Frequently Asked Questions
Window Repair and Glass Replacement | Serving the Greater Chicago Area | (815) 230-1890
We have put together answers to the questions we hear most often. If you do not see what you are looking for, call us at (815) 230-1890 or use the contact form on our website and we will be happy to help.
REPAIR VS. REPLACEMENT
Most windows do not need to be replaced. They need to be properly repaired. Common problems like foggy glass, rotted wood frames, stuck sashes, broken hardware, and failed seals can all be fixed at a fraction of the cost of full replacement. We will always give you an honest assessment and only recommend full replacement when repair is genuinely not a viable option.
Absolutely, and we hear this regularly. Many homeowners come to us after being quoted full replacement projects, and in the vast majority of cases we are able to repair their existing windows for significantly less. It never hurts to get our assessment before committing to a major replacement project.
Often, yes. Quality wood windows from older homes were built to last, and with proper repair and maintenance they can outlast modern vinyl alternatives by decades. We specialize in restoring historic and older wood windows, preserving the character of your home while bringing them back to full functionality.
Window repair and restoration can save homeowners up to 75 percent compared to full window replacement, depending on the type and scope of work involved. We offer competitive pricing and price matching so you can be confident you are getting a fair deal.
COMMON WINDOW PROBLEMS
That haze is a sign that the sealed air pocket between your panes has been compromised, allowing moisture to enter. It is not just an aesthetic issue. It also means your window has lost its insulating value. We can replace just the glass unit itself rather than the entire window, restoring both the clarity and the energy efficiency.
That is typically wood rot caused by water intrusion over time, and it is worth addressing sooner rather than later. The good news is that it is rarely as extensive as it looks. We repair rotted sills, sashes, frames, and brick molding using high-grade materials, restoring structural integrity without requiring a full window replacement.
Drafts usually come from failed weatherstripping, deteriorated caulking, or a warped frame that no longer seals properly against the sash. We can re-caulk, replace weatherstripping, and repair frame damage to eliminate drafts and improve your home’s energy efficiency.
Yes. Sticking, dragging, or misaligned patio doors are one of our most common repair calls. We handle sliding door track and roller repairs, frame adjustments, hardware replacements, and glass replacement for both sliding and French patio doors in wood, vinyl, and metal.
Yes. We provide skylight repair and restoration services, including glass replacement and frame repair. Skylight leaks are often a result of failed seals or deteriorated framing rather than the glass itself, and in most cases a repair is far more cost-effective than a full skylight replacement.
A window is considered defective if it does not function properly or shows signs of failure in performance, structure, or appearance. Common signs include:
- Difficulty opening or closing the window
- Drafts or noticeable air leaks
- Condensation or fogging between glass panes (failed seal)
- Cracked, broken, or warped frames or glass
- Water leakage during rain
- Poor insulation leading to higher energy bills
- Hardware issues like broken locks, hinges, or balances
If a window shows any of these issues, it typically needs repair or replacement depending on the severity of the damage.
OUR SERVICES
We work with a wide range of glass types including single, double, and triple pane insulated units, Low-E, tempered, annealed, reflective, and custom-shaped glass. We also handle skylight glass, storefront glass, and commercial glass replacement.
We repair most major window brands found in Chicagoland homes, including Andersen, Pella, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, Kolbe, Lincoln, Milgard, Weather Shield, and many others. If you are not sure whether we can help with your specific window, just give us a call and we will let you know.
Yes. We handle both residential and commercial projects, including storefront glass replacement and commercial glass repair throughout the Chicago suburbs. If you manage a commercial building or rental property, we can work with you on multi-window projects as well.
Yes. We have experience preserving custom shapes and designs, including arched, angled, and decorative window configurations. We take precise measurements and source the right glass or materials to match the original specifications.
Yes. Window hardware repair and replacement is one of our core services. If your crank no longer opens the window smoothly, your lock does not engage properly, or your hinges are worn or broken, we can source the correct replacement parts and install them. Keeping hardware in good working order is one of the best ways to extend the life of your windows.
Yes, and this is one of the most common repairs we perform. A damaged, warped, or rotted sash can often be repaired or replaced as a standalone component, leaving the existing frame intact. This approach preserves more of the original window and costs significantly less than a full replacement.
In most cases, replacing just the glass is cheaper than replacing the entire window. If the frame is still in good condition and only the glass is damaged (such as cracks or fogging between panes), a glass replacement can be a cost-effective solution.
However, a full window replacement may be necessary if the frame is warped, rotted, leaking, or no longer energy efficient. While it costs more upfront, it can save money long-term by improving insulation and reducing energy bills.
The best option depends on the condition of the existing window and the extent of the damage.
WORKING WITH US
No village or city permit is required for the repair and restoration work we perform. That means no waiting on approvals, no additional fees, and no delays. We can get started as soon as the work is scheduled.
Yes, estimates are always free. You can call us at (815) 230-1890 or fill out the contact form on our website and we will get back to you promptly. We will give you a clear and transparent quote before any work begins.
Most repairs are completed in a single visit. Jobs that require custom-ordered glass typically take a few weeks from initial measurement to installation, and we will give you a clear timeline upfront. We work Monday through Friday, 8am to 5pm, and ask that someone be available to provide access at the start of the job.
We stand behind the quality of our work and the materials we use. Please contact us directly to discuss warranty details for your specific repair, as coverage can vary depending on the type of service performed.
We serve the greater Chicago area and suburbs, including Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, Naperville, Downers Grove, Elgin, Palatine, and dozens more communities. Visit our Service Areas page for the full list or give us a call to confirm we cover your location.
MAINTENANCE AND PREVENTION
A general inspection every two to three years is a good rule of thumb for most homes, particularly if your windows are wood. An annual visual check by the homeowner, looking for peeling paint, soft spots in the frame, gaps in the caulking, or difficulty operating, can help you catch issues before they become costly. If your home is over 20 years old or you have noticed any warning signs, it is worth scheduling a professional assessment sooner.
The most important things you can do are keep the paint in good condition, keep the caulking intact around the frame and sill, and make sure water is not pooling on or around the window. Painted wood is protected wood. When paint peels or cracks, moisture gets in and rot follows. A fresh coat of paint and a bead of fresh caulk applied every few years goes a long way toward avoiding more significant repairs down the road.
Before temperatures drop, it is worth checking your windows for any gaps in the caulking or weatherstripping, particularly at the corners and along the sill. Make sure all windows close and latch fully. If you notice any fogginess between panes or soft wood around the frame, address those issues before winter rather than waiting, since cold and moisture will accelerate the damage.
It matters. Peeling paint on a wood window is an early warning sign, not just a cosmetic issue. Paint is what protects the wood from moisture. Once it starts peeling, water can penetrate the wood and begin the process of rot. Catching it at the paint stage is far less expensive than addressing rot in the frame or sill. We can repaint and seal as part of our restoration work.
Yes, mold around a window frame is a sign that moisture is getting in somewhere it should not be. It could be caused by condensation, a failed seal, deteriorated caulking, or water intrusion from outside. Left unaddressed, mold can spread into the wall cavity and become a much larger problem. We can inspect the window and identify the source of the moisture so the right repair can be made.
Office Hours
Monday
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Tuesday
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Wednesday
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Thursday
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday
8:00 am–5:00 pm
Saturday
8:00 am–2:00 pm
See What Our Clients Have To Say....
For Reviews Find Us On
Naperville, IL
Glen Ellyn, IL
Aurora, IL
Elgin, IL
Saint Charles, IL