When a window cracks or a detrimental seal failure occurs in your home, you must make a critical decision – whether Houston window repair is the solution for your residential glass needs or a full-scale replacement is necessary. By working with an expert glass repair company like Action Glass in Houston, you can be sure that our team will help find the perfect solution for your home. Regardless of whether you opt for a simple fix or a full repair, our team of technicians can offer results that last.
Treat this blog as your guide to all things Houston window repair versus replacement, going far beyond just a simple pro and con list. When you work with Action Glass, we strive to give each client a deep-rooted understanding of their home’s glass and how each option can impact the long-term value of their home. At the end of the day, our ultimate goal is to give you the confidence in your decision based on the impact it will have on your home and your budget.
Understanding the Signs of Window Damage in Your Houston Home
Before deciding between a glass repair and replacement, it’s vital to understand the damage and how it will affect your home’s window. To start at the basics, here are the biggest indicators that your home’s windows need professional attention:
- Failed seals: If your window seals are failing, you may notice the glass taking on a foggy or milky appearance. This can result in double-pane windows, like laminated glass, when moisture enters the tight space between the panes. This compromises the glass and ruins your visibility. In Houston’s humid climate, this is especially common.
- Cracked or broken glass: While this is the most common type of window glass damage in Houston, the extent of the damage can have a large amount of variation. This type of damage can pose a large risk to not only your Houston home’s security but also your energy efficiency, as extensive cracks can allow cold air to escape easily.
- Warped or rotten frames: This is typically a repair that is specifically found in windows with wood frames. In Houston’s high-humidity environment, it is not uncommon for the wood material frames to absorb the moisture. A large amount of absorbed moisture can cause the frame to warp and rot, creating a significant structural issue for your home.
- Faulty hardware: Common window hardware issues found in Houston homes that require repair or replacement can also include faulty hardware. Some examples of this could include sashes that won’t stay up, broken locks, or sticky cranks.
Identifying the issue is the first step of your Houston window repair or replacement journey. Regardless of the scale of your window problems, Action Glass Houston can help you demystify the next steps.
Signs That Professional Window Repair Is The Right Call For Your Houston Home
Not every instance of window damage requires a full-scale replacement as a solution. If your damage is minor and not likely to spread much further anytime soon, a window repair for your Houston home can be a budget-friendly, quick solution that is just as durable and energy-conscious as a replacement. The biggest indicator that a professional window repair will be an adequate fix for your window is if it is a single, clear issue, instead of widespread issues that have created a snowball effect.
Another key way to determine if Houston window repair is the right call for your home is if the issue has no effect on your home’s structural integrity. In Houston, even a small leak can quickly escalate into humidity damage, making the window of time to diagnose an issue before it becomes a larger issue very condensed.
Chips and small cracks can be fixed using a liquid resin that is cured with a UV light, much like how composite bonding is used to fix chipped teeth. This offers a seamless, completely invisible repair that can make your window appear good-as-new. Another example of common repairs is re-caulking for minor air leaks. These can make a huge difference in both the aesthetic appeal of your home, as well as its energy efficiency by keeping cool air inside and Houston’s sticky, uncomfortable humidity outside.
Making the Decision: When to Consider Full Window Replacement Instead of Repair
While many small, standalone issues can be repaired and go on to last for years into the future, sometimes a window repair just won’t be enough for your Houston home. Every window, regardless of how well you maintain it or how many panes they are composed of, has an expiration date, and many of these signs can indicate that it has been reached. Not only can a full-scale window replacement improve your home’s aesthetic appeal, security, and energy efficiency, but it can also be a valuable asset to its market value. By investing in new windows from a dependable, expert glass repair company like Action Glass, you can show a long-term dedication to your biggest investment.
Here are the main indicators that your Houston home windows need a replacement – not just a repair:
- Widespread condensation within the entire glass panel
- Significant air drafts even when the window is completely closed and locked
- Difficulties closing or opening the window
- Visibly warped or rotting wood frames, especially after a storm or exposure to excess moisture
- A steadily rising energy bill without a change in cooling and heating habits
While in the short term, it might be tempting to opt for a less expensive repair for your windows, with Houston’s brutal, year-round heat and humidity, a replacement can save you money in the long run.
The Smart Investment: How Replacement Windows Pay for Themselves in Houston
Fully replacing your Houston home windows can save you money in the long run by significantly cutting down your energy bills. This is due to new, modern options that can customize your window replacement energy efficiency, like using low-emissivity glass. Low-E glass coatings help reduce heat from sunlight that can enter your home. This lightens the load on your HVAC unit, keeping your energy bills low and your home’s climate cool, comfortable, and consistent.
The Final Decision: Repair vs. Replacement for Your Houston Home
Three factors are useful to consider when deciding between a repair and replacement for your Houston home’s windows. They include:
- Age of the windows: Windows typically last 20-25 years. If your windows are nearing the end of their life, even a smaller scale damage could still just be a band-aid on a bullet hole if the windows might need to be replaced in the near future anyway. Since older windows also lack the modern energy-efficient features, it can be financially smarter to invest in a replacement.
- Extent of the damage: If the issue is small, localized, and not severely impacting your energy bill, then a window repair is a great option. Be sure to consider if the damage is likely to spread, because in that case, a replacement is always necessary.
- Long-term value: If you have plans of selling your home in the future or are hoping for a higher return on investment, there may be significant value in new windows for your home’s market value.
When it comes down to the choice between a window repair or replacement for your Houston home, the most important factor is working with a trustworthy glass company like Action Glass. Since 1973, our team has been providing fast, reliable, and efficient window repairs and replacements for our Houston clients – it’s what we are passionate about. Contact Action Glass Houston today for a free window repair or replacement quote for your home!