Top Window Repair in San Francisco, California Ranked

Dealing with a drafty, foggy, or broken window in San Francisco is more than just a nuisance-it can impact your home's comfort, energy bills, and safety. Window repair is the process of fixing specific issues like broken glass, failed seals, or damaged hardware to restore your window's function and efficiency. In a city known for its unique climate and strict building codes, finding a reliable local professional is crucial. This guide will help you understand common window problems, typical repair processes, and how to connect with qualified specialists in the Bay Area to get your home back in top shape.

Jeff's Mobile Glass, Inc

1366 Doolittle Dr, San Leandro, CA 94577

Jeff's Mobile Glass, Inc in San Francisco, CA specializes in auto, residential, and commercial glass repair and replacement. Serving the East Bay area, they offer mobile services for windshield replacement, chip repair, and custom-cut glass solutions. The company uses original replacement glass or OEM parts whenever possible and serves a diverse customer base including car dealerships and fleet industries.

5.0

40 Reviews

San Mateo Glass and Mirror

90 Glenn Way #15, San Carlos, CA 94070

San Mateo Glass and Mirror is a glass installation and repair company serving Fremont, CA, and the greater Bay Area. With over 42 years of experience, they provide commercial and residential services including window replacement, sliding glass door installation, custom mirrors, glass railings, skylights, and emergency 24/7 board-up services. Their team handles projects ranging from storefronts and gyms to homes, offering a lifetime service guarantee and expertise in various glass types such as safety and tinted glass.

4.8

88 Reviews

Innovation Glass and Windows

1433 Market Ave, San Pablo, CA 94806

Innovation Glass and Windows is a window repair and replacement company based in Oakland, CA. With over 20 years of experience, they specialize in designing and installing windows that improve both aesthetics and functionality. Their services include custom glass, shower enclosures, and energy-efficient window solutions aimed at enhancing natural light, ventilation, and noise reduction. The company focuses on innovative window designs that meet unique client needs while improving energy efficiency and comfort.

5.0

23 Reviews

Economy Glass Services

27365 Industrial Blvd unit a, Hayward, CA 94545

Economy Glass Services is a window repair and replacement company serving Oakland, CA, and surrounding areas. They provide professional glass services for both residential and commercial clients, including frameless shower doors, custom glass doors, new vinyl window installations, custom mirrors, and single or dual pane glass replacement. With nearly 20 years of experience in the window and glass replacement industry, they offer free onsite estimates to help customers plan their projects.

5.0

21 Reviews

A&M Glass inc.

510 San Pablo Ave, Albany, CA 94706

A&M Glass inc. is a window repair and replacement company based in San Francisco, CA. They specialize in window glass repair, double pane window installation, and sliding glass door installation. The company provides services for glass window and patio door installation using high-grade materials.

4.9

24 Reviews

See more providers in San Francisco, CA

Common Window Problems in San Francisco Homes

San Francisco's coastal climate, with its moisture, fog, and occasional seismic activity, creates a specific set of challenges for residential windows. Understanding the root cause of your issue is the first step toward an effective fix.

Drafts and Air Leaks One of the most frequent complaints is a drafty window. This is often caused by worn-out weatherstripping or failed caulking and sealant around the frame ^{1 2}. Over time, these materials degrade, allowing the cool bay breeze (or fog) to seep in, which forces your heating system to work harder and increases energy costs. Repair typically involves re-caulking gaps or replacing the weatherstripping seals.

Broken or Cracked Glass Whether from an accident, settling, or other impact, broken glass is a clear security and weather barrier issue. Repair involves replacing the glass pane itself. In San Francisco, it's especially important to use tempered or safety glass in many applications to comply with seismic safety codes ^{1 3}.

Condensation Between Panes (Foggy Windows) If you see persistent fog or moisture trapped between the layers of glass in a double-pane window, the seal on the Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) has failed ^{1 4 2}. This means the inert gas (like argon) that provides insulation has escaped, drastically reducing the window's energy efficiency. The repair for this is not a simple cleaning; it requires replacing the entire IGU.

Sticking or Hard-to-Open Windows Windows that are difficult to open or close can be caused by warped frames from moisture exposure, paint buildup, or faulty hardware like balances and hinges ^{2 5}. This is not just an inconvenience-it can be a safety hazard if the window is intended as an emergency exit. Repairs may involve lubrication, hardware adjustment, or repair of the damaged frame sections.

Frame Damage and Rot Particularly in San Francisco's older Victorian and Edwardian homes, wooden window frames are susceptible to water damage and rot ^{4 2}. This type of damage compromises the structural integrity of the window and can lead to more extensive problems if left unaddressed. Repair can range from patching and sealing damaged wood to a full frame repair or window replacement.

The Window Repair Process: What to Expect

Knowing what happens during a repair job can help you prepare and set realistic expectations with your service provider.

Assessment and Diagnosis A reputable professional will start with a thorough inspection. They will identify the exact problem, check for related issues (like water damage behind a failed seal), and determine if a repair is sufficient or if a full window replacement is more cost-effective in the long run.

Repair Execution The actual work varies by issue:

• Seal and Weatherstripping: Old caulk is removed, surfaces are cleaned and dried, and new high-quality sealant is applied. New weatherstripping is precisely measured and installed.
• Glass Replacement: The broken pane is carefully removed. The frame is cleaned, and a new pane of glass-often cut to order-is installed with new glazing putty or seals.
• IGU Replacement: The entire sealed double-pane unit is removed from the window sash. A new IGU is ordered to the exact dimensions and installed.
• Hardware and Frame Repair: Sticking mechanisms are freed, lubricated, or replaced. Rotted wood is cut out, treated, and filled with epoxy or a wood patch, then sealed and painted.

Clean-up and Final Inspection A good technician will clean up all debris and old materials from the work area. They should also operate the window with you to ensure it functions smoothly and explain any care instructions for the repair.

Understanding Repair Timelines

How long your window fix takes depends heavily on the complexity of the job and the availability of parts.

• Minor Repairs: Tasks like replacing weatherstripping, re-caulking, or fixing simple hardware can often be completed in a few hours to a single day ^{1 6}.
• Glass Replacement: If the glass is a standard size held in stock, this can be a same-day job. However, custom sizes, tempered glass, or special orders for Insulated Glass Units (IGUs) can take several days to a few weeks to procure ^{7 8}.
• Frame Repair/Replacement: More extensive work involving structural frame repair or full window replacement can take several days to a couple of weeks, especially if building permits are required for historic homes or significant alterations ^{8 6}.

Cost Factors for Window Repair in San Francisco

Window repair costs in San Francisco are notably higher than the national average due to the city's high cost of living, stringent codes, and the prevalence of historic homes ^{1 3 9}. Here's a breakdown of what influences the price:

Type of Repair

• Weatherstripping & Caulking: A relatively affordable fix, typically ranging from $100 to $400 per window depending on accessibility and materials ^{1 5}.
• Glass Pane Replacement: Replacing a single pane of glass averages between $150 and $300+, with costs rising for larger sizes, tempered glass, or specialty glass ^{1 4}.
• IGU (Foggy Glass) Replacement: Replacing the sealed unit in a double-pane window generally costs between $100 and $300+ per unit ^{1 7}.
• Hardware Repair: Fixing or replacing locks, hinges, and balances usually falls in the $30 to $150 range ⁵.
• Frame Repair: This is more labor-intensive. Repairing a rotted or damaged wood frame can cost between $250 and $800+, while a full window replacement often starts at $600-$1200 per window and can go much higher ^{3 9 5}.

Labor Rates Professional labor rates in the Bay Area are high, typically ranging from $30 to over $90 per hour ^{1 7}. The expertise required to work on complex or historic windows justifies the premium.

Material Quality and Code Requirements San Francisco's building codes mandate energy-efficient materials (Title 24) and seismic safety measures, such as the use of tempered glass in many locations ^{1 3}. These required materials are more expensive than basic alternatives.

Historic Home Considerations Homes in designated historic districts often require repairs that match the original materials and craftsmanship. This custom work and the potential need for approval from preservation boards can significantly increase costs ^{3 9}.

Why Choosing a Local San Francisco Pro Matters

For a task as specific as window restoration, local expertise is invaluable. A professional familiar with San Francisco's microclimates understands which sealants hold up best to persistent fog and moisture. They are well-versed in the city's unique building codes, ensuring your repair is compliant and safe. Furthermore, a local expert will have experience working on the diverse architectural styles found here, from modern high-rises to century-old Victorians, and can navigate the permit process for historic properties. Always verify that any professional you consider is properly licensed, insured, and can provide references from local projects.

Pro Tip: It is highly recommended to obtain 2-3 detailed, written quotes from local, insured contractors ^{1 10 11}. This allows you to compare not just the price, but the proposed approach, material quality, and timeline for your specific window issue.

Frequently asked questions

Sources