ServicesWindow Replacement
Window Replacement in Seattle
When a windstorm cracks a pane, a branch knocks out a sash, or old frames finally give up, we help you decide what needs replacing now and what can wait. We measure, lay out your options in plain terms, and in most homes the work wraps up in one day.
Replacing windows sensibly after a storm
Sudden storm damage pushes people into rushed decisions. A cracked double-pane unit after a gusty night, or a sash knocked out of its track, feels urgent, and it should be handled soon. It rarely calls for a whole-house replacement decided over a weekend. We look at the broken window and the ones around it, then tell you honestly whether repair or replacement makes more sense.
Replacement is the right call when the frame itself is failing: soft wood at the sill, warped vinyl, aluminum frames that sweat and drip all winter, or insulated glass that has fogged between the panes. With months of steady rain each year, those problems tend to spread into the wall below. A new window that is flashed and sealed correctly stops the water where it starts.
We are licensed, insured and bonded, and each window we put in is backed by our 10-year workmanship warranty. When a smaller fix will do the job, we will steer you toward window repair instead.
What your window replacement includes
Measuring every opening
We measure each opening ourselves instead of relying on old drawings. Older homes settle, and an opening that is a quarter inch out of square changes what we order.
Insert or full-frame, explained
An insert slips inside your existing frame when that frame is still solid. A full-frame job strips the old window out down to the wall framing, and that is what we recommend when we find rot or soaked wood. We show you which approach fits each opening and why.
Flashing and sealing against rain
We flash the sill and sides so water runs out, not in, then insulate and seal the gap around the new unit. This step is where future leaks are prevented.
Glass that fits the window
Double-pane low-E glass is the usual choice for comfort and lower heating bills. For windows near a busy street or under a large tree, we can talk about laminated glass.
Photos for your records
We photograph the damage and the bare opening once the old unit is out. Those photos help if you file an insurance claim, and we can explain what an adjuster usually asks for. The claim decision stays between you and your insurer.
Permits and cleanup
Where a permit is required, we pull it and schedule the inspection. Drop cloths go down inside, the old windows leave with us, and we vacuum before we go.
Signs it's time to replace, not repair
- Cloudy glass you can't wipe clean
- When haze or droplets sit between the two panes, the seal holding the insulating gas in has broken down. Swapping just the glass is sometimes possible, but if the frame is also getting old, a new window is often the better value.
- Spongy wood at the sill
- Push a screwdriver tip into the bottom of the frame. If it sinks in easily, water has been working its way in for some time.
- Cracks after a storm
- A crack from wind-blown debris or a falling limb can spread as temperatures swing. Tape and plastic buy you a few days, so plan the replacement soon after.
- Drafts and rattling sashes
- If you feel air moving with the window shut, or the sash rattles in a strong wind, the frame and weatherstripping are no longer doing their job.
- Windows that won't open or lock
- Swollen wood, broken balances and bent aluminum tracks make windows hard to use and harder to secure. Bedroom windows also need to open easily for a safe way out.
How a replacement job runs
- 1
Consultation and quote
It starts with a phone call. We set a time to see the windows, take measurements, and give you a written line-item quote. It is free, and there is no pressure to sign.
- 2
Ordering your windows
Your windows are built to the measurements we took, so we go over the final order with you before it is placed. When the units are ready, we book a day that works for you. If a broken opening has to wait until then, we walk you through simple ways to keep it dry and secure.
- 3
Install day
We protect floors and furniture, take out the old units, and check each opening for hidden rot. Then we set, flash and seal the new windows. For most homes that is a one-day visit.
- 4
Final check together
Once the last window is in, we open and lock each one with you, hand over the paperwork, and point out anything worth keeping an eye on.
What affects the cost of replacement windows
Your quote comes from your own openings, so no two homes price out the same. We list each window and each piece of work on its own line, so you can see exactly where the money goes. Flexible payment options are available if paying over time suits your budget better.
- How many openings, and how big
- Wide picture windows, bays and arched tops use more material and take longer to set than a standard double-hung.
- Frame material
- Vinyl is usually the most budget-friendly. Fiberglass and wood-clad windows cost more and can suit some older home styles better.
- What's behind the old frame
- Rot or water damage found once the old unit comes out has to be fixed before the new one goes in. We show you photos and agree on it with you before doing any extra work.
- Access and height
- Upper-floor windows, steep yards or tight side yards can call for taller ladders, staging or an extra set of hands.
- Insert versus full-frame
- An insert is quicker and less disruptive. Full-frame costs more but lets us repair the opening and replace the exterior trim properly.
Window replacement questions
- Should I replace just the broken window or all of them?
- Replacing only the broken one is often perfectly reasonable. If the rest of your windows are the same age and showing fog or soft sills, doing them together can save on setup and a second visit. We will tell you plainly which ones still have good years left.
- Will my insurance cover storm-damaged windows?
- That depends on your policy and the cause, and only your insurer can decide. We can give you photos, measurements and a written quote that make the claim easier to file. We do not act as your adjuster, but we are happy to explain how the process usually goes.
- How long does the install take?
- For most homes we finish in a single day. Bigger projects, or full-frame work where the opening needs repairs, can run longer, and we will let you know before we start so you can plan around it.
- Do I need a permit in Seattle to replace windows?
- Some replacements need one and some do not, depending on the scope of work and whether the opening size changes. If a permit is required, we handle the application and the inspection for you.
- What does your warranty cover?
- Our installation work carries a 10-year workmanship warranty. If something we installed is not working the way it should, give us a ring and we will come back and look at it. We go over the warranty paperwork with you on install day.
Talk through your windows with us
Tell us what happened and what you are seeing. We will come out, measure, and give you a clear quote with no pressure to decide on the spot. We work across Seattle and nearby towns like Shoreline, Burien and Bellevue.