ServicesWindow Repair
Window Repair in Seattle
A broken pane, cloudy glass or a sash that keeps sliding down is often fixable without buying a whole new window. We check the damage, give you a straight answer on repair versus replacement, and fix what's worth fixing so your home is secure and dry again.
Repair first, when repair is the honest answer
Most window problems start small. A windstorm sends a branch into a pane, a seal gives out and the glass fogs, or a balance spring snaps and the sash drops. Many of these can be fixed without touching the frame, and a repair usually costs less and disturbs your home less than a full replacement.
After sudden damage, the first job is making the opening safe and keeping weather out. Then we come back with the right glass or parts. If the frame is rotted through or the unit is too far gone, we'll say so and walk you through window replacement instead. Either way, you hear our reasoning.
We're licensed, insured and bonded, so you're covered while our crew is working on ladders and handling glass around your home.
What our window repair covers
Broken and cracked glass
We replace single panes and sealed insulated glass units, each one measured to fit the sash you already have. Some openings, like a pane beside an entry door or a window over a tub, have to be tempered by code, and we order that glass for those spots.
Fogged or failed seals
A milky haze between the panes of a double-pane window tells you the seal has broken and the insulating gas is gone. In many cases the frame can stay, and we put a new sealed glass unit into it.
Sash, balance and hardware fixes
Snapped balances, frayed sash cords, stripped casement cranks and locks that no longer catch. Small parts, but they decide whether a window opens easily and locks securely.
Wood sill and frame rot
We cut out soft wood, repair or replace the damaged section and seal it. If rot runs deeper into the wall, we show you photos and talk through options before going any further.
Weatherstripping and glazing
Drafts and rattles often trace back to worn weatherstripping or cracked glazing putty on older wood windows. Fresh seals keep rain out and quiet the whistle on windy nights.
Signs a window needs repair
- Cracked or shattered glass
- Even a small crack spreads with temperature swings and wind pressure. Tape buys a little time, but a cracked pane leaves your home less secure and less weathertight.
- Fog you can't wipe off
- Moisture trapped between the panes means the seal has failed. The window will lose more heat every winter until the glass unit is replaced.
- A sash that drops, sticks or won't lock
- Hung windows rely on balances to stay open. When one fails, the sash can slam down on fingers, and a lock that won't catch is an open invitation.
- Water on the sill or stains below
- With months of steady rain here, a small leak around a window can soak into the sill and wall long before you notice. Dark stains, peeling paint or soft wood are worth a look.
- Drafts and rattling
- If you feel cold air or hear the sash knock in the wind, the seals or hardware are worn. It's usually a quick fix that makes the room noticeably more comfortable.
How a repair visit works
- 1
You call and tell us what happened
Describe the damage and what you're seeing. If glass is broken, we'll talk through how to keep the opening safe until we get there.
- 2
We inspect at your home
We look over the glass, seals, sash, hardware and surrounding wood. Then we show you pictures of each problem and hand you an estimate in writing that breaks out every part and task.
- 3
Secure now, repair properly
Sealed glass units are made to measure, so a broken pane often needs a second visit. In the meantime we make the opening safe and keep the rain out.
- 4
Repair, test and clean up
We lay drop cloths, remove broken glass carefully and pick up every shard inside and out. Before we leave, we open, close and lock the window with you so you know it works.
What affects the cost of a window repair
Repairs are priced by the job, and your estimate lists each part and task so nothing turns up later. Swapping one sealed pane is a very different job from rebuilding a rotted sill on a second story. We offer free, no-pressure quotes and flexible payment options.
- Type and size of glass
- Single-pane glass, sealed double-pane units, tempered or laminated safety glass and low-E coatings all cost differently. Larger units cost more to make and take more care to handle.
- Access to the window
- A ground-floor window is quick to reach. Upper floors, windows over decks or slopes, and spots behind thick planting may need taller ladders or extra setup.
- What's under the trim
- Rot in a sill or frame often only shows once trim comes off. If we find more than expected, we stop and show you before doing any extra work.
- Parts for older windows
- Balances and hardware for current windows are easy to get. Older or discontinued models may need parts sourced or adapted, which takes more time.
Window repair questions
- How do I know if a window is worth fixing or if it's time for a new one?
- When the frame is solid and the trouble is limited to glass, a seal or a piece of hardware, fixing it is usually the better value. Rotted or warped frames, several failed seals at once, or a house full of drafty single-pane windows tend to point toward window replacement instead. We'll share which way we lean and the reasons behind it, and you make the call.
- Can you help with an insurance claim after storm damage?
- We can photograph the damage and give you a written estimate to share with your insurer. We don't act as your adjuster, and your policy decides what's covered. If the adjuster has questions about what we found, we're glad to explain it.
- Can you replace just the foggy glass without a new window?
- Often, yes. On many double-pane windows we can order a new sealed glass unit sized to your existing sash. Some vinyl windows have glass that can't be removed cleanly, and in that case we'll explain your options.
- What should I do with a broken window before you arrive?
- Keep kids and pets away from the glass and don't pull loose shards out by hand. Plastic sheeting taped over the inside of the opening will keep rain out for a short while. If you're not sure what's safe, ask us on the phone and we'll talk you through it.
- Is your repair work covered by a warranty?
- Yes. Our repairs come with a 10-year workmanship warranty. If something we fixed fails because of how we did the work, let us know and we'll come back to sort it out.
- Do you repair windows outside Seattle?
- Yes. Along with Seattle, we work in nearby towns including Bellevue, Kirkland, Shoreline, Burien and Mercer Island. Tell us where you are when you call and we'll set up a visit.
Let's get that window working again
Tell us what broke or stopped working and we'll arrange a time to look at it. You'll get an honest repair-or-replace answer and a written estimate before any work starts.