As a trusted window and door replacement company in Dallas-Fort Worth, we love weighing in on one of the most commonly asked questions - Is it best to do a whole window replacement or a glass-only replacement?  Depending on the situation, the answer varies!  We will walk you through our answer. 

What’s the difference?

First, you might be wondering, what is the difference between window replacement and glass replacement?  Window replacement involves removing the entire window (frame, glass, everything) and replacing it with a new upgraded window.  Glass replacement involved removing the pane(s) of glass only and replacing it with new glass in the current frame.

When should you choose window replacement?

If your windows are original to the home or more than 15 years old, you need new windows. If your windows are aluminum, wood, drafty, rotted, or condensation between the glass, you need new windows. If your windows don’t operate or allow outside noise, you need new windows.  Typically, we receive calls from homeowners stating several windows in their home have condensation between the glass, and what should they do?  Condensation between the glass means your windows have lost efficiency.  If this has happened to several windows then your others are impacted as well, even if those windows do not have condensation yet.  Condensation and drafts are the most obvious signs that you need to upgrade your windows.

When should you choose glass replacement?

Glass replacement is best when an accident occurs in 1 window.  Did a baseball, rock from the mower, or foundation shifting cause a window to crack?  Are your windows already upgraded and efficient but do you have a crack or flaw?  In these scenarios, glass replacement is your best option.  However, if your windows are dated, leaky, single-paned, or poorly installed, you should consider window replacement.

What’s the benefit of window replacement?

Keep in mind, while glass replacement is a more economical project, it’s still a high investment with less benefits and return.  Did you know choosing window replacement with ENERGY STAR® products can save a household nearly $600 on energy bills each year? This is significant savings considering the average household spends approximately $1,900 each year on energy alone.  Plus, window replacement delivers a high return on investment while adding to your home’s value.