A stray ball your kids threw right at your window. Windows that are cracked and foggy, or a noticeable draft blowing through your downstairs, and the windows are to blame. Should you save by replacing just the glass or is it better to replace the entire window?
Temporary solutions versus long-term solutions
Glass replacement versus full window replacement feels like choosing between a short-term, temporary fix and a long-term, more permanent solution for your home. Your decision should be based on the problem you have because sometimes you won’t need to replace the entire window and that replacement glass will do the job just fine.
There are advantages to replacing just the glass versus replacing the entire window depending on the dilemma. If you can get away with just replacing the glass, you’ll obviously save more money on the project. If you use an IGU, you will notice a dramatic reduction in heat loss, regulation of internal temperatures in your home, and subsequently significant monthly energy savings. Along with IGU replacement, you’ll also see faster installation times when done by a professional. Typically, these projects can be completed in less than a day.
When replacing the entire window, yes, it will be more expensive because you are paying more than glass, but you will also see twice the benefits that come with them.
Energy savings are even more noticeable, resale value increases with new replacement windows, outside noise is dramatically reduced, and there is an even greater difference during the warmer and cooler months in your home’s interior temperatures. This is a step to consider if your windows are old and have broken glass, especially if they are suffering from multiple problems at the same time.
The shaft is broken
If you’re only looking at broken window glass, then you probably don’t need to replace the entire window. A cheaper and faster option is to replace the glass with clear, insulated, heat-retaining glass units called IGUs. When replacing an IGU, the broken glass is removed, the frame is cleaned if necessary, and the IGU is inserted and sealed in place.
Sealing and weather stripping is done to ensure that there will be no drafts thanks to a reliable seal. Replacing just a pane of glass is much cheaper than replacing the entire window, and you can even hire a professional to do the job without breaking the budget.
The window glass is fogged up
Smearing, fogging and condensation between double or triple pane windows, also known as “blown” windows, is a common dilemma for older windows that means something is wrong. This is either caused by a broken seal, causing condensation between the glass, or exposing the low-e coating and injected insulating gases to oxidation.
The solution to this problem is to opt for a repair with a new insert or sash, which is cheaper than replacing the entire window, and you may be able to do it yourself.
The window glass is fogged
Do you need to replace the entire window or repair the glass on windows that clearly let in a noticeable draft? While you can replace the glass, sometimes the better plan is to upgrade your windows instead.
Window companies will often have standing contracts, allowing homeowners to replace windows that are damaged in their home without failing. Energy efficient windows will save you money on your monthly energy bills, which in turn will help you not only regulate the temperature in your home, but also increase your home’s resale value.
Glass replacement or replacement of the entire window? Conclusion
The answer to this tricky question is that it really depends. If the glass is broken, decide to replace the glass, if the windows are old and drafty, consider replacing them entirely. Otherwise, if you notice that the window glass is starting to fog up and form condensation, then you can probably solve the problem by replacing the glass instead of replacing the window.
There is also a big cost factor to consider. Replacing the glass is more cost-effective than replacing the entire window. By replacing the glass, you still have the benefits of energy savings, better heat gain and less heat loss, but at a fraction of the cost of replacing windows.
If your windows are old and suffer from broken glass, which has more than one problem on the list of common window problems, then you should consider replacing the windows, but if you can get away with repairing the glass, go for it.
Replacing the entire window is easy with the Nurkovic Company
If you fall into the category of someone who needs window replacement, look no further. You are in the right location, contact us!
