Replacing a window in Ottawa runs $1,200-$3,200 installed. But many failed windows can be repaired for $185-$685 — replacing just the sealed glass unit (IGU), fixing the sash hardware, or swapping the weather stripping. This page covers what Ottawa window repair contractors actually do, when repair beats replacement, 2026 pricing, and the warranty considerations that determine which is smarter.
(1) Foggy/failed sealed glass (the seal between glass panes has broken — fixable by replacing the IGU only, frame stays). (2) Cracked or broken glass (single-pane: easy; thermal IGU: full unit replacement). (3) Failed sash hardware (cranks, balances, latches, hinges — common on 1990s-2000s casement and double-hung windows). (4) Worn weather stripping (foam/EPDM/silicone strips that compress over time — Ottawa cold accelerates this). (5) Failed locks or operators. (6) Rotted wood frames (often ar...
When you see condensation BETWEEN the glass panes (not on the room-side surface), the sealed glass unit has failed. Ottawa's freeze-thaw cycles and the temperature differential between -30C exterior and +21C interior are brutal on IGU edge seals. Good news: in most modern windows (1995+) the IGU can be replaced WITHOUT replacing the entire window frame and sash. Cost: $385-$685 per IGU for standard double-pane, $585-$1,050 for triple-pane or Low-E. Versus full replacement ($1,200-$3,200), this i...
Service call/diagnostic: $145-$245 (waived if proceeding). IGU replacement (double-pane, standard size): $385-$685. IGU replacement (triple-pane, Low-E, argon-filled): $585-$1,050. Single-pane glass replacement: $185-$385. Sash balance replacement (per balance): $95-$185. Casement crank operator: $145-$285. Lock/latch hardware: $85-$165. Weather-stripping replacement (per window): $145-$245. Wood frame partial repair: $245-$685 (depends on rot extent). Screen repair: $85-$165.
Repair when: window is under 20 years old, frame is structurally sound, hardware/glass/seal is the failure, and the window is energy-rated U-0.30 or better (modern code-compliant). Replace when: frame is rotted/twisted/failing, window is over 25 years old with single-glazed or first-generation thermal glass (U-0.50+), multiple components failing at once, or you're doing a whole-house energy retrofit (often eligible for federal Canada Greener Homes Grant up to $5,600). For 1980s-pre-1995 windows:...
Most modern windows (1995+) came with a 10-20 year IGU warranty from the manufacturer. If your sealed unit failed under warranty, the IGU is FREE — you only pay the installation labour ($145-$245 per unit). Check manufacturer documentation or call the original installer. Common Ottawa-installed brands with IGU warranty: Pella, Jeld-Wen, Marvin, Andersen, Loewen, North Star, Vinylbilt, Polar Window. Failed IGUs without warranty paperwork: $385-$685 full cost.
DIY OK: weather-stripping replacement, screen repair, sash balance swap (with replacement balance from manufacturer). DIY NOT OK: IGU replacement (requires specialized suction tools, glazing tape, and edge-spacer expertise), structural sash repair, anything involving casement crank gearbox replacement (requires disassembly and re-balancing). The labour saved on DIY is rarely worth the risk of a $585 IGU breaking or a sash that won't close properly through Ottawa winter.
Yes — in most modern windows (1995+) the failed sealed glass unit (IGU) can be replaced without replacing the entire window frame. Cost: $385-$685 per IGU vs $1,200-$3,200 for full window replacement (25-40% of full-replacement cost).
Service call $145-$245. IGU replacement $385-$1,050 depending on glass spec. Hardware (cranks, balances, locks) $85-$285. Weather-stripping $145-$245 per window. Wood-frame repair $245-$685.
Repair: window under 20 years old, frame sound, modern energy-rated. Replace: frame rotted, window 25+ years old, single-glazed or first-gen thermal, or doing whole-house retrofit (often eligible for Canada Greener Homes Grant up to $5,600).
Possibly — most 1995+ windows came with 10-20 year IGU warranties from manufacturers (Pella, Jeld-Wen, Marvin, Andersen, Loewen, North Star, Vinylbilt). If covered, the IGU is FREE — you only pay $145-$245 installation labour. Check original paperwork or call the installer.
Strongly advised against. IGU replacement requires specialized suction cups, glazing tape, and edge-spacer expertise. Risk of breaking a $585+ glass unit or compromising the seal through Ottawa winter isn't worth the labour savings.