What affects the cost of repairing a window seal?
The cost of a seal repair for your windows will depend largely on what type of window repair you need, the size of the windows and how many windows you need to fix.
Many contractors will give you a discount if they need to repair multiple windows at once and can give you a free estimate before they begin.Sash replacement
If you want to maintain the insulating integrity of a window with a damaged seal, it may be necessary to replace the window sash. The term sash refers to everything contained within the window frame, including the rails, stiles, gasket, glass and gas (such as krypton or argon).Many factors affect the cost of window glass replacements, explains Joe Puggioni of Weedsport Window and Glass in Weedsport, New York. These include the type of window frame, the distance of the window from ground level, the size of the window and the type of glass (internal grid, low-e, etc.). It's difficult to provide average costs for sash replacement, says Puggioni, which is why it's important to get a free estimate for your situation.
Here are some examples of cost from Weedsport Window and Glass:
Typical double-hung sash in vinyl, with approximately 24 by 30 inches of clear glass installed on-site | $275 per sash |
For 2 sashes installed at the same location | $250 per sash |
For 3 or more sashes installed at the same location | $225 per sash |
Labor costs
To replace the sash, your contractor needs to consider materials as well as labor costs -- and labor-intensive jobs can raise the total window repair costs.
An example would be an old Andersen milled unit without access to moldings. The only way to replace the glass is to cut moldings with a straight edge and razor knife where the simulated moldings appear to be, says Puggioni. Specialty situations like this will increase the cost.
Replacing broken glass
You may just need a glass replacement, or you might have to re-do the whole thing to make sure your windows are properly insulated.
Removing moisture
Defogging might cost anywhere from under $100 to several hundred dollars, depending on the company, your geographic location and the type and number of windows you want to be defogged.
Defogging is a newer technique to eliminate unsightly moisture that has collected between factory-sealed double- or triple-paned windows. The pro drills a small hole in the glass, cleans and dries the condensation off of the interior, and reseals the hole to prevent future fogging.
The look of your window will improve, but defogging is simply an aesthetic procedure and will not replace the gases or return your window to its former thermal resistance (known as an R-value).
How much does it cost to replace a window?
Sometimes, a simple window repair isn't possible or costs more than replacing the entire window. In this case, you may need to remove it and replace it with new windows. Replacing a window will run you about $135 to $145 on average for a single-paned window, and $185 to $250 for double-paned window.