Deciding whether to repair or replace your windows comes down to three questions: what exactly is failing, how sound is the frame, and what do you want from the window for the next decade? Repair is the right answer far more often than most homeowners expect — foggy glass, broken cranks, stiff locks, and worn weatherstripping are all fixable without buying a new window. Replacement earns its higher price only when the frame itself is failing or the whole window has reached the end of its useful life.
Centennial Glass has been helping Ottawa homeowners make this call since 1967. Because repair and replacement are both core services for us — and have been for 55+ years — this guide reflects how we actually assess windows, not a sales script.
Step 1: Identify What Is Actually Failing
Windows fail in parts, and each part has its own fix. The most common complaints we see are covered in our overview of common residential window problems:
- Foggy or hazy glass. The sealed unit’s edge seal has failed. The glass is replaceable on its own; the window stays.
- Cracked or broken pane. A glass replacement, not a window replacement.
- Stiff cranks, broken locks, sagging hinges. These are hardware problems. Our parts counter stocks hardware for most major window brands, and window and door hardware can usually be matched and swapped.
- Drafts at the sash. Often worn weatherstripping — a repair-level fix.
- Drafts around the frame, water staining in the wall, rot or warping in the frame itself. Now you are in replacement territory.
A focused window repair visit can resolve the first four categories, frequently in a single appointment — and same-day service is available for many repairs.
Step 2: Check the Frame — It Decides Everything
The frame is the dividing line in the repair-versus-replace decision.
Repair makes sense when the frame is sound. Vinyl and aluminum frames routinely outlast their glass and hardware. If the frame is square, solid, and sealing well against the wall, putting new glass or hardware into it is the cost-effective choice.
Replace when the frame is failing. Rot in wood frames, warping that prevents smooth operation, separation from the wall, or persistent leaks around the perimeter cannot be fixed with new glass. One important note for older homes: heavily deteriorated or swollen wooden windows are generally not worth patching — replacement is the durable, energy-smart answer, and modern frames need far less upkeep.
Step 3: Factor in Age, Warranty, and Your Plans
- Age. If a window is within its expected service life and one component failed, repair it. If everything about it is tired — glass, hardware, seals — replacement avoids paying for fixes piecemeal.
- Warranty status. Newer windows may still be covered by the manufacturer; check before paying for anything. For older windows, our FAQ on repairing windows after the warranty period explains your options once coverage ends.
- Your plans. Renovating, changing window styles, or chasing maximum energy efficiency all favour replacement. If you simply want the house tight and clear again, repair usually gets you there. When you do decide to replace, our guide to things to consider when replacing your windows in Ottawa is a good starting point, and you can browse residential window options by style.
Why Ask a Company That Does Both
A repair-only outfit may stretch a dying window’s life past the point of good economics; a replacement-only company sees every foggy pane as a sales lead. Centennial Glass does both, splits its work roughly 50/50 between residential and commercial customers, and fabricates glass in-house — so our recommendation is based on the window in front of us. That is the experience customers describe:
“Happy with the service received to replace a foggy window and the hardware on another window. They were very professional in terms of booking and keeping appointments. They gave me a good idea of the process. Payment was easy and reasonable.”
— Nathalie Caron, 5★
“Very impressed with the professional and quick service. The installers were very knowledgeable and were able to explain what caused the crack in our window (stress from incorrect installation), fix the problem (modify the frame) and put in the new glass. First rate work!”
— G Tereposky, 5★
FAQ: Repairing vs Replacing Windows
Is it worth repairing a 15-year-old window?
Often, yes. If the frame is sound and only the sealed unit or hardware has failed, a repair restores the window for far less than replacement. If several components are failing at once, get a replacement quote too and compare.
Does foggy glass mean I need new windows?
No. Fog between the panes means the sealed unit failed — the insulated glass can be replaced inside your existing frame. It is one of the most common repairs we perform in Ottawa.
When is replacement clearly the better choice?
When the frame is rotted or warped, when drafts and leaks come from around the frame rather than through the glass, when the window is old single-pane construction, or when you want a different style or significantly better energy performance.
Can you fix just the crank or lock on my window?
Usually, yes. Operating hardware is replaceable, and Centennial’s parts counter stocks hardware for most major brands — bring the old part in or have a technician match it on-site.
Get an Honest Assessment — Repair or Replace
The fastest way to decide is to let a professional look at the window. Centennial Glass has handled both sides of this question across the Ottawa region for 55+ years — no project too large or too small. Call us at 613-738-9500 or contact Centennial Glass to book an assessment.