Repair or replace your windows
A window salesperson will rarely tell you to fix what you have. Sometimes fixing it is the right call. Here is a plain checklist, with published repair and replacement prices side by side.
Usually worth repairing
- One or two fogged glass units in otherwise good frames.
- A broken balance, spring or sash cord.
- Worn weatherstripping or failed caulk.
- A cracked pane from a ball or hail.
- Solid old wood sashes that need paint and glazing, especially with a storm window.
Usually time to replace
- Rot through the sill or the bottom of the sash.
- Frames that are warped or out of square, so sashes will not seal or lock.
- Fogged seals on many units at once.
- Single-pane windows with no storms, and frost inside every cold night.
- Windows that are painted shut, or will not open far enough to be an emergency exit.
Repair and replacement costs
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Window repair | $150 to $600, $400 average | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Foggy window thermal seal repair | $75 to $250 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Sash cords, balances or springs | $75 to $500 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Job | Published range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Replacement window, installed | $450 to $1,200, $800 average | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Single-story house, 10 to 15 windows | $8,000 to $12,000 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
| Two-story house, 15 to 30 windows | $12,000 to $24,000 | Fixr, Jan 2026 |
A middle path
Many Des Moines homeowners replace the worst windows first, usually on the north and west walls that take the winter wind, and repair the rest. Ask for per-window pricing so you can split the job. Ask the pro whether the estimate is free.
Questions Des Moines homeowners ask
How long do replacement windows last?
It depends on the frame material and the installation, and on how exposed the window is. Ask for the manufacturer's warranty terms in writing, since those say what the maker will stand behind and for how long.
Should I replace windows before selling my house?
Not usually for resale value alone. Fix broken glass and stuck sashes that a buyer's inspector will flag, along with failed seals, and get prices in writing so you can decide.