Reglazing Windows vs Replacing Them: Which Is Best for Your Home?

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that homeowners can save up to $465 just by replacing old windows in their home.

However, not all the windows in your home will likely need replacement to save on energy costs. Some of your windows may deliver the same results with reglazing. In this blog article, we consider the two window options, what is reglazing and when it makes sense to go with a full replacement versus reglazing the window.

Reglazing Explained

Windows and doors are responsible for 25% of energy loss in your home so when you are heating your house, expect a quarter of the heat to escape through the windows and doors. In summer, if you’re using an HVAC to cool your home, wait for twenty-five per cent of it to exit via your windows and doors. If you’re great with numbers, you’ve probably already calculated the cost annually. For example, if your heating and cooling costs are $2000 a year and 25% is wasted energy, then that is $500 a year you’ll save through sealing your windows, so there is are no gaps for air to escape.

Double or triple glazed window systems are airtight. These windows are the best option so if you have single-pane windows consider retrofitting double pane windows if your current window frames allow or go for full window casement replacement.

When retrofitting is not an option, and you don’t want to replace your period set windows with modern varieties. The practice of reglazing the window pane will improve its airtightness. Reglazing is a process that removes the old glazing compound from around the windowpane, and this is a white putty that essentially holds the glass in the window frame and seals it from the weather, i.e. wind and rain.

When to Reglaze Windows

The glazing compound deteriorates over time, and when it’s cracked, air and moisture can get into your house. Newer window systems do not use the old putty glazing. However, in some countries, particularly in Europe most homes are more than 75 years old, and their windows are heritage-protected, or the architecture of the house does not lean itself well to a modern window system.

Reglazing is the only option for older homes. While the putty compound breaks down within a few years, it’s still the only option so you’ll need to reglaze your windows to maintain energy efficiency every decade.

If you notice fog in between the panes of your window, that’s a sign that your seal is broken. You don’t need to replace your window to fix it. Reglazing will solve this problem for a fraction of the price.

When to Replace Your Windows

There are times when replacing your windows just makes sense. For example, if your windows do not open or close smoothly, this is a sign that the frame has warped. The replacement will provide a longer-lasting solution, even if you’re recreating the old-style single windowpane style.

Another sign that you need to replace your windows is if you see rot around the windowsill. If the damage is minor, you might be able to repair the problem. But most times, the cost to properly repair the window will be more than replacement.

EcoTech Windows & Doors say if you have single-pane windows, reglazing can only help a little bit with energy efficiency. Single-pane windows always add to the energy and cooling costs of your utility bill.

To save money, it’s a smart idea to replace those windows with double or triple-pane glass. The money you save on your monthly bill will pay for the cost of the window replacement over time.

Is your furniture faded and bleached? That means that UV rays are entering your house through the windows. You may want to consider replacing them with low-E glazed glass which blocks out the sun’s harmful rays, yet still, allow all the natural light to come in.

Reglazing Windows vs Replacing

Thanks for reading all about window repair or replacement. The bottom line is that you should try to repair your windows if possible.

Reglazing your windows is more affordable than replacing them. But, you don’t want to pay to reglaze your windows only to have to replace them shortly after.

Consult with a window professional to help you determine if reglazing windows vs replacing are the right choice for your home.

Next, check out this seasonal home maintenance checklist on monitoring the systems in your home so to prevent costly repairs later on.