When can you just replace the glass rather than the whole window?
Broken windows, either at home or at work, can result in costly repairs. Fortunately, it is not always necessary to replace the entire window. Minor damage can be repaired simply by replacing the glass, which is a much cheaper and quicker option. Here are some situations in which it makes sense only to replace the window glass.
The frame is fine
Firstly, there is no need to replace the entire window if only the glass is damaged. If the surrounding frame and seals are intact, a glazier can replace the glass without having to change the rest of the window. When considering this option, make sure you think about the condition the window was in before the glass was broken. If it was already draughty and mouldy, it is probably best to fix these problems at the same time. But if the frame is still in good condition, glass replacement is probably the best way to repair the break.
Only one window is broken
A second consideration concerns the outside appearance of the building. If only one window is broken, replacing the frame can result in it looking different from the other windows. This can damage the curb appeal of the building and make it look unattractive. Glass replacement will preserve the overall look of the building. There is also no need to replace a window with multiple panes if only one of the panes has been broken — only the single piece of glass needs to be replaced.
The frames are historic
If the building is old, your window may have an old-fashioned wooden frame with a single frame. If this is the case, you may not want to replace them as it could spoil the history and the look of the building. If the building is protected you may not even be allowed to replace the frames. Under these circumstances replacing the glass alone will be the best option.
You're on a budget
Finally, it is worth remembering that glass replacement is always likely to be a cheaper option than window replacement. It will not always be possible and it may sometimes be a short-term option, but if money is an issue it is worth looking into whether the window can be repaired merely by installing new glass rather than making any further replacements.
Glass replacement can be a cost-effective method of repairing a broken window. Just call a professional glass replacement company, who will be able to advise you on how to proceed.
