Top Window Repair in Des Plaines, Illinois Ranked

Dealing with a drafty, foggy, or stuck window can be frustrating and costly, impacting your home's comfort and energy bills. Professional window repair is a targeted service that addresses specific issues like broken seals, cracked glass, and faulty hardware to restore your windows' function and efficiency. For homeowners in Des Plaines, understanding the common problems and repair options is the first step toward finding a reliable local specialist who can provide a cost-effective solution, often saving you the expense of a full window replacement.

Window Repair Group Inc

9364 Home Cir, Des Plaines, IL 60016

Window Repair Group Inc is a window repair company based in Chicago, IL, specializing in repairing various types of windows including single and double-hung, PVC, wooden frames, and glass balcony doors. They serve homeowners throughout Chicagoland and nearby suburbs, offering services such as glass replacement, window adjustments, and insulation repair. The company provides warranties on glass, insulation, woodwork, and finishing work, ensuring reliability in every job.

5.0

219 Reviews

Authority Window Repair

chicago

Authority Window Repair is a licensed window repair and replacement company based in Chicago, IL. They provide expert services for both residential and commercial properties, including specialized repairs for custom-shaped panes and energy-efficient window installations. Their skilled technicians handle everything from measurement to installation, ensuring precise and durable results.

5.0

128 Reviews

Argo Glass & Windows - Window Repair & Glass Replacement

317 W Colfax St, Palatine, IL 60067

Argo Glass & Windows - Window Repair & Glass Replacement is a window and door service provider based in Chicago, IL. They specialize in window repair, replacement, and glass services, including sliding patio door repairs and commercial glass maintenance. The company serves both residential and commercial clients, focusing on energy-efficient solutions and local climate considerations.

4.9

1.3k Reviews

Express Board Up & Glass Services Inc.

chicago

Express Board Up & Glass Services Inc. is a Chicago-based company specializing in window repair, replacement, and emergency board-up services. They provide 24/7 emergency response for homes and businesses, including glass replacement, roof tarping, temporary fencing, and debris removal. Their team focuses on minimizing damage and restoring properties after accidents or disasters throughout Chicago, Cook County, and the suburbs.

5.0

114 Reviews

Sliding Door and Window Repair Service Inc

247 N Eric Dr, Palatine, IL 60067

Sliding Door and Window Repair Service Inc is a window and sliding glass door repair company based in Chicago, IL. They provide repair and maintenance services for sliding doors, windows, and other glass products, using high-quality hardware and materials. The company serves residential customers and has over a decade of experience in the industry.

4.9

587 Reviews

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Common Window Issues and Their Solutions

Windows face constant exposure to the elements, leading to several predictable problems. Knowing what's wrong is key to getting the right fix.

Drafts and Air Leaks

A noticeable draft near your windows is more than just a nuisance; it's a sign that conditioned air is escaping, forcing your heating and cooling system to work harder. In Des Plaines, with its distinct seasons, this can lead to significant energy waste ¹. Drafts are typically caused by:

• Failed Seals: Deteriorated caulking around the exterior window frame.
• Worn Weatherstripping: The compressible strip between the sash and frame that wears out over time.
• Gaps: Small spaces that develop due to settling or frame damage.

A professional repair for drafts usually involves re-caulking exterior joints, replacing worn weatherstripping, or using spray foam insulation to fill larger gaps. This is often one of the more straightforward and affordable fixes, with costs frequently ranging from $100 to $300+ per window ^{1 2}.

Broken or Cracked Glass

Whether from a stray baseball, a storm, or thermal stress, broken glass is a clear call for action. Repair options depend on the window type:

• Single-Pane Windows: A professional can replace the individual pane of glass.
• Double- or Triple-Pane Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): A crack in one pane often means the entire sealed unit must be replaced to maintain its insulating properties ^{3 4}.
• Temporary Patching: For small cracks, a resin patch can be a short-term solution to prevent the crack from spreading until a replacement is scheduled.

The cost for glass repair or replacement in Des Plaines can vary widely, from $150 for a simple single-pane job to $800 or more for a custom, energy-efficient IGU in a large or specialty window ^{1 5}.

Condensation Between Panes (Foggy Windows)

Seeing persistent fog or moisture trapped between the layers of glass is a telltale sign of a failed seal on an insulated glass unit. When this seal breaks, the insulating argon or krypton gas escapes, and moisture infiltrates, compromising the window's thermal performance ². Unfortunately, cleaning the fog is not possible. The only effective repair is to replace the entire sealed glass unit (IGU) while typically reusing the existing window frame ^{4 6}. This repair generally costs between $200 and $1,000+, depending on the window's size, style, and glazing features like Low-E coatings ^{1 2}.

Sticking or Hard-to-Operate Windows

Windows that refuse to open or close smoothly are a common complaint, especially in older Des Plaines homes. The causes are usually mechanical:

• Paint Buildup: Layers of paint can fuse the sash to the frame.
• Warped Wood: Moisture damage can cause wooden sashes to swell and distort.
• Faulty Hardware: Broken balances, springs, locks, or latches.
• Dirty or Damaged Tracks: Obstructions in the tracks of sliding or double-hung windows.

Repair involves scraping and sanding away paint, planing down warped wood, lubricating tracks, or adjusting and replacing hardware components. These repairs typically range from $100 to $400 ^{1 6}.

What to Expect: Repair Timelines and Costs

Understanding the scope and timeline helps set realistic expectations when you contact a local professional.

How Long Do Window Repairs Take?

The timeline depends entirely on the complexity of the job:

• Minor Repairs (Weatherstripping, Hardware): The work itself may take 1-3 hours. Factoring in scheduling and potential parts ordering, you can often expect completion within 1-3 days ^{1 7}.
• Glass or IGU Replacement: This is a multi-step process. After an initial assessment and measurement, the new glass unit must be fabricated. This custom work can take 1-3 weeks before the installation appointment can be scheduled ^{3 4}.
• Major Structural Repairs (Wood Rot, Frame Damage): If the repair extends to the window frame or surrounding wall, it may involve carpentry, painting, or even coordinating with other trades like siding experts, potentially extending the timeline to several weeks ⁷.

Understanding Repair Costs in Des Plaines

Window repair pricing isn't one-size-fits-all. It's built on several factors:

• Labor Rates: Professionals in the area typically charge between $30 and $90 per hour for labor ^{1 8}.
• Service/Trip Fees: For very small jobs, some companies may charge a flat trip fee of $75 to $250 to cover the initial visit ⁵.
• Parts and Materials: The cost of the glass itself, new hardware, or specialty weatherstripping.
• Window Type and Accessibility: A large, hard-to-reach second-story picture window will cost more to repair than a standard first-floor double-hung.

As a general guide for Des Plaines homeowners:

• Simple fixes (seals, hardware): $100 - $650
• Glass pane or IGU replacement: $300 - $1,000+ ^{1 5 8}

Choosing the Right Window Repair Specialist in Des Plaines

With several options available, selecting a qualified professional ensures a quality repair that lasts.

Look for Specialized Experience: While general handymen can tackle simple tasks like weatherstripping, issues like IGU replacement or balance system repairs require specific tools and knowledge. Seek out companies that explicitly list window repair as a core service.

Verify Credentials and Reviews: Check for an active Illinois license and insurance. Online platforms like Yelp can provide insights into a company's reliability and customer service from other Des Plaines residents ⁹. Look for detailed reviews that mention the quality of the repair, timeliness, and cleanliness.

Get a Detailed Assessment: A trustworthy technician will perform a thorough inspection, not just of the obvious problem, but of the entire window unit and its integration with the wall. They should explain the root cause, present clear repair options, and provide a written estimate that breaks down labor and material costs.

Ask About Warranties: Inquire about warranties on both the parts (like the new IGU) and the labor. A company confident in its work will stand behind it.

Local providers, from specialized glass shops to established window service firms, understand the specific challenges posed by the local climate. They can often source or fabricate parts more quickly and provide tailored advice for maintaining your windows year-round ^{3 2 10}.

Maintaining Your Windows After Repair

Protect your investment and extend the life of your repair with simple maintenance:

• Annual Inspection: Each spring and fall, check the caulking and weatherstripping for cracks or gaps.
• Gentle Cleaning: Clean tracks and lubricate moving parts with a silicone-based spray to prevent sticking.
• Mindful Operation: Avoid forcing windows open or closed. If resistance is felt, investigate the cause rather than applying excessive pressure.

Addressing small issues promptly can prevent them from escalating into major, costly repairs down the line, keeping your Des Plaines home comfortable and energy-efficient.

Frequently asked questions

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