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Window Repair Contractors: IGU Glass Replacement & Hardware Fixes
Who This Is For
This guide helps homeowners who want to fix their windows without the high cost of full replacement. It is designed for residents in the Sun Belt dealing with foggy glass and homeowners in historic regions like Philadelphia and Denver looking to restore original wood sashes. It also explains the technical benefits of Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) replacement.
Key Takeaways
- Save Money: Replacing just the glass unit (IGU) costs significantly less than buying a new window frame and saves the same amount of energy.
- Solar Damage: Intense sun in Florida and Nevada causes solar pumping which destroys seals and leads to foggy glass.
- Historic Value: For homes in Pennsylvania and Colorado, repairing original wood sashes and weights often preserves more property value than installing cheap vinyl.
- Systemic Issues: Our data shows repair requests often involve nearly 6 windows at once. This indicates widespread seal failure rather than isolated breakage.
Searching for window repair contractors often feels like a trap. You call a company asking to fix a broken lock or a foggy pane and they send a salesperson to pitch you a whole house replacement costing thousands of dollars. It is frustrating to be sold a demolition project when you only need a mechanic.
The reality is that many windows can be saved. Whether you are dealing with failed seals in Florida or rotted sashes in Philadelphia, the repair option is legitimate and cost effective. You need a glazier or a restoration specialist, not a product salesperson. You need someone who understands that keeping your existing frames is often the smartest financial move you can make.
The IGU Swap: Fixing Foggy Glass
In states like Florida, Nevada, and Arizona, the primary complaint is not broken glass but foggy glass. You look through your window and it looks wet or milky inside. This means the seal has failed.
Understanding Solar Pumping
According to the Efficient Windows Collaborative, this failure is often caused by a process called solar pumping. In the desert sun, the air inside your double pane window heats up and expands, pushing against the seals. At night, it cools and contracts. Over thousands of cycles this movement creates microscopic gaps that suck in moisture.
The Solution: IGU Replacement
You do not need to rip out the frame to fix this. The solution is an IGU Replacement. A professional glazier measures the glass unit, orders a new double pane insert from the factory, and swaps it into your existing frame.
- Cost: This typically costs 50% less than a full window replacement.
- Speed: The work is done from the inside or outside often without disturbing your stucco or drywall.
- Efficiency: You get brand new Low-E glass that blocks heat just as well as a new window.
Historic Restoration: Philadelphia and Denver
In historic regions the math changes. If you own a 1920s home in Philadelphia or a Victorian in Denver, your original wood windows are part of the architectural value.
Repair vs. Replace
The National Park Service Preservation Brief 9 advises against replacing historic wood windows with vinyl. Old growth wood is denser and more rot resistant than modern lumber. When maintained properly with storm windows, they can be surprisingly energy efficient.
A true restoration contractor can:
- Replace Sash Cords: Fix the broken chains or ropes so the window stays open again.
- Epoxy Rotted Sills: Use structural epoxy to rebuild damaged wood instead of removing it.
- Weatherstrip: Route new channels into the sash to stop drafts.
This approach maintains the character of the home and is often the only option allowed in strict historic districts.
Systemic Failure: It Is Rarely Just One Window
Homeowners often think of repair as a small handyman job. However, our data at Mr. Remodel shows that the average repair request involves six windows.
This suggests that seal failure is systemic. If the south facing windows were all installed on the same day twenty years ago, they will all likely fail around the same time. Treating this as a bulk repair project allows you to negotiate better labor rates with your glazier. Replacing six IGUs in one visit is much more efficient than calling a contractor six separate times.
Codes and Safety Glazing
Even a simple glass repair must follow modern building codes. This is especially true in hurricane zones.
Florida Safety Rules
According to the Florida Building Code, replacing glass in certain locations triggers safety requirements. If the window is near a door, near the floor, or in a wet area like a bathroom, the new glass must be Tempered.
Tempered glass shatters into small safe pebbles rather than dangerous shards. Mr. Remodel will connect you with a legitimate repair contractor who will identify these hazardous locations and order the correct safety glass. An unlicensed handyman might install standard plate glass which puts your family at risk and violates code.
See Related: How to Find the Best Window Companies Orlando Offers
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the glass in my windows?
Yes. This is called an IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) replacement. If your frames are in good condition (vinyl or aluminum), a glazier can remove the foggy glass unit and install a new sealed one. This removes the condensation and restores energy efficiency for a fraction of the cost of a new window.
Is it worth repairing old wood windows?
Yes. For historic homes, repairing original wood windows is often the best choice for property value. The wood used 100 years ago is superior to modern wood. By adding weatherstripping and storm windows, you can achieve energy performance similar to a new window while keeping the historic look.
Why do my windows look foggy inside?
Foggy windows are caused by seal failure. The seal between the two panes of glass has broken, allowing moisture to enter. This is common in sunny climates due to thermal expansion. The only permanent fix is to replace the glass unit.
How much does window repair cost?
Costs vary by the type of repair. A simple balance or latch replacement might cost between $150 and $300 per window. Replacing an IGU (the glass) typically costs between $300 and $600 depending on the size and glass type. Historic sash restoration is more labor intensive and can cost more.
Fix Your Windows with Mr. Remodel’s Help
You do not have to accept the high pressure sales pitch for new windows. If your frames are solid, you have options. You can choose an IGU replacement to fix foggy glass in the Sun Belt. You can choose Sash Restoration to save your historic wood windows in the Northeast. By focusing on the specific failure point, you can save thousands of dollars and extend the life of your home.
Ready to fix your view? Let Mr. Remodel connect you with local glaziers and restoration experts who want to fix your windows, not just sell you new ones.
