Repair or replace?
Drafts, condensation between panes, rotten sills and windows that stick are the usual signs it is time to act. If the frame is sound, a repair with new seals and hardware can buy you years. If the wood is soft or the glass is single-pane, replacement usually pays for itself in comfort and lower heating bills.
Start with a simple survey: measure each opening, note which way it faces and check for any historic district or HOA restrictions on your street before you request quotes.
Choosing frames and glass
Wood offers character and repairability, aluminum gives slim sightlines for large panes, and vinyl is the most budget-friendly option. Double-pane windows are the standard today, while triple-pane units make sense for north-facing rooms and busy streets.
On installation day, most windows can be swapped in a few hours each, with minimal mess when the old frames are cut out carefully. Ask your installer to finish the trim and sills properly so the new windows look as if they were always there.
