Is it Better to Repair or Replace Windows?

The cost of window replacement is right up there along with kitchen renovations and roofing work; even knowing these inevitabilities when entering into the game of homeownership, it can take a bit of expert window therapy to help you make this decision.

Sometimes the choice between repairing a window or replacing it is easily made. If your windows are of a lesser quality, with single panes, or an older modern style with insulated glass units (IGUs) whose broken seals are allowing fogging, the decision should be to replace the windows.

Here is a quick list of ‘pro’ and ‘cons’ of replacing or repairing various window components.

Is it better to repair or replace windows because of rotted frames or sashes?

Rot results from water plumping the wood where the paint has cracked or worn away over time. Mould sets in, and the organic wood frames and sashes deteriorate.

REPLACE the whole window because of rotted frames or sashes when:

• If you have wood frames and the window is of lesser quality, it is an easy decision to replace the whole window if the sashes and frames are rotted. It is the only thing to do.
• Make sure you read the post ’10 Reasons You Should Consider Replacing all Your Windows at Once.’

You are more likely to replace a newer wood-framed window than one that was manufactured from stable, old-growth wood. It will take much longer for a painted finish to crack or wear when applied to a stable and tighter-grained old-growth wood.

REPAIR rotted frames or sashes when:

• If it is a heritage-style home, you may be able to justify the repair costs to a specific component, in which case, you should look for an experienced carpenter that can properly recreate your heritage window.

Is it better to repair or replace windows because of broken glass?

The romantic idea of a baseball through a single pane of glass is no more. All modern windows have insulated glass units (IGUs) requiring the replacement of the complete sash.

REPLACE the whole window because of broken glass when:

• Because of a modern window’s insulated glass unit (IGU), it is difficult to replace only one pane; the whole element needs to be replaced. Consider the cost of replacing that unit against the cost and advantages of a whole new window.
• It is best to consider whether it has broken because of pressure due to structural issues or water leaks. A new window can allow for those problems to be addressed.

REPAIR broken glass when:

• A pane of glass is relatively easy to replace on vintage windows or single pane glass, either by you or a window glazier.

Is it better to repair or replace windows because of broken seals?

Broken window seals result in condensation, visible fogging and allow cold air into your home. Windows facing south and west are subjected to the most heat and will result in failed seals before the seals of windows on the north and east sides of your home. Never use a high-pressure washer to clean the outside of your windows. The water is sure to enter around the edges.

If you have a double or triple-paned window, the glass panes are held in place by sealing material. Made from a kind of polymer, a ‘seal’ resembles a gummy material. Temperature changes cause window seals to expand and contract, degrading them over time. 

REPLACE the whole window because of broken seals when:

• If it is a lesser quality vinyl window, you can replace seals, but if condensation has gained access for an amount of time, it may have warped the vinyl frame.
• If you have several windows with neglected, broken seals that are causing frame damage or cracking glass, it is a great time to replace all of the windows at once.

REPAIR broken seals when:

• Depending on the quality of the window, you may have a 2-10-year warranty that covers the replacement of your insulated glass unit (IGU).
• You might not have a warranty any longer but if the IGU can be easily replaced, either ordered from the window manufacturer or measured and built by a glass fabricating company, the cost might make sense. Professional technicians should measure and replace the sealed units.

Is it better to repair or replace windows because of stuck window sashes?

Has it been many years since you have opened certain windows in your home? If the window is vintage, the inability to open it prevents the cleaning of the interior panes making it hard to see the world outdoors.

A cross breeze of fresh air throughout the house is not only pleasant, it is also vital during the winter months when carbon monoxide can build up from furnace usage.

REPLACE the whole window because of stuck window sashes when:

• If it is a modern window with warped frames and sashes, it cannot be fixed.
• Vintage windows need someone who loves them to keep up with repairs. That person may not be you. In this case, the best thing you can do is replace the window with a beautifully functioning new one that matches your vintage home.

REPAIR stuck window sashes when:

• If your vintage windows are made from old-growth wood, it can be a labour of love to scrape away years of poorly applied paint to allow the lower element to raise and lower. If the sash weight cord is broken, it can be repaired, or a stick can charmingly hold it open.

Spring is the time of year to look into window repairs or replacements. Visit Forest City Windows.ca for an easy and free estimate to replace one or all of your windows.