Is It Cheaper to Repair or Replace a Window?

When Repair Is the Clear Winner

If the window frame is still structurally sound and the glass is intact, repair is almost always the more cost-effective option. Common repairs include replacing a broken lock or latch, fixing a balance system so the window stays open, re-sealing a drafty frame, replacing weatherstripping, or addressing a fogged dual-pane glass unit where the seal has failed. These types of repairs typically run a fraction of the cost of a full replacement and can add years of life to an otherwise good window.

Hardware failures are especially economical to fix. A broken window lock, a worn-out crank handle on a casement window, or a snapped tilt latch on a double-hung window — these are all components that can be swapped out individually without touching the window itself. The parts are usually inexpensive and the labor is minimal.

“I tell customers to think about it like a car. If you have a solid vehicle with a flat tire, you don’t go buy a new car — you fix the tire. Same thing with windows. If the frame is good and the glass is good, replacing a $30 part is a lot smarter than spending $800 on a new window.”

When Replacement Makes More Sense

Replacement becomes the better option when the problems are structural. If the frame is rotted, warped, or water-damaged, patching it is usually a temporary fix at best — the underlying issue will keep causing problems. Windows with failed double-pane seals can sometimes be re-glazed, but if the window is old, single-pane, and poorly insulated, upgrading to a modern energy-efficient unit could pay for itself over time through lower heating and cooling bills.

Age is a factor too. If you have original windows from the 1970s or 1980s, the hardware may be discontinued and finding exact replacement parts can be difficult or impossible. At some point, the cost of sourcing rare parts and the labor to make them work approaches or exceeds the cost of a new window that will come with modern hardware, better insulation, and a manufacturer’s warranty.

A Quick Cost Comparison

To give you a rough idea: a typical window hardware repair (locks, latches, balances, rollers) generally costs somewhere between $100 and $300 depending on the parts needed and the window type. A glass-only replacement for a failed sealed unit might run $150 to $400. A full window replacement, including the frame, glass, and installation, typically ranges from $400 to $1,200 or more per window depending on size, style, and materials. Those numbers can vary quite a bit based on your specific situation, which is why getting an in-person assessment matters.

How to Decide

The best approach is to have a knowledgeable technician look at the window and give you an honest assessment. A good technician will tell you when a window repair is all you need and won’t push you toward a replacement you don’t need. At Galron, we always start by evaluating whether a repair will solve the problem before recommending replacement — because the right answer is whatever saves you money while keeping your windows functional, secure, and efficient.