What's Wrong With My Window? Quick Triage Guide
Pick the symptom that matches what you see. You'll get the likely cause, whether it can be repaired, and a typical price range.
Pick What You're Seeing
Every symptom below is a common, repairable problem. Tap one to see how we fix it.
Foggy between the panes
Likely cause: The seal on the insulated glass unit has failed.
Repairable? Yes — the glass unit is replaced, the window stays.
Cracked or broken glass
Likely cause: Impact, a stress crack, or storm damage.
Repairable? Yes — new glass cut to fit the existing frame.
Soft or crumbling wood
Likely cause: Wood rot from water getting past the paint.
Repairable? Usually — rot is cut out and rebuilt with matched wood.
Stained or soft sill
Likely cause: The sill has rotted — it takes the most water.
Repairable? Usually — rebuilt or a new section spliced in.
Won't stay open
Likely cause: A worn balance or a broken sash cord.
Repairable? Yes — balances or cords are replaced.
Stuck or painted shut
Likely cause: Paint, swollen wood, or a sash out of alignment.
Repairable? Yes — freed, cleaned and adjusted.
Crank spins, window won't open
Likely cause: Stripped gears in the crank operator.
Repairable? Yes — the operator is replaced.
Won't lock or latch
Likely cause: A worn lock or latch, or a keeper out of line.
Repairable? Yes — usually one part.
Drafty — cold air gets in
Likely cause: Worn weatherstripping or failed caulk.
Repairable? Yes — resealed and insulated.
Water comes in when it rains
Likely cause: Failed caulk or seal — or a leak above the window.
Repairable? Often — we check first that the source is the window.
Gaps, or window out of square
Likely cause: The frame has shifted or warped.
Repairable? Usually — re-squared and repaired.
Torn or sagging screen
Likely cause: Old, brittle or damaged mesh.
Repairable? Yes — rescreened in the same frame.
- Double-hung — two sashes that slide up and down. Single-hung looks the same, but only the bottom moves.
- Casement — swings out sideways with a crank. Dashed lines point to the hinge side.
- Awning — hinged at the top, swings out from the bottom.
- Slider — panels that slide sideways in a track.
- Hopper — hinged at the bottom, tilts inward — common in basements.
- Picture — a fixed window that doesn't open.
All six are repairable — glass, hardware, seals and wood.
Get the Fastest Route to a Price
Find your next step
Tell us how many windows and where you are — we'll point you to the fastest way to a price.
Price ranges are typical per window and not quotes — see the full window repair cost guide. The exact price is confirmed after we see the window — see what can change a price. Not sure which symptom fits? Send us a photo and we'll tell you.
Fix the Window. Keep the Money.
Call, text, or send a photo. You'll know what's wrong and roughly what it costs — before anyone comes out.
★★★★★ 4.9 from 145+ reviews · 20-year glass warranty · Price match