Repair or Replace Your Insulated Glass Unit? Here Is the Expert Answer.

IGU replacement is the right call when your window frame is structurally sound — meaning no rot, no warping, the sash still opens and closes properly, and the frame shows no signs of moisture damage or structural compromise. In the DMV, this describes the majority of homes built after 1970. Vinyl frames, aluminum frames, and well-maintained wood frames that are still square and functional are all excellent candidates for glass-only replacement. The frame on most windows outlasts three or four sets of glass. Full window replacement makes sense when the frame is actively rotting, when the window style needs to change, or when the frame has shifted so far out of square that it no longer functions correctly. We give you a written assessment with photos of each window so you understand exactly which category yours falls into. Visit our <a href="/services/insulated-glass-repair">insulated glass replacement page</a> or get a <a href="/photo-estimate">free photo estimate</a> to start.

Yes, and this is one of the advantages of glass-only replacement. When we replace a failed IGU, you can specify the glass coating on the new unit — whether you want standard clear, Low-E for better energy performance, or a different performance level than your original glass. Many DMV homeowners take the opportunity of a failed seal to upgrade to a higher-performance glass at the same time. The incremental cost of upgrading from a standard IGU to a Low-E argon-filled unit is modest relative to the total job cost, and the energy performance improvement is significant. We will quote both options on your estimate so you can decide.

Technically, an insulated glass unit cannot be repaired in the traditional sense — the seal failure is internal and cannot be re-sealed in place with lasting results. Some services offer de-fogging treatments that drill small holes, apply a desiccant, and apply a patch, but these are temporary measures that do not restore the argon gas fill or the full thermal insulation. True IGU replacement means removing the old sealed unit from the frame and installing a new factory-sealed IGU. This is the only lasting solution. When we say "IGU repair," we mean the replacement of the failed sealed unit with a new one — which restores full clarity, full insulation, and full seal integrity.