Top Window Repair in Boston, Massachusetts Ranked

A well-functioning window is more than just a view to the outside; it's a critical component of your home's comfort, energy efficiency, and security. In a city like Boston, with its historic architecture and distinct seasons, maintaining your windows is essential to prevent drafts that drive up heating costs and to preserve the character of your property. Window repair services address common issues like broken glass, failed seals, and sticking sashes, restoring functionality without the need for a full replacement. This guide will help you understand the typical problems, solutions, and considerations for finding a qualified professional to handle your window repairs locally.

Window Working

8 Fidelis Way #265, Boston, MA 02135

Window Working is a window repair company based in Boston, MA, specializing in servicing and repairing replacement windows. They handle issues such as difficulty opening or closing windows, falling windows, and fogged double-pane glass. Their repair process includes diagnosing problems by disassembling windows and sourcing necessary parts for repair.

4.9

86 Reviews

Beverly Glass Company

33 Tozer Rd Suite 3, Beverly, MA 01915

Beverly Glass Company is a family-owned glass and window repair and replacement business located in Boston, MA. Serving both residential and commercial clients, they offer custom glass solutions including insulated glass, storefront design, and shower enclosures. With over 60 years of experience, they provide same-day and emergency services across the North Shore area.

4.8

297 Reviews

Good Window Works, Boston & New Hampshire

boston

Good Window Works, Boston & New Hampshire is a window repair company based in Boston, MA, specializing in expert repair, restoration, and upgrades. They handle a variety of window issues including rotten wood repair, glass replacement, historic window restoration, insect screen installation, hardware repair, and weatherproofing upgrades. Their services focus on maintaining window integrity and energy efficiency for residential and commercial properties in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

4.9

81 Reviews

Arlmont Glass & Mirror

427 High St, Medford, MA 02155

Arlmont Glass & Mirror is a window repair company based in Boston, MA, providing residential and commercial glass services. They specialize in custom architectural glass, shower doors, storefronts, and interior glass partitions. Founded in 1982, Arlmont Glass & Mirror serves both homeowners and businesses with a focus on quality and customer satisfaction.

4.9

72 Reviews

Whole Window – Repair Only

boston

Whole Window - Repair Only is a window repair company based in Boston, MA, specializing in repairing rotten wood window sashes, frames, and mechanisms. They also provide insect screen installation and repair broken or fogged windows to restore window functionality and appearance.

5.0

35 Reviews

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Common Window Issues in Boston Homes

Boston's climate and the age of its housing stock contribute to a specific set of window problems. Understanding the root cause is the first step toward an effective fix.

• Drafts and Air Leaks: This is one of the most frequent complaints, especially during the windy winter months. Drafts are typically caused by deteriorated exterior caulking or worn-out interior weatherstripping ¹. A professional can quickly identify the source and seal the gaps.
• Broken or Cracked Glass: Whether from impact, stress, or temperature fluctuations, a broken pane compromises safety, security, and insulation. Repair involves replacing the single pane of glass or the entire sealed Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) in double-pane windows ^{2 3}.
• Condensation Between Panes: Foggy or moisture-locked glass indicates that the hermetic seal on an insulated glass unit has failed. This defect allows argon gas to escape and moisture to enter, significantly reducing the window's insulating value. The only remedy is to replace the IGU ^{2 4}.
• Sticking, Hard-to-Open, or Won't Stay Up: These operational issues are often due to failed hardware. Components like spring balances, spiral balances, sash locks, and tilt latches can wear out or break over time, making windows difficult or unsafe to use ^{2 5}.
• Rotted or Damaged Wood Frames and Sashes: Particularly in Boston's many historic homes, wood frames can suffer from moisture damage, leading to rot. Minor rot can often be repaired with epoxy fillers, while more extensive damage may require partial or full sash restoration or replacement ^{4 6}.

Repair Solutions and Timelines

The appropriate repair method depends entirely on the diagnosed problem. Here's what you can expect for common fixes.

For Drafts and Air Sealing: A technician will remove old, cracked caulk and apply a fresh, flexible bead around the exterior window frame. Inside, worn weatherstripping around the sash will be replaced. This is generally a quick job that can often be completed in a few hours ^{2 1}.

For Broken Glass: The process involves carefully removing the broken glass, cleaning the frame channel, and installing a new pane sealed with glazing putty or a rubber gasket. If it's a double-pane IGU, the entire sealed unit is removed and a new one is fabricated to size and installed. Emergency glass replacement can happen within 24 hours, while custom IGUs may take 1-2 weeks ^{2 7}.

For Failed Hardware (Balances, Locks, Handles): The repair professional will identify the specific manufacturer and model of the hardware (e.g., Andersen, Pella, Marvin) and obtain the correct replacement parts. Swapping out broken springs, locks, or cranks usually restores smooth operation within a couple of hours ³.

For Wood Frame and Sash Repair: Minor wood rot repair involves cutting out the soft wood, treating the area, and filling it with a two-part epoxy wood consolidant. For historic window restoration, the process is more involved, potentially including disassembling the sash, replacing parts, re-glazing, and repainting. This specialized work can take several days to weeks ^{4 6}.

Understanding Repair Costs in Boston

Window repair costs in Boston vary based on the issue's complexity, the type of window, and the required labor. Here's a general breakdown based on local market data ^{2 3 8}:

• Sealing Drafts (Caulking/Weatherstripping): $50 - $120. This is one of the most cost-effective repairs with a high return on investment through energy savings.
• Hardware Replacement: $80 - $300. The price depends on the complexity of the mechanism; replacing a full set of spring balances costs more than a simple sash lock.
• Glass Pane Replacement: For a standard double-pane insulated glass unit (IGU), expect to pay between $300 and $550+, including labor and materials ^{2 8}. Single-pane glass is less expensive.
• Screen Repair: $60 - $140 for repairing tears or replacing the screen mesh.
• Minor Wood Sash/Frame Repair: $125 - $350 for epoxy repairs or patching localized rot.
• Labor Rates: Professional window repair technicians in the Boston area typically charge between $35 and $110+ per hour. Specialists in historic window restoration often command higher rates due to their expertise ^{2 3}.

It's important to note that while repair costs can range into the hundreds, they are almost always significantly less than the cost of a full window replacement, making repair the smart economic choice when the window frame is still sound.

Special Considerations for Boston Properties

Historic Homes: Boston is renowned for its historic districts and antique homes. Repairing and preserving original wood windows is not only often required by local preservation guidelines but is also more sustainable and can maintain the home's value better than replacement with modern units. Specialists in historic window repair use traditional techniques and materials to ensure authenticity ⁶.

Energy Efficiency: Given Massachusetts' high heating costs, addressing drafty windows is one of the most effective ways to improve your home's energy efficiency. Proper sealing and repairing failed IGUs can lead to substantial savings on utility bills ⁹.

Permits: Most routine window repairs-like glass replacement, hardware fixes, or caulking-do not require a building permit. However, if the repair involves structural changes to the frame or altering the window's size or egress, a permit from the City of Boston may be necessary. A reputable repair professional will know when a permit is needed and can often handle the process for you ⁴.

Choosing a Service Provider

When looking for window repair services, seek out companies with specific experience relevant to your needs. For vintage homes, look for specialists in historic restoration. Ask for references, verify insurance and licenses, and request a detailed, written estimate that breaks down parts and labor. A trustworthy professional will provide a clear diagnosis, explain your options, and offer a warranty on their workmanship.

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