Repair first · Northern Virginia
Window Repair vs. Replacement: How to Decide
Most window problems are one failed part, and a failed part can be replaced. Fogged glass, a window that won't stay up, a lock that won't catch and a draft at the sash are all repairs. New windows make sense when the frame itself is rotted or warped, when one window has several problems at once, or when you want a different style.
Why we repair first
American Screen & Glass repairs windows in Northern Virginia homes, and the first question we ask is what's failed. A window is a frame, one or two sashes, the glass, and hardware like balances, latches, locks and weatherstripping. Each of those parts can be replaced on its own.
Replacing the part keeps the rest of your window, your interior trim and your exterior finish in place. It costs less. When a window is beyond repair, we'll tell you, and your estimate will show it plainly.
We repair all window brands, including Andersen, Pella, Marvin, JELD-WEN, Ply Gem, MW, Weather Shield, WinCore, Metal Industries, Simonton, West Window Corp, ProVia, Sunrise, Alside, Earthwise and Barbara & Ross. You don't need to know your window's brand or model before you call.
Repair or replace: the decision by symptom
| What you see | What's wrong | The fix | New window needed? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fog, haze or streaks between the panes | The seal between the panes has failed | A new insulated glass unit in your existing sash | No. Typically $1,000 less than a new window |
| Cracked or broken glass | The pane is damaged | New glass, single pane or insulated unit | No |
| Window won't stay up or slams down | Worn or broken balances | New balances | No |
| Sash falls in, won't tilt or won't sit in the track | Broken tilt latches or pivot bars | New tilt latches or pivots | No |
| Window won't lock | Broken sash lock or sashes out of line | New lock, sashes adjusted | No |
| Casement won't crank open or closed | Stripped or broken operator | New crank operator | No |
| Drafts or whistling around the sash | Worn or missing weatherstripping | New weatherstripping | No |
| Soft or rotted wood in the sash | Rot in the sash | Wood sash repair | No, when the frame is sound |
| Rotted or warped frame, several failures at once, or you want a new style | The window itself has failed | Replacement windows | Yes |
Fogged or broken glass: replace the glass, not the window
Fog between the panes means the seal between the panes has failed and moist air got inside the unit. The window still opens, closes and locks, and the frame is fine. We measure the glass, and a new insulated unit is manufactured to the exact size, with tempered glass where code requires it and Low-E and grids matched to your other windows. Our technicians remove the failed unit and install the new one in your existing sash.
Replacing the glass is typically $1,000 less than replacing the window. That's the most common repair we do. See fogged window glass replacement. For cracks and breaks, see broken window glass repair.
Windows that won't stay up, tilt, lock or crank
These are hardware problems, and hardware is replaceable:
- Won't stay up. Double-hung and single-hung windows hang on balances in the side jambs. When a balance wears out or breaks, the sash drops or won't hold its position. New balances fix it.
- Falls in or won't tilt. Tilt latches at the top of the sash and pivot bars at the bottom hold it in the track. When one breaks, the sash tips in or won't seat. We replace the latches or pivots.
- Won't lock. A cracked lock or sashes that no longer line up keep the lock from catching. We replace the lock and adjust the sashes so it closes and locks.
- Casement won't crank. A stripped crank operator spins without moving the sash. A new operator fixes it.
See window hardware repair for the full list of parts we replace.
Drafts: weatherstripping first
A draft around the sash comes from worn, flattened or missing weatherstripping, or from sashes that no longer close tight. New weatherstripping and a sash adjustment stop most sash drafts. A draft from around the outside of the frame is a trim and sealant problem, and we'll show you where it's coming from.
Fogged glass doesn't cause drafts, but a failed unit does insulate less. Replacing it restores the glass; it doesn't change the rest of the window.
Rotted wood: sash repair or new windows
Wood windows rot where water sits: the bottom rail of the sash and the sill. When the rot is in the sash and the frame is solid, we repair the sash and keep the window. See wood window sash repair.
A soft sill does not automatically require a whole new window: we can replace complete wood sills and supply replacement wood sashes. We assess the surrounding frame and jambs before recommending restoration or replacement. Sash restoration—including filling, wood splices, reglazing, priming and painting—is almost always done at our shop.
Signs you need new windows
We'd rather repair a window, but some windows are done. You need new windows when:
- The frame is rotted beyond repair. We assess whether a sill, sash or localized repair is practical before recommending a complete window.
- The frame is warped or cracked. Sashes bind or won't close no matter how they're adjusted.
- One window has several problems at once. Fogged glass, broken balances and a rotted sash on the same window cost more to fix together than the window is worth.
- A compatible repair cannot be sourced. We can usually find parts for older or discontinued windows, but we confirm availability before recommending a repair.
- You're fixing the same windows over and over. A house full of failing seals and hardware adds up. Your itemized estimate can price the repairs and new windows side by side.
- You want something different. A new style, color, tilt-in sashes for cleaning, or a change from wood to vinyl.
Our replacement windows come from Simonton, West Window Corp of Martinsville, Virginia, and ProVia, and they're professionally installed by our technicians. See replacement windows.
Sliding glass doors: repair or replace
Sliding patio doors follow the same rule. Most problems are parts:
- Hard to slide, grinding or jumping the track. We assess rollers and track damage, with replacement rollers, track covers or damaged-track replacement where appropriate.
- Fogged or broken glass. A new insulated unit in the existing door panel.
- Handle or lock won't catch. New handle and lock hardware.
- Torn or bent screen door. A new or rescreened screen door.
A new door makes sense when the frame is bent or rotted, the sill leaks, or the door is so old that rollers and hardware aren't made for it. We install replacement sliding doors when the existing door cannot be repaired.
See sliding glass door repair and our sliding door repair guide.
Window screens: rescreen or replace
- Torn, sagging or pet-damaged mesh. Rescreen the existing frame with new mesh and spline.
- Bent, broken or missing frames. New screens manufactured to the exact size of the window.
See window screen repair and rescreening and new window screens.
Selling your home?
Buyers and inspectors notice fogged glass, torn screens and windows that will not stay up or lock. These problems can affect the impression of how the home has been maintained. Repairing specific faults before listing can improve presentation and operation at a lower cost than replacing otherwise sound windows. It does not guarantee an inspection outcome. See our services for realtors and pre-listing checklist.
Window repair and replacement from American Screen & Glass
American Screen & Glass repairs and replaces windows, glass, sliding doors and screens throughout Northern Virginia. We serve all of Northern Virginia, including Fairfax County, Loudoun County, Arlington County, Alexandria and parts of Prince William County.
No pressure. Call 703-471-4500 or request a free, itemized estimate.
Frequently asked questions
Should I repair or replace my windows?
Repair them when one part has failed and the frame is sound: glass, balances, latches, locks or weatherstripping. Replace them when the frame is rotted or warped, or when one window has several problems at once.
Can windows be repaired instead of replaced?
Yes. Fogged and broken glass, balances, tilt latches, locks, crank operators, weatherstripping and rotted sashes are all repairs. The window stays in place.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace windows?
Repair costs less when the frame is sound. Replacing fogged glass alone is typically $1,000 less than a new window.
Should I replace my windows or just the glass?
Just the glass, if the window opens, closes and locks and the frame is solid. A new insulated unit goes into your existing sash.
How long do windows last?
There's no fixed age. A window lasts as long as its frame; glass and hardware are replaced along the way.
Is it worth fixing a window with a broken seal?
Yes. The frame and sash are fine, and a new insulated unit is typically $1,000 less than a new window.
Should I replace my windows before selling my house?
Assess the existing windows first. Repairing fogged glass, torn screens and broken hardware can improve presentation and address maintenance concerns before a showing or inspection. Compare targeted repairs with replacement only where the condition warrants it. No repair guarantees the contents of an inspection report.
Is it better to repair or replace a sliding glass door?
Repair it when the problem is rollers, the track, the glass or the lock. Replace it when the frame is bent or rotted or the sill leaks.
Should I repair or replace window screens?
Rescreen when the frame is straight and only the mesh is damaged. Get a new screen when the frame is bent, broken or missing.
Andersen, Pella, Marvin, JELD-WEN, Ply Gem, MW, Weather Shield, WinCore, Metal Industries, Simonton, West Window, ProVia and Thermal Windows are trademarks of their respective owners.
