Window repair: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What window repair is

Window repair fixes windows that stick, will not stay open, leak air or water, or have cracked glass. A pro replaces cracked panes, repairs sticky sashes, swaps broken balances, fixes failed seals and damaged frames, and replaces worn weatherstripping. People call when a window will not open or close smoothly, fogs between the panes, or lets in drafts.

Signs you need it

  • A double-pane window is fogged or has moisture between the glass panes, which often means the seal has failed
  • The sash drops when you open it, or will not stay up on its own
  • The window glass is cracked, chipped or broken, from impact or stress
  • Drafts come through the window frame or around the sash when it is closed
  • Water leaks into the sill or runs down the inside of the glass in wet weather
  • The lock does not engage or the sash binds in the frame

What the pro does

  • Check the sash, the frame, the balance and the seal for wear, rot and breakage
  • Replace a failed glass unit or cracked pane with one that matches the size and the glazing
  • Replace broken balances or spring tensions, and reset the sash to run smoothly
  • Repair or replace the sash cords, locks and the tilt mechanism, where the window has them
  • Install new weatherstripping and check the seal against drafts
  • Test each window through a full open, close and lock cycle, and check the seal and the sill for water

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • Type of window, such as double-hung, casement, sliding or a specialty shape
  • Whether the glass unit or the whole sash must be replaced
  • Frame condition, including rot, water damage and warped sashes
  • Number of windows and the height and access from the outside
  • Balance system type, such as spring, cord or tilt latch
  • Energy-efficient glass or special coatings chosen for the replacement

What a written quote should spell out

  • Window type, size, the sash style and the glazing type
  • Each repair item by name, such as glass unit, balance, seal or weatherstripping
  • Whether frame repair or rot repair is included
  • Glass specification, including coatings and whether it is tempered or laminated where needed
  • Warranty on the parts and the labor, in writing

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Is the fog between the panes a failed seal, and do you replace the whole glass unit?
  • What type of balance does the window use, and do you replace both sides?
  • Will you check the frame for rot and water damage before the repair?
  • What glass specification do you use, and does it match my existing windows?
  • Do you test the lock and the weather seal before you leave?
  • Who handles any exterior trim or caulking after the repair?
  • Does your warranty cover the glass seal and the balance?

Red flags

  • A glass unit replaced without checking the frame for rot or water damage
  • A balance replaced on one side only without checking the other
  • Replacement glass that does not match the thickness or the type of the old glass
  • A window left with a broken lock or a sash that does not seal
  • A quote that names no glass specification or balance type

What you can do yourself

You can clean the tracks, lubricate the sash runners with a silicone spray, check the weatherstripping for cracks, and clear the drain holes in the sill. In a home built before lead paint was banned, sanding or scraping old window paint can release lead dust, so ask a pro about lead-safe methods. Do not remove a sash from its frame or work on a spring balance under tension, since the spring can release with force. Call a pro for broken glass, failed seals, balances, rot or any window that is out of square.

Licenses and permits

Window repair is often not licensed as a trade, but some areas require a contractor registration for paid work, and window replacement that changes the opening or the framing can need a permit. Check with your state or local licensing agency and building department before the work starts.

Window repair questions

Why is there fog between my window panes?

Fog between the panes means the seal has failed and moisture is inside the glass unit. The glass unit usually has to be replaced, since the fog cannot be wiped away.

Can a sticky window be fixed without replacing it?

Often, yes. Sticky sashes are frequently cleaned, lubricated and adjusted. If the frame has racked or rotted, the window may need a rebuild or replacement.

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About this guide

This national guide is written and checked by infinibell. Rules and conditions differ by place, so local pros are credited on guides for the cities they serve, not on national ones.

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