window panes, windows that allow a large amount of water to leak into your home, and windows with rotted wood or mold.
Call a Window Repair Company
Whether you need window repair or window replacement, you’ll likely need a window repair company to come and inspect your windows and give you an assessment. They’ll be able to advise you on which route to take as well as provide you with an estimated cost for repair and/or replacement.
It’s wise to get multiple opinions and estimates too, to make sure that you are making the right decision. If you are concerned about your faulty windows, contact us at Atlantic Glass for a free quote. We perform window repairs and can also replace your windows if needed.
Thank you for explaining how you can replace the glass in your window without having to replace the entire thing if it’s cracked. My son’s had a small accident while playing yesterday and cracked one of our windows. I’ll be sure to talk to someone about getting the glass replaced to see if it’s an option that we can take advantage of.
I liked learning that minor water leaks in your windows can be easily repaired. There is a window in my older sister’s dining room that has a small leak letting in water when it rains. I’ll suggest that she hire repair professionals to fix the leak in the next couple of days.
It’s great that you elaborated on how they’ll be able to provide you with advice on the best course of action and an approximate cost estimate for repair and/or replacement. My room’s vinyl windows are now degrading swiftly, therefore I wish to get new ones. I liked the information you offered in your post about replacement windows. I’ll be sure to get in touch with a home window installation firm because I’m eager to have one.
It was an amazing read! Repairs are only sometimes feasible if the damage to the window is not extensive. If you only need to replace one or two window panes and there are no severe issues with the frames, a repair may be a reasonable option. For example, if only one pane is broken or damaged, you can disassemble and replace it. In such cases, a repair might suffice, but window replacement is typically the best long-term solution for severe damage.
Phew! You have no idea how relieved I was after discovering that glass that has shattered may usually be replaced separately from the windows. My bedroom window suffers from minor cracks as a result of last night’s sudden hailstone rain. Oh well, I’ll simply employ a glass company to give it a fix.
Oh! well-explained info.
I appreciate you detailing how to replace damaged window glass without having to replace the complete window. My son yesterday accidentally cracked one of our windows while playing. I’ll be sure to inquire about having the glass replaced to determine whether this is a choice we can make.