So you’re thinking about undertaking a window repair project?
When considering repairing your old windows or hiring someone to repair them, remember that all of your windows were probably built at the same time. Some of them may have problems now and that means the rest don’t have problems…yet.
If the repair you’re envisioning is pretty straightforward or if you’re dead set on getting your old windows fixed or repaired we’ll give you as much info as we can to get you started.
We’ll be covering the following types of repairs first. Just let us know if there is any other type of window or glass repair you’d like us to tackle.
- Repairing cloudy or foggy glass
- Replacing broken glass
- Fixing sagging windows
- Fixing windows that won’t lock
- Window screen repair and replacement
Important tip: Your window repair project will be MUCH easier if you know who the original manufacturer is. If you know that you’ll be able to order the exact parts that you need and you’ll be able to order additional items if you break anything along the way. You also MIGHT still have a warranty, which would be a pretty great bonus.
Unfortunately, many manufacturers deliberately do not put their name on the products so that once the original purchases sells the house the new folks have no idea who to call.
DO THIS FIRST: Try to find the manufacturer of your windows
You can find more interesting info on window reviews and window installations just in case you start thinking repairs might not be worth the trouble…
Is it possible to repair a cloudy vinyl window panel (Gorell – bankrupt) or must it be replaced. Can it be replaced by a panel from another manufacturer? How do you resolve this issue if at all?
This is another great question. Maybe we’ll start a FAQ section after we get through all of the reviews…
The short answer is that you certainly can replace the glass in any window, but it isn’t as simple as it may seem. You should be able to find a company that offers insulated glass repair/replacement in your area. These companies also typically offer custom mirrors and shower doors (all custom glass products). I would expect for a typical window pane the cost should be in the $200-$400 range including the labor to replace it. Notice that you need to replace the entire insulated glass unit whether it be double pane or triple pane. There is no way to replace just one piece of glass in the sealed unit.
The trick is that in order to remove the old unit you (or the company you hire) need to remove the old glazing bead. This is a small piece of vinyl that goes around the glass. It will be either on the inside or the outside (but not both) and you’ll be able to see the seam where it attaches to the sash.
When replacing glass in older windows there is a chance that this piece snaps or cracks when it comes out and then there is no good way to replace it. It was a specific part manufactured by Gorell and it is not the same as a similar part from another company. If it breaks you’re out of luck.
I would suggest attempting this on a warmer day rather than a colder day as the vinyl will be less brittle. Be very careful removing that piece and the rest is easy. Once you have the glazing bead removed you can see the edges of the glass. This will let you get accurate measurements of the width and height, but you still need to measure the overall thickness. They make fancy laser tools for this but if you’re just doing one it’s probably not worth the cost. You can pick up a caliper tool at Home Depot or the glass company you find might sell you one.
Once you have the width, height and thickness you order the new insulated glass piece and it should take 10 days or so to be produced.
There will be a glazing tape or silicone caulking holding the glass to the sash and you can cut through that with a putty knife. Don’t worry about being rough with the old glass as you’re going to throw it away anyway. Just be sure to wear heavy gloves as this raw glass will cut you long before you know it. Way back when I worked in the window plant there were times I cut myself without realizing it and just kept on working until I noticed blood on the table. It’s sharp.
Once you get the old glass out you clean all of the old gunk off of the sash, apply a bead of silicone caulking (or glazing tape if you have it) and press in the new glass. Then snap in the old glazing bead that you successfully removed and you’re done.
If you’re thinking this sounds easier that it will be you’re probably right. By the 20th time you do it you’ll be a pro, but the first time might take a little while.
Keep in mind that when one has failed that typically tells you that the others will start to fail soon. You’ll notice the cost of $200-$400 is similar to the cost of new windows. It would be worth considering just replacing it with a new window. I know that’s not the answer most folks want to hear, but from a purely financial perspective it may make sense. This is especially true if you have several windows to repair.
We hope that helps and be sure to let us know how it goes!
Regular maintenance can help you better assess the state of your windows. If you notice any deterioration, you can take quick steps to remedy the situation. You might want to contact a professional to inspect your windows and make suggestions about repair or replacement.
Yeah. Always try someone who is an expert to these type works.
Yeah. Window replacement should be done with proper care. A simple mistake can cost you a lot. Finding the best installer is also very important. Always try to hire a licensed installer like Clera windows in Canada. We got their help to replace the windows. Please note that the details about license and insurance can be verified by asking to see the contractor’s certificates.
would appreciate advice on
(a) whether to replace rotting wood sills with pvc if the rest of the wood window is structurally functional and intact, or to replace the whole window;
(b) what to ascertain from contractors before sill replacement – aside from whether they would be able to remove all wood, need to remove the actual window
(c) how long wood windows can last if maintained, if there’s anything else to do for the wood besides caulk/paint, how often this needs to be done.
Let’s see:
a. There’s typically no need to use PVC or an Azek type product. Once the wood is replaced it should be sealed up and protected so it’ll last.
b. Anyone in the window business can replace a sill. This comes up all the time. If they seem unsure you should find another company.
c. Nice new wood windows can last quite a while. The cheap wood windows that builders use can start to fail after 8-10 years. That’s when we typically start getting calls for window replacement.
re: question (b), my question is whether the whole sill can be extricated from where it meets the bottom parts of the window (where there are multiple irregular vertical surfaces), or whether the window needs to come out then be reinserted. not sure if this makes sense…
will adequate caulking and painting enable wood windows to avoid moisture issues? any other preventive maintenance requirements?
Yes, the whole sill can be replaced without replacing the whole frame. This is pretty common in the window business.
No, wood windows don’t require any additional maintenance. Most folks get a clad exterior so no painting is required at all.
Thanks for sharing this! There is a huge crack in my living room window, and I want to get it repaired as soon as possible. It sounds like if I want to do replacement, I would need to find the manufacturer. I’ll just try finding the manufacturer brand and then call a repair company to make an assessment.
Windows are something we use everyday without much thought. When one breaks, that is when we start thinking about them. As windows age, they tend to lose their ability to seal air in and out. When doing window repairs, I would want to go with a professional since not many people know how to replace windows on their own.
Probably shouldn’t be a deal breaker, but it does make a difference. We made a video showing the differences on our YouTube page. You can find it here. Be sure to click subscribe to get all of the latest videos, we have some new video reviews in the works.
The slider mechanisms on our CertainTeed windows have deteriorated making it difficult to open and especially close our double hung windows. It seems a waste to replace good windows. Can they be repaired? I saw an article on this last night but I can’t find it this morning. The second problem is how do we remove torn screens?
The balance mechanisms can be replaced, you’ll just need to track down the right ones.
it was a bit tricky but i got it done. Prefer to look at the demonstration video again. Thyis is tyhe last springs i have.
regards
Anton Wiefkers
Can the vinyl glazing strips be replaced? We had a hail storm recently and many of our windows have busted up strips. These are the original builder grade windows in a home built in 2000. My in-laws house also got the same type of damage and their house was built in 1996. I don’t know the manufacturer for either set of windows. I am assuming with how old they are, it will be hard to find parts and if we do, there will be quite a color difference between old and new white vinyl.
Hi Randy, yes without knowing the manufacturer it’ll be about impossible to find new glazing bead that will fit.
My father-in-law’s windows are Viking. He did some research and they were bought by Pella. He ordered some glazing bead from them, but they didn’t fit right. So, he’s going to try to get insurance to pay for replacing the affected windows.
I found out from a neighbor that our windows are Amsco. Anyways, it is a moot point for us, since insurance will pay to replace them due to the frame damage. I just placed an order with you for the Revere Berkshire Elite windows through your Window Universe Express program. For our 11 storm damaged windows and the patio door, your price was $2,042 better than the other quote that we were considering (Amerimax from Colorado Window Source) and they seem to be a better window. Thanks for answering the tons of questions that I threw at you. Looking forward to getting our new windows.
Silverline 9500 vinyl windows were installed 8yrs ago in our CBS home to get impact resistance and insulation.
Upon investigating swollen drywall under window during interior painting a leak was found.
Home Depot Installer attached the bottom of the window to building with flat head TapCon screws. The 5 screws were installed in the trough beneath the exterior/ upper sash and sealed by an adhesive sealant blob around each projecting screw head. The scuppers don’t drain the trough.The trough leaks.
Install specifications for the window call for screws to be in the trough beneath the inner/ lower window with pan head fasteners.
Whatever the cause , the only solution I can think of is to seal the trough and slope it to drain to the scuppers. Does anyone have any suggestion as to how to do that ?
My wife was telling me that we need to get a few of our windows replaced before winter, and I was curious about how you would find someone. I really like that you say to have them come in on a warmer day and install them. It sounds like we will have to get it done before the chills come.
Where do you live? I may know someone who can help out.
My husband accidentally hit our window resulting to some cracks on it. He called me to look for a glass repair service provider so it can immediately be fixed. And it really helped when you said that we should find the manufacturer of our window first. I’ll certainly be doing that, thanks!
I like your point about how your window repair project will be much easier if you know who the original manufacturer is. Recently, my youngest son was playing baseball in our backyard and broke one of our kitchen windows. I will keep your advice in mind when looking for a glass repair service provider.
I had a bit of a mishap the other day and I accidentally cracked one of my windows. I would like to get it replaced as I don’t want it to shatter on me. As you said here, it would be wise to find out the manufacturer of the windows as that would be beneficial to whoever is doing the repairs.
You’ve got great tips for window care here. I like how you said that it’s good to find the manufacturer of our windows. We need some repairs done, so I’ll do that before anything.
The most important thing to keep in mind when it comes to getting a house window repaired is to try and see if you can find the original installer of the windows that came with the house since they’re the ones that know best how to be able to reinstall any broken windows if there are any. Another thing to keep in mind is knowing who the original manufacturer of the window is if you really want to replace the window with the exact same thing so that it looks like nothing had changed much after repairs are done. While I have no experience with changing windows, at least it helps that I could find where my original windows came from so that I can at least get the exact same thing back up after the repair jobs are done.
Great suggestion. Finding the original manufacturer isn’t always easy, but it is absolutely the best way to repair an older window.
It’s good to know that if you replace one window it’s probably a good idea to replace every window. My brother has an older house, and one of the windows in his living room is starting to sag. I’ll pass this information along to him so that he can look into his options for replacing every window to prevent that sagging from happening to his other windows as well.
Hey , Nice Content, Very informative article.
Thanks!
That was a really good tip that you mentioned that your repair project will be a lot easier if you know who the original manufacturer is. I have been in need of a glass repair after some kids had the classic baseball window scenario right out of a movie with my home. I’d love to get in touch with a good service provider in my area.
the facts have been discussed is really important. Thank you so much for sharing a great post.
It was helpful when you said that you should find the manufacturer of your windows. My home has very old windows and are in need of getting repaired because of damage over the years. I’m not someone who is good a fixing things, so I might hire a professional. I’ll make sure to keep these tips in mind if I do end up fixing my windows on my own.
Glad we could help!
I’m glad you said to know who the original manufacturer is because my window broke the other day. I’ll have to look at it and see if I can figure that out. Maybe my dad can help me. He’s really good with that kind of stuff.
Thanks for sharing hat you can make your window repair project easier if you know who manufactured it. My son broke our back window last night. I’ll look into getting it repaired but I’ll try to find out who manufactured it so I can get it done easier.