Window glass and window repair in Des Moines
Not every bad window needs a new window. A fogged insulated glass unit, a cracked pane from a hail storm or a broken balance can often be fixed for a fraction of a replacement. Here is how to tell which job you have.
Common repairs
- Fog between the panes. The seal on the insulated glass unit has failed and moist air got in. The glass unit can usually be replaced in the existing sash.
- Cracked or broken glass. From a stray ball or a falling branch, or from hail. Single panes are quick; insulated units are ordered to size.
- Sash will not stay up. A broken balance, spring or sash cord. Usually a parts-and-labor repair.
- Drafts around a closed window. Worn weatherstripping or failed caulk.
- Torn screens. Often rescreened in the same frame.
What repairs cost
| 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 |
When repair stops making sense
If the frame is rotted or the sash is warped so it will not seal, the repair money may be better spent on replacement. The same goes when most windows in the house have the same problem. Repair or replace.
Hail and storm damage
Polk County logged hail of 1 inch or larger on 92 days from 1996 to 2025 (NOAA), and stones up to 3.25 inches. Hail can crack glass and shred screens and vinyl trim. Photograph the damage and the hail if you can, and check your homeowners policy before you pay out of pocket. Des Moines hail record.
Questions Des Moines homeowners ask
Can a foggy double-pane window be fixed?
Usually by replacing the insulated glass unit, not by defogging it. Fixr puts thermal seal repair at $75 to $250 and double-pane glass repair at $200 to $400 for a double-pane window. If the window is still under warranty, check whether the seal failure is covered before you pay.
Is a cracked window an emergency?
A cracked pane that is still in place is not urgent. Tape it and keep people away. A broken pane in winter should be covered from the inside with plastic sheeting and tape until it is repaired.