Repair or replace your windows? A simple way to decide
Foggy glass and drafts don't always mean new windows. Here is how to tell.
Published Oct 24, 2026. 1 min read.
Window replacement is one of the more expensive ways to fix a draft. Before collecting quotes, check what is actually failing.
Often repairable
- Worn weatherstripping and gaps in caulk
- Broken sash cords or balances
- A single cracked or fogged glass unit
Usually time to replace
- Rotted frames or sills
- Many fogged units at once
- Windows that no longer open, close or lock safely
If you do replace, ask each installer whether they quote an insert or full-frame installation. They are different jobs at different prices.