Window Repair or Replacement? What You Need to Know Before Deciding

If you’ve noticed that your windows fog up easily, let in drafts, or leak water when it rains, then you might be wondering if you should replace the windows in your Fairfield County home.

However, it might be easier and more cost-effective to consider window repair by a trusted Fairfield County handyman instead.

While the mindset of previous decades has been to replace broken windows completely, many homeowners are now more hesitant to create waste. Although the trend used to be to remove damaged windows—especially wood-framed windows—and replace them with fiberglass, vinyl, or metal rather than opting for window repair, the trend is shifting.

Although technological advances of the past made it more desirable to replace damaged, sub-par windows with new and improved styles, many homes are now built with energy-efficient windows. These windows are built to last and greatly lower energy bills—subsequently reducing the emission of greenhouse gases since Fairfield County owners have to use less fuel to heat or cool their homes. Additionally, window repair creates less waste by ensuring materials like fiberglass or vinyl do not end up in landfills.

If your window can be repaired rather than replaced, it saves you time, money, and it’s also good for the environment. That said, there are cases where repairing your windows might not be an option. There is a lot to consider; how will you know where to draw the line and replace your windows rather than invest in window repair?

To help Fairfield County homeowners know when it’s best to repair, rather than replace, damaged windows, we created this guide. Discover our professional insights to help you know what issues with your windows can be repaired, what problems require replacement, and how our expert technicians can help.

Common Window Repairs

Part of knowing whether or not you should consider window repair rather than window replacement is understanding the different types of damage. Typically, if the damage is to the window itself then the window will have to be removed and a new one installed. However, if issues with your windows arise from the surrounding areas—such as the frame or sill—then you should choose window repair services.

Chipped and/or Peeling Paint

Unattractive, chipped, and peeling paint is a simple window repair. A professional handyman service, such as the team at Mr. Handyman of Upper Fairfield County, will be able to carefully sand down and remove the old paint to put on a fresh coat. This particular window repair can also be a great way to refresh your home’s exterior.

Rotted Frames

If your window frame is built out of wood, then there is a possibility it could rot over time. Often, rot is caused by heavy rains, snowmelt, and/or humidity. Rotting frames can especially be a concern if you live in an older Fairfield County home. That said, a rotted frame is a relatively straightforward repair. If your window panes are still intact, then the frame can be swapped out while preserving your current window.

Worn Caulking

Do you notice a draft coming from your window? While drafts can also be a sign that you need to replace your window, sometimes it's just a problem with the caulking around your frame. A qualified technician—like our qualified techs at Mr. Handyman of Upper Fairfield County—will be able to let you know whether the draft is caused by worn-out caulking or another issue. If the draft is because of cracked caulking, this is an easy fix that won’t require any window replacement.

Water Damage

Sometimes, water can leak through your window because of a crack or chip. However, more often than not water damage seeps into your home from the areas surrounding the window. Perhaps the frame has rotted or needs to be resealed. Either way, these are both window repairs that can be completed while preserving your window pane.

Broken Muntins or Mullions

Muntins and Mullions are pieces of wood separating panes of glass. Sometimes, a window might have faux muntins and mullions that are designed for visual appeal only. While faux muntins and mullions cannot be replaced, they do not factor into your window’s functionality. Real or faux, if your muntins and mullions are chipped, peeling, or dented they can easily be repaired without having to replace the entire window.

Difficulty Opening and Closing Windows

Older Fairfield County homes might have wood sashes or rusty hinges that cause a window to stick. While struggling to open and close your windows is frustrating, it’s also unsafe. The good news is, the main causes of inoperable windows can be fixed without having to install a new pane. Generally, windows may not function properly because:

• The sash has too many layers of paint, causing it to stick
• The sash has come off its track
• The spring may have come loose (in spring-type sashes)
• The settling of your home has caused the window frame to twist, so the sash cannot function correctly
• The hinges and latches on your casement window (windows that swing open and closed) have rusted

Rotting Drip Cap

The drip cap is part of your window’s exterior. It prevents moisture from seeping into your home but can be subject to rot if it’s made out of wood. Replacing a rotting or missing drip cap is an easy window repair.

Poor Exterior Casing

Exterior casing serves two functions: it protects your window from damage and also makes your home’s exterior look beautiful. While loose, cracked, rotting, or missing exterior casing diminishes your curb appeal, this too is a relatively straightforward window repair easily completed by a qualified handyman or carpenter.

Signs You Need to Replace Your Windows

Although many issues with your windows can be repaired by a professional technician, sometimes a repair just won’t cut it. While there are clear signs that your window will need to be replaced—say your little one threw a baseball through the glass—other reasons for window replacement are more subtle.

High Energy Bill

If you have exorbitantly high energy bills, it could be because of your windows. Windows that leak air cost money. This is because the leaking air either increases or decreases the temperature of your home. In turn, this will cause your HVAC system to work harder trying to reach the desired temperature.

Additionally, energy-efficient windows can significantly lower your energy bills. Most older homes have single-pane windows, which do not do a very good job of keeping radiant heat out during the summer and keeping heat in during the winter. This also causes your HVAC system to work harder, use more energy, and emit more fossil fuels.

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows impact your energy bill and are quite uncomfortable. In the winter, cold air will seep into your Fairfield County home and make your house feel cold no matter how hard your furnace runs. Additionally, the inverse can happen in the summer. Hot, humid air can permeate throughout your home and create an unpleasant environment even with the AC turned on.

While sometimes a drafty window can be repaired by replacing worn-out caulking (as we mentioned above) there are other causes of drafty windows that require replacement, such as:

• Cracks in the glass
• Torn screens
• Incorrectly fitted windows

Cold Window Glass

Many older Fairfield County homes have single-pane windows. This style of window will always feel cold to the touch because they are less insulated than double-pane windows. Accordingly, cold single-pane windows are nothing to worry about.

However, if you have double-pane windows that are chilly it’s time to replace them. Double-pane windows are meant to keep the cold out. While moderately cold double-pane windows during an especially chilly winter’s day are not cause for alarm, double-pane windows that feel freezing to the touch are not insulated correctly. Unfortunately, incorrectly insulated glass panes are not an easy window repair.

Foggy Windows

If you have single or triple-pane windows, fog trapped between the panes is not a good sign. It means that water is condensing inside the insulated glass unit. Insulated glass units (or IGUs) are what make double and triple-pane windows so energy efficient. They are a space between the panes that is filled with a noble gas such as argon or krypton. The gas acts as an insulator. Modern IGUs are sealed and permanent, meaning that the removal and installation of a new window is the only solution to foggy windows.

Excessive Damage

Sometimes, window repairs are not worth it if the damage to your windows is significant. In this case, it might be more cost-effective and wise to replace the window entirely. One of our experienced technicians or carpenters will be able to let you know if it’s a better decision to invest in a new window rather than a window repair.

Our Window Repair and Replacement Services

Repairing damage to your windows is an easy way to save money and time while protecting the environment. Many window repairs can be efficiently and expertly handled by the professional team at Mr. Handyman of Upper Fairfield County. But, if your windows are beyond the point where the repair will do the trick, we are experts at window installation. Both window repair and replacement are highly-skilled tasks that are best left to the professionals.

Our window repair experts each possess 15+ experience in the trades, construction, and carpentry. Not only are we highly skilled craftsmen, but we also prioritize customer service above all else. We will arrive promptly to your scheduled appointment wearing the Mr. Handyman of Upper Fairfield County uniform while driving a company vehicle; so you always know who is coming to your home. Our technicians will treat your home like it’s our own, and show you the same respect we would to our closest friends. We believe in going the extra mile for our clients, which is why we offer upfront pricing and unparalleled service—even in the little things, such as wearing covers over our shoes to protect your floors.

We believe in professionalism and are dedicated to excellence in every task we complete. We will efficiently and carefully repair or replace your windows so that you can have peace of mind knowing the exterior of your home looks beautiful, is damage free, and will not cause your energy bill to increase.

Additionally, we always stand behind our work. We know that hiring window repair or replacement services can be a stressful time for you and your family. The window repair process can be disruptive to your daily life, and installing new windows in particular can be a financial investment. While our Fairfield County handyman experts are confident that you will be satisfied with our services, if you notice a problem after we leave we will return to fix it at no additional cost. Maintaining your trust and our commitment to outstanding workmanship is an integral part of our company’s values.

Our window repair and replacement services include, but are not limited to:

• Skylight repair/replacement
• Casement window repair/replacement
• Picture window repair/replacement
• Insulated window repair/replacement
• Bay window repair/replacement

Hire the Pros at Mr. Handyman of Upper Fairfield County Today!

Do you need help repairing damage to your windows? Get in touch with the window repair experts at Mr. Handyman of Upper Fairfield County. Our skilled, accountable, and reliable team will work with you to figure out what repairs are required or if window replacement is a more viable option for your home. We’ll be transparent with you throughout the job and let you know what repairs are required and when you can expect the window repair to be completed. Your happiness is always our top priority.

We invite you to give us a call today or to request a service online to get started.