skip to main content

Home Repair Windows

Replace glass or entire window and which is best?

4 years ago

I live on a lake in Northern Colorado with beautiful views that I can barely see because the 33 Hurd casements windows are shot and the reflective films are wrinkled. The house is exposed to severe elements, with 100 degree sun, high winds (sometimes 60+ mph,) and winter cold. I need advice on what to do. Is it a mistake to just replace the glass? How can I tell how much life is left in the existing frames? (I think they are aluminum-clad wood.)

Andersen wants more than $120,000 for full replacement windows, while another company wants about $25,000 to replace just the glass with Cardinal 366 in the existing frames.

If I need to replace the entire window, which brand should I got with? It can't look cheap, and I don't want to go through this again so I want a long-term solution. thanks

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

millworkman
4 years ago
In my honest opinion putting new glass in 33 windows is sending good money after bad. Were it a few windows, I would say go for it. What Andersen? Hopefully not Renewal? If so you can do much better price wise.
branson4020
4 years ago
Man, I always thought aluminum-clad windows were forever, at least the frames. Anybody done a serious inspection?
Related Discussions
Replace windows with which LoE option?
Q
Comments (5)
Don't add tint to your windows before you talk to the manufacture about the warranty. Do not base your warranty information from the tint salesman or manufacture. If you want the darkest window, then yes you want Cardinal's 240 Glass. It has a VT of 40 verses the 58 of the 366 glass. I think the downside of 240 is that it has a lower UV rating and the U is off by about .04. Not by a lot but different. 240 glass is used on the beach to meet turtle codes so it has its advantages.
...See More
Condesation between panes - replace glass, window, or insert?
Q
Comments (7)
If 8 or 9 have already gone, it is likely that the rest are not far behind. Some times you will see accelerated seal failure on elevations that take a beating from the sun. If that is the case here, the others may live a while. Replacing the glass with a sealed IGU with Low-e is likely going to cost as much as an entirely new insert. Insert window utilizes the existing frame and sets the new window inside that frame. Primary drawback is the loss of glass when compared to a full tear out. Full tear out installation replaces everything right down to the studs and all interior trim. Primary drawback, expense.
...See More
Which Marvin for replacement windows?
Q
Comments (15)
There is no premium for a "custom" size window in either of those lines. Integrity used to be a stock size program but they do it in any size now. Most windows will have some sort of rot and they can usually be surgically repaired in the process of doing the window replacement. Once the rot is repaired, the new insert can be set and capped/wrapped. If you are messing with EIFs (i.e. full tear out) you need to make sure your installer understands water management and proper flashing.
...See More
Complete window replacement throughout entire home
Q
Comments (1)
We are in the finishing stages of our remodel as well. While I can't tell you the right way to do it, I can tell what we did. Windows - we just got our new windows ordered yesterday. We are going with Sunrise Restorations windows - 12 sliders, 2 big bay windows (roughly 60"x80") with 2 casements each, and a patio slider. Our total is $20.5k, or about $700 per slider ($8300 for the 2 bay windows, $2300 for the slider, plus some extra construction costs as 2 of the windows are new). We have 2 Restorations sliders and love them, and I know the Sunrise is a quality product (and our installer has proven great so far). We replaced almost all of our flooring with new hardwoods, and it was the last thing we did inside. I would definitely do it that way again. We did all of our electrical, plumbing, drywall, and painting with no worry of damaging new floors. Once all that was done, the new floors were installed and we simply needed to clean up a little dust. If we were doing it again, I would have done the exterior paint first, then windows, then begun inside. We had a window leak we were unaware of, and it allowed some water into our subfloor during a heavy rain, warping a piece of our new (not even a month) old floors. I think the best thing to do is get the house sealed up and protected from the outside, then start your inside renovations - especially if the inside is livable. Just my $0.02.
...See More
PRO
toddinmn
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The prices you got for glass replacement and window replacement seem exceptionally high in both cases. More bids are needed no matter which way you go . How old are the windows you have now? (The glass could be under warranty) . Is there any visual damage to the frames and do they operate properly?
oberon476
4 years ago
last modified: 4 years ago
The glass package that you have in your current windows is called heat-mirror.

As you described there is a plastic film suspended between two lites of glass and that film has failed.

I am somewhat surprised that anyone would suggest glass replacement in a sash that was originally configured for heat mirror, especially considering the age of those windows.

I would suggest that in the long run the glass replacement option may end up costing you more than the window replacement option, but before you make your final decision make sure that you have several bids to consider.
PRO
Windows on Washington Ltd
4 years ago
Sadly...nothing is forever as it pertains to building materials and especially in those conditions. While I am not saying to go spend 120K on replacement windows, replacing glass in a now defunct window company isn't a good idea either. How about some pictures of the project and window totals?

Related Stories

REMODELING GUIDES Which Window for Your World?

By Bud Dietrich, AIA

The view and fresh air from your windows make a huge impact on the experience of being in your house

REMODELING GUIDES Replace vs. Restore: The Great Window Debate

By Lindsey M. Roberts

Deciding what to do with windows in disrepair isn't easy. This insight on the pros and cons of window replacement or restoration can help

HOME TECH Is It Curtains for Curtains? Smart Glass Eliminates Window Coverings

Windows can now control light and heat through electricity and high-tech formulations, making blinds and shades optional

WINDOWS Glass Act: Windows & Doors

By Becky Harris

WINDOWS How to Replace Window Trim

For finishing new windows or freshening the old, window trim gives a polished look with less effort than you may think

Replace Your Windows and Save Money — a How-to Guide

Reduce drafts to lower heating bills by swapping out old panes for new, in this DIY project for handy homeowners

DOORS The Art of the Window: 12 Ways to Cover Glass Doors

By Jess McBride

Learn how to use drapes, shutters, screens, shades and more to decorate French doors, sliding doors and Dutch doors

WINDOWS Frame the View with Divided-Light Windows

By Scheer & Co. Interior Design

Multi-pane windows add architectural interest to rooms of any style

WINDOWS Salvage Spotlight: Warehouse Windows Become a Storage Screen

By Becky Harris

Full of character but originally short on practicality, these panes in a Brooklyn loft now hide gear instead of leaking air

MY HOUZZ My Houzz: Meditation Room Made With Reclaimed Windows

By Sarah Greenman

An Oregon artist builds her dream — a Bali-inspired glass-enclosed spirit house

Sponsored

Columbus Premier Design-Build and General Contractor

More Discussions

Self leveling basement problem

18

Any idea which shingle this is?

7

adding smoke+carbon monoxide detector

7

Help regarding a leaking roof

6

keystone windmill dotted back tile change middle color on your own?

6