The question of residential glass repair or replacement crops up at some point for every homeowner. Repair is attractive because of its affordability; however, if your windows are extremely old or otherwise in poor condition, replacement is best. Replacements save money over time by eliminating the need for frequent repairs. Determine what your home needs with these repair and replacement factors.

Residential Glass Repair or Replacement: What Is Best for My Home?

Cracked or Broken Glass

Cracked or broken panes always call for replacement. Severely damaged panes are a safety risk because they can easily cut skin and make your home more accessible to intruders. Replacing a window and its entire frame is relatively inexpensive if made of vinyl. If you have custom windows, such as multi-pane options, only replace the glass to save money.

Rotting Wood

Split and rotting muntins—the vertical sections of wood separating your glass panes—affect household energy efficiency by creating air leaks. Rotten exterior frames work the same way. Wood deteriorates when faced with wet weather and humidity, or when primer and paint are misapplied. If your muntins and frames only feature a small amount of rot, epoxy repairs are usually sufficient. If the entire frame or all of the muntins are thoroughly rotted, replacement is strongly suggested to avoid compromising the windows’ structure and stability.

Excessive Condensation

Severe condensation between double or triple-pane glass occurs when seals crack and split. Seals expand and contract in response to weather changes, resulting in moisture filtration between the panes that makes windows foggy. You will need to replace the entire sash as well as the panes to prevent the problem from worsening.

Operation Issues

Residential glass repair is usually best if yours will not open and shut correctly but are otherwise in good condition. This issue is frequently caused by dirt and grime stuck in the tracks and costs little to repair. If the window is painted shut, a putty knife will be enough to break the seal.

Consumer Glass has provided exceptional commercial and residential glass repair and replacement services throughout the Saint Louis and Saint Charles Metro area since 1987. Their technicians are certified to work with both home and auto glass, offering the competitive prices and flexible scheduling you need. Call (636) 397-6800 to schedule your free estimate, or visit the company online for more information about residential and auto glass replacement services. Read their latest customer reviews on Yelp.