Window Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide What’s Ideal

Cracks, jammed windows, and rot… Yikes! No one wants a damaged window ruining the aesthetics of their home. Broken windows aren’t just an eyesore but are also quite dangerous. In case of rot or rusted hinges, they can get jammed, which prevents them from opening in an emergency.

Windows, when installed and maintained the right way, become a reliable source of comfort, provide aesthetic value, and lower your energy costs significantly. Yet, if you are starting to notice signs of wear and tear, it’s time to consider a viable solution.

Is repairing old windows enough? How can one identify the difference between windows that need repairing versus those that need complete replacement?

Repairs are quite effective when you want to extend an existing window’s lifespan. Yet, replacement can offer several long-term benefits such as improved insulation, increased property value, and a fresher look. Let’s explore some key factors to help you determine whether repair or replacement is the ideal choice for you!

Signs You Need to Repair Your Windows

Here are a few tell-tale signs you must consider repairing your windows;

1. Rot

Have you recently noticed rot beginning to form around your wooden window frames? Sashes and dividers around your windows can rot over time. This lets in air and moisture into your home. This usually occurs when the wood surrounding your windows isn’t primed or painted with the correct technique.

When this wood is exposed to humid and wet weather more often, it can begin to rot from within. Rot can easily be tackled at the start. Don’t let your window rot beyond repair. If it has just begun to deteriorate, invest in an expert who can remove the window and rebuild it.

2. Draft

Do your windows continuously let in a cold draft? Have you tried every solution under the sun to get that problem fixed? Perhaps it has crossed your mind to replace the window.

While air leaks and drafts have the worst impact on your energy bills, a simple repair is often enough to solve the problem. Even if you want to invest in new energy efficient windows throughout the house you would probably only save around 10% to 20% due to the upgrade.

Keep in mind that if you are repairing major gaps in the sashes, frames, or dividers using painter’s caulk or stripping, you are bound to achieve up to a 25% to 30% reduction in cost of energy that accumulates as a result of the air that seeps in through the windows.

3. Cracks

If you notice cracked or broken window panes, you don’t really need to replace the entire window. Single-pane windows are quite easy to repair yourself if you have the right kind of equipment at hand.

Do you have a multi-paned window that has developed a crack? In that case you might need to also invest in a sash replacement. That’s something an expert can evaluate on the spot!

4. Chipped Paint

Have you noticed chipped or peeling paint that puts you off every time you walk past that window? Although this might affect the aesthetics of your interior you can quite easily fix this yourself with a fresh coat of paint!

5. Broken Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and Mullions? What are those? Let us explain!

Simply put, these are pieces of wood that sit right in the middle of the panes of glass and often result in a cross-like pattern. Some Muntins and Mullions are purely decorative in nature while others are actually there to support the window panes. Real or faux, if they are chipped, peeling, or dented, they can be repaired without a complete replacement.

6. Jammed Windows

Windows that don’t open or close properly are definitely in dire need of window repair services. Windows that get stuck are a fire hazard. In some cases, older homes might have wood sashes or rusty hinges that impact the window’s ability to function well. Here are some common causes of jammed windows;

• Thick paint on the sash which leads to sticking
• Loose springs on the sash
• Sashes misaligned with the track
• Twisted window frames
• Rusty hinges and latches

When Do I Need a Window Replacement Service?

Although most problems with your windows can be solved with the help of a window repair expert, it is often wiser to replace the window instead. Here are some instances which require a replacement instead of a repair;

1. Cold Glass

Have you recently purchased an older home? Back in the day, single-pane windows were a lot more common. The easiest way to check whether you have single-pane windows is to touch the glass during the winter and check whether it is freezing.

Most homes built right after the 1950s have double or even triple panes added to the windows. They’re definitely not cold to the touch and they work well to keep your home warm during the winter without amping up your energy costs beyond a certain point.

2. Energy Bills

Are you being billed higher for your energy consumption than before despite no noticeable changes? Your windows could be a primary cause. Drafty windows can lead to a higher energy bill due to cold or warm air seeping in from the outside which affects the indoor temperature.

Installing energy efficient windows can help you save quite a lot of money by reducing those energy bills. For example, double pane windows make it easier for your HVAC system to keep your home warm during the winter.

3. Excessive Damage

Oftentimes there’s only one surefire way to deal with excessively damaged windows. Simply replace them! Here are a few instances that may need special attention;

• Severe frame rot or warping
• Multiple, large, spiderweb-like fractures in the glass
• Broken or failing seals (noticed through condensation or fogging between double or triple pane windows)
• Significant energy loss despite repairing window
• Severe impact damage due to storms, falling tree branches, burglaries, or vandalism
• Persistent mold, mildew, and interior wall damage

To Sum it Up

Confused whether a simple repair will do or if a total replacement is in order? This depends totally on the extent of the damage, energy loss concerns, and potential long-term costs.

Minor issues like smaller cracks, temporary jams, or small cracks can often be repaired. However, more severe issues such as rotting frames, broken seals, or significant structural damage might require full replacement. Weigh out the costs before you make your decision!