When a few windows are enough
Not every house needs all new windows. Sometimes one side of the house takes the weather and fails first, a few windows have rotted sills, or a remodel calls for new windows in one room. Replacing a few windows at a time spreads out the cost and lets you deal with the worst first. The challenge is making the new windows work alongside the old ones.
Which windows first
Start with windows that are failing: rotted or soft frames, leaks, broken or missing hardware, windows that won't open or lock, and cracked or fogged glass. Then consider windows where the problem is comfort: drafty rooms, rooms that overheat in afternoon sun, bedrooms facing a busy street. Ask the contractor to look at every window and give you a prioritized list, so you can plan the rest of the house even if you only replace a few now.
Matching the rest of the house
From the street, mismatched windows can look odd. Think about:
- Frame color and material. New vinyl next to old painted wood looks different.
- Sightlines. Frame and sash widths affect how much glass shows.
- Grilles. If the old windows have divided-light grilles, decide whether the new ones should match.
- Style. A casement next to a row of double-hungs may look out of place.
Many homeowners replace all the windows on one elevation, such as the front of the house, at the same time, so each side looks consistent.
Foggy glass and failed seals
If you see fog or condensation between the panes of a double-pane window, the seal around the glass unit has failed. The window still works, but the gas fill, if there was one, has probably escaped, and the fog may get worse. Sometimes just the sealed glass unit can be replaced, leaving the frame and sash in place, which costs less than a whole window. Whether that makes sense depends on the frame's condition. Ask the contractor.
Sash replacement
For some wood windows with sound frames, a sash replacement kit replaces the moving parts and glass while keeping the existing frame and trim. It's another option between glass repair and full window replacement.
Mixing installation methods
A partial job may use full-frame replacement on windows with rotted frames and insert replacement on windows with sound frames. That's fine, as long as each is done properly. See full-frame vs. insert replacement.
Planning ahead
If you plan to replace the rest of the windows later, ask the contractor which product line they're using and whether it's likely to be available in the same color and style in a few years. Keep the proposal, the product names and the warranty documents, so the next phase can match.
Safety glass and escape openings
Even on a small job, building code requirements apply. A replaced bedroom window must still provide an emergency escape opening, and windows near doors, tubs and floors may need tempered glass. The contractor should know the local requirements.
Older homes
If the house was built before 1978, the frames and trim may have lead-based paint, and federal lead-safe work rules apply to renovation that disturbs it. Ask how the contractor handles it, even for one window.
Questions to ask
- Which windows should I replace first, and why?
- Can you match the remaining windows in color, sightlines and style?
- Is glass or sash replacement an option for any of these windows?
- Will you use full-frame or insert installation, window by window?
- Will this product line be available later if I replace more windows?
- What does the written warranty cover?