Never underestimate the importance of your home's windows, as high-quality windows actually work to insulate the home from the weather and outside noise, whereas windows in poor repair can allow in cold and hot air and even suffer from water leaks. If you notice any problems with your home's windows, including scratches along the surface of the glass or water around the edges, you want to have glass window repairs done as soon as possible. Obviously chipped, cracked or outright broken glass should also be replaced quickly, for your family's safety. Note a few commonly asked questions you might have about home window repair and replacement, and be sure to cover these questions with an installer when making an appointment, so you end up with the best window choices for your home.

Can double-glazed panes fit into the current frame?

If your home doesn't have double-glazed windows, you might consider this upgrade when you're getting those windows replaced. Double glazing keeps out more heat and cold, and even more noise. In many cases, new double-glazed panes can fit into wood window frames, as the wood is easy to cut and fabricate. However, if your home has aluminium window frames, these may need to be replaced to accommodate new, double-glazed windows.

Can any window installer manage insurance repairs?

If your homeowner's insurance will cover the cost of repairs or replacement, such as after a storm, vandalism or break-in, you are typically allowed to choose your own contractor. There might be limits as to the amount of money your insurance company will pay you as a reimbursement, so check with your insurance agent about those limits; otherwise, you should be free to call any window installer for insurance repairs.

Do windows need to be replaced with the same type of glass?

As said above, you may need new frames to accommodate double-glazed windows, but many other types of glass will fit into your home's current frames. Toughened window glass, for example, is not necessarily thicker than standard window glass but is made with different mixtures of silica and other pieces so that these pieces don't shatter as easily as standard glass. Tint, metallic coatings, colour and other such specialty features also don't necessarily make glass thicker, so don't assume that you'll always need new frames; ask your installer your options if you want to have different glass installed than what is in the windows currently without changing out the window frames.