Window Repair in Portland, OR — Fix It Before You Replace It

Fogged Glass Replacement. Hardware & Lock Repair. Draft Fixes. Caulking & Seal Repair. Free Estimates. Licensed OR #241979..

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Not every window problem requires a full replacement. Fogged glass units, broken hardware, sticking operation, failed caulking, and drafts from poor air sealing are all problems we repair — often for a fraction of the cost of new windows. VResh Construction assesses every window honestly: if repair makes sense, we recommend repair. If the window is genuinely at the end of its useful life, we'll tell you that too, and explain why.

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(503) 272-6436 — Call or Text, Available 24/7

We answer calls and texts at any hour. For storm damage, active leaks, or structural emergencies, calling directly is the fastest path to a response.

Window Repair Services We Offer

Fogged / Failed Glass Seal Repair

When double-pane or triple-pane glass units develop condensation or fogging between the panes, the insulated glass unit (IGU) seal has failed. This is one of the most common window problems in Portland's 15–25-year-old housing stock.

The glass unit itself can often be replaced without replacing the entire window frame, at approximately 30–50% of the cost of a full window replacement.

We identify the window brand and product line, source the matching replacement IGU, remove the failed unit, and install the new one with proper glazing and sealing.

Note: Fogging that appears on the inside of the glass (room-facing surface) is condensation from humidity — a ventilation issue, not a window defect. We distinguish between these on-site so you don't pay for an IGU replacement you don't need.

Draft and Air Leak Repair

Drafts from windows are rarely from a failed window — they're almost always from inadequate air sealing in the gap between the window frame and the rough opening, or from deteriorated weatherstripping.

We remove interior trim, inspect the air sealing, fill gaps properly with low-expansion foam, replace deteriorated weatherstripping, and reinstall trim.

This repair dramatically improves energy performance and comfort at a fraction of the cost of replacement.

We also re-caulk exterior joints where the original caulk has dried, cracked, or separated — a common source of water infiltration that is often mistaken for a window failure.

Hardware Repair & Replacement

Broken cranks (casement windows), failed tilt latches (double-hung), broken sash locks, and non-functional operators are all repairable without replacing the window.

We source replacement hardware across all major brands — Milgard, Andersen, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, Pella, and most others.

Typical repair time: 30–60 minutes per window once parts are sourced.

Broken hardware is one of the most common reasons Portland homeowners call us — and one of the most unnecessary causes of window replacement.

Sticking or Hard-to-Operate Windows

Windows that stick, bind, or require significant force to operate are often suffering from one of three issues: paint build-up in the channel (common in older Portland homes that have been painted multiple times), swollen wood from moisture exposure, or sash hardware that has failed or shifted.

We diagnose the cause on-site before recommending a repair approach. In many cases, a careful cleaning, adjustment, and wax treatment of the channel fully restores operation without any part replacement.

If the sash or frame has swollen due to moisture intrusion, we assess whether the moisture source has been corrected and whether drying the wood out is sufficient, or whether the unit needs replacement.

Caulking, Flashing & Water Leak Repair

Water coming in around a window frame is rarely due to a defective window — it's usually caused by failed exterior caulking, missing or improperly installed head flashing, or a failed sill pan.

We address the actual source of the water intrusion — not just the symptom. This may involve re-caulking, re-flashing, and, in cases where water has been getting in for an extended period, inspecting and repairing any rot or moisture damage in the rough opening framing.

If we find dry rot behind the window during a repair call, we address it then, rather than closing everything up and having it return as a more expensive problem in a few years.

When to Repair — When to Replace: An Honest Assessment

We don't push replacement when repair is the right answer. Here is our honest assessment framework for the most common window conditions:

Condition
Repair vs. Replace
Why
Fogged / failed glass seal
Usually repair first
IGU replacement is 30–50% the cost of a full window. If the frame is sound, replacing the glass unit is usually the best option.
Broken hardware (crank, latch, lock)
Repair
Hardware is typically replaceable. Most repairs cost $100–$300 including parts and labor.
Drafty operation
Repair first
Weatherstripping and air sealing can restore efficiency. Typical repair cost is $200–$500.
Window won't close or lock
Repair (hardware)
Usually caused by a failed operator, misaligned sash, or broken lock.
Water coming in around frame
Repair flashing/caulk first
Water intrusion is usually due to failed flashing or caulking rather than the window itself.
Frame visibly rotted
Replace
If the structural frame is compromised, full window replacement is required.
1960s–1980s single-pane window
Replace
Single-pane windows provide almost no insulation and should be replaced.
15–20 year old double-pane with fogged glass
Assess each unit
If only a few units are affected, IGU replacement is economical. If many windows are failing, full replacement may be better.
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Client's Talk

We have a wealth of experience working as main building contractors on all kinds of projects, big and small, from home maintenance and improvements to extensions, refurbishments and new builds.

OUR FAQS

Window Repair FAQs — Portland Homeowners

How much does window repair cost in Portland, OR?
Window repair costs vary significantly by the type of repair. Hardware replacement (operator, latch, lock) typically runs $100–$350 parts and labor per window. IGU (fogged glass seal) replacement typically runs $250–$500 per unit depending on glass size and brand. Draft and air-sealing repairs typically run $150–$400 per window, while exterior caulking repairs typically run $75–$200 per window. All estimates are free — call (503) 272-6436 or request a free estimate online.
Can you get replacement parts for any window brand?
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For most major brands — Milgard, Andersen, Marvin, Jeld-Wen, Pella, Simonton, and others — replacement parts are usually available. Availability depends on the age of the window and whether the specific product line is still in production. For windows older than 20–25 years, some parts may be discontinued. We always verify parts availability before quoting a repair and will explain replacement options if parts cannot be sourced.
My double-pane windows are fogging up. Do they need to be replaced?
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Usually not. Fogging means the insulated glass unit (IGU) seal has failed, but the glass unit itself can typically be replaced without replacing the entire window frame. We remove the failed unit and install a new matching glass unit. This repair typically costs about 30–50% of a full window replacement. Whether IGU replacement makes sense depends on the condition of the window frame, which we assess during inspection.
Can you repair a window that won’t lock or close properly?
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Yes. Windows that won’t lock are usually caused by hardware issues such as a failed cam lock, loose latch, or a sash that has shifted slightly out of alignment. Windows that won’t close are often caused by a failed operator mechanism or alignment issues from house settling. In most cases these problems can be repaired without replacing the entire window.
Water is coming in around my window — is that a window defect?
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Water infiltration around a window frame is rarely caused by the window itself. It is usually due to failed exterior caulking, missing or deteriorated flashing, or improper installation details such as a failed sill pan. We diagnose the true source of water entry and repair it properly. If water intrusion has been ongoing, we also inspect the rough opening for moisture damage or dry rot before sealing everything back up.

Serving Portland Metro Area

VResh Construction provides window replacement, siding installation, roofing, dry rot repair and full exterior renovation services throughout the Portland metro area and Southwest Washington.

Portland Metro — Oregon

Portland, OR
Oak Grove, OR
Cedar Mill, OR
King City, OR
Happy Valley, OR
Clackamas, OR
Milwaukie, OR
Gresham, OR
Wood Village, OR
Scappoose, OR
Sandy, OR
Newberg, OR
Estacada, OR
Lake Oswego, OR
Beaverton, OR
Hillsboro, OR
Tigard, OR
Sherwood, OR
West Linn, OR
Oregon City, OR

Southwest Washington

Vancouver, WA
Battle Ground, WA
Woodland, WA
Camas, WA
Ridgefield, WA
Washougal, WA
Kalama, WA

Extended Service Areas

Longview, WA
Kelso, WA
Salem, OR
Seaside, OR
Lincoln City, OR
Long Beach, WA