Window trouble rarely comes at a good time. Before you call the first number you find, a few minutes of homework will help you get the right fix at a fair price, and avoid paying for a whole new window when the glass is all that needs replacing.
Start with what is actually wrong
Most window problems fall into a few groups:
- Broken or cracked glass from a stray ball, a storm or a slammed sash.
- Fog between the panes, which means the seal on a double-pane unit has failed.
- Drafts or leaks around the glass, often from worn glazing or seals.
- Hardware that sticks, won’t lock or won’t stay open.
Take a few clear photos before you call. Many local glass companies, including ours, can look at photos sent by text and give you an idea of the fix before the visit.
Repair or replace: ask which one you really need
If the frame is solid, replacing just the glass or the sealed glass unit usually costs far less than a new window. Full replacement makes sense when the frame is rotted, warped or damaged, or the window won’t open, close or lock properly.
A good company tells you which one you need and why, not just the bigger job.
Questions to ask before you hire
- How long have you been working in this area?
- Will you measure in person before giving a final price?
- Will the new glass be tempered or insulated where it needs to be?
- Does your own team do the install, or a subcontractor?
- What warranty covers the work?
What a good quote covers
A clear quote should spell out:
- The glass type and thickness, and whether it is single-pane, insulated or Low-E.
- Removal and disposal of the old glass.
- Labor and any extra parts such as glazing beads or seals.
- A rough timeline, since custom glass is ordered after measuring.
- The workmanship warranty.
If a quote is a single number with no detail, ask for the breakdown before you agree to anything.
Safety first with broken glass
If a pane is shattered, keep people and pets away and don’t pull loose shards out by hand. Sweep and vacuum carefully with shoes on. A glass company can secure the opening the same day and fit a custom-cut replacement once it is ready.
Need window glass repaired? We replace broken panes and foggy sealed units across New Braunfels and the Hill Country.
See window repairAt NB Glass we measure in person, explain whether you need repair or replacement, and give you a clear quote before any work starts. Estimates are free, and we reply the same day.
