Answers To Your Top Questions About Window Repair And Replacement
General Window Services & Company Information
What areas do you service?
We service all of Skagit and Whatcom counties including Lummi Island and Anacortes. This encompasses the towns and cities of Bellingham, Blaine, Semiahmoo, Birch Bay, Lynden, Sumas, Peaceful Valley, Maple Falls, Everson, Ferndale, Deming, Sudden Valley, Acme, Bow, Sedro Woolley, Burlington, Mt Vernon, and La Conner.
What types of properties do you work on?
We assist residential and commercial property owners, and we supply wholesale to contractrators. We also work with government entities and are experienced with prevailing wage requirements.
Do you work with property management companies and landlords?
Yes! We are happy to schedule measuring, installation, and repair with your tenants to reduce back-and-forth and speed up turnaround time. We will only proceed with your final approval on the project. If you would like to work with us, please let us know so that we can set up an account and provide you with terms!
Are you licensed and insured?
We definitely are and can provide you with all of our business and insurance paperwork. You can find us on the Washington State Departement of Revenue website by clicking HERE and searching for West Coast Windows, Inc. under Business Lookup. In addition, our installers are certified to complete lead remediation should your property require it.
How long have you been in business?
We opened our doors in 1991 and have been going strong ever since!
Window Replacement for Property owners & Managers
How do I know if I need window replacement or just repair?
In some cases, window repair is a cost-effective solution that can extend the life of your existing windows without the need for a full replacement. Minor issues or hardware malfunctions can often be fixed at a much lower cost than replacement windows.
Signs you can likely repair the window or replace the insulated glass unit (IGU):
- Cracked or broken glass
- Seal failure (resulting in a foggy or scummy appearance)
- Minor frame damage
Signs that your window should probably be replaced:
- Rotting frames
- Persistent drafts
- Significant energy loss
- Structural damage
We will never attempt to sell you anything you don’t need and will always be completely transparent and upfront. Our committment to you is to provide the highest value at the lowest cost with the best service!
What is the average cost to replace a window?
Keeping in mind that while there is no such thing as a standard window, in Washington state the average price for materials and labor for one window is around $750 (with the cost ranging from about $300 to $3,000, depending on the size and type of window). That means the cost for replacing the windows in an average one-story house with those windows would be about $8,000. Your actual cost for replacement windows will depend on the materials and styles you choose and factors such as the window sizes and location. We offer a competitive bulk rate on windows and/or doors that are replaced at the same time. We are always happy to provide you with an estimate at no charge! Give us a call or fill out this super quick FORM for a more detailed cost estimate.
How long does window replacement take?
Window replacement times vary wildly throughout the year in Washington state. From June to August, the process takes about 4-6 weeks from ordering until installation for basic vinyl windows while fiberglass and wood windows run closer to 8-10 weeks. From September to November and again from April to May, the process runs 3-4 weeks and 6-8 weeks, respectively. During the big dark months of November through March, replacements can sometimes be as quickly done as quickly as 2-3 weeks and 5-6 weeks. Please Contact Us for current lead times.
A single window takes 1-2 hours to install, while a full house replacement can take up to three days.
What are the most energy efficient window options?
The material a window frame is made of doesn’t guarantee performance, and neither does price. The main difference between the brands we sell are not quality, but style and color. We offer vinyl, composite, and wood frame windows. All our windows meet current energy efficient standards with a U-Factor rating of 0.3, and we find this is a good compromise between letting in light and maintaining energy efficiency. The most efficient windows will be those with a high low-E (a microscopically thin, transparent coating applied to glass) and a triple pane. The downside to these windows is that they are more expensive and also result in reducing natural light in the home by 25% to 85%.
What maintenance can I do myself and when should i call a pro?
Can you repair a cracked window pane?
The only way to repair cracked glass is by replacing the insulated glass unit (IGU). You will see DIY suggestions to use liquid glass epoxy or strong tape, but the only way to secure it in the long run is to replace the IGU. Cracked glass is dangerous to leave in a window for very long. We can provide you with a free estimate and a competitive quote, although we are generally unable to provide emergency repairs quickly in the summer months.
My window is stuck shut (or worse, open)! Can you fix it?
Most of the time this is a result of faulty balances (the parts that regulate how easy the window is to open and close). We have many sizes in stock and can help you determine what you need and show you how to fix it yourself. We can also provide a service visit and fix them for you. Ply Gem, Jeld-Wen, and Milgard window brands are relatively easy to fix on the spot. If we are fixing Anderson or Marvin windows, the balances are a custom and complex system that we will have to order and will require our professional installation services.
If the window is stuck due to paint or debris, you can gently slide a putty knife between the window and the frame to break up any debris restricting the window’s operation. If the window still won’t budge, we happy to provide a service visit! You will also want a professional if the window frame is severely warped or damaged, if you are dealing with very old or historically significant windows, or you suspect structural issues.
Do you repair damaged window frames or sashes?
This is a job for a professional or someone with construction or woodworking experience. If we are replacing a window or an insulated glass unit (IGU) for you, we can provide you with a quote to replace or repair the frame/sash. If you have an older home and would like to retain the original frame/sash, we do everything in our power to repair and refresh them. Sometimes, however they are beyond repair and our professionals will work with you to match the original vibe of the home. Talk to one of our estimators about getting a quote for custom sashes and frames. Get in touch!
Can you repair foggy glass from a seal failure?
The short answer? No. Any glass company claiming they can defog your window is only giving you half the story. Replacement is the smartest avenue when it comes to repairing fogged windows, and the only one that we offer. Defogging does nothing for the energy-efficiency loss a window suffers when a seal fails but may make the window transparent again. Defogging involves drilling holes in the glass, cleaning between the panes, and then injecting a drying solution. Once the interior of the glass is completely dry and the holes are then sealed, it may clear up the condensation between the panels of an IGU. The issue with defogging is that, as mentioned, it doesn’t restore any lost energy efficiency from deteriorated window seals. Homeowners will benefit from new, clean, fog-free windows, improved comfort, and reduced energy consumption only when the glass unit is replaced.
What’s the best way to clean my windows without streaks?
Professionals use high-quality squeegees and specialized cleaning solutions. We recommend a simple mix of warm water and a few drops of dish soap and using a squeegee or microfiber cloth. Adding a bit of white vinegar can also help dissolve stubborn grime and mineral deposits, although stubborn stains can require a professional window cleaning company. Avoid cleaning windows in direct sunlight or on very hot days, as the cleaning solution can dry too quickly and leave streaks. See the steps below for the best results:
- Prepare Your Solution: Mix your chosen cleaning solution in one bucket and fill the second with clean water for rinsing.
- Clean from Top to Bottom: Dip a clean microfiber cloth into your cleaning solution and wash the window, starting from the top and working your way down. This prevents dirty water from dripping onto areas you’ve already cleaned.
- Wipe with a Squeegee: Place your squeegee at the top of the glass, angle it slightly, and pull it down in a single, smooth motion. Overlap each stroke by about an inch. Wipe the squeegee blade with a clean cloth after each pass.
- Dry Edges and Corners: Use a separate, dry microfiber cloth to wipe away any remaining moisture along the edges of the pane and the windowsill.
- Inspect in Natural Light: Step back and check your work from different angles to ensure you haven’t missed any spots.
How do I clean and maintain vinyl window frames?
We recommend filling a spray bottle with one part vinegar to two parts water to clean vinyl windows. Give your window frames a good dousing, and allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes. Then gently rub the surface with a soft-bristle scrub brush, and use a cloth to wipe away any remaining debris. Sometimes windows may be afflicted by heavy rust or mold (both common problems in the Pacific Northwest!) which means they may need something more heavy-duty than a vinegar rinse. Oxidation on vinyl frames usually appears as a chalky white substance, which can make the windows seem much older than they are. To get rid of it, use a specially-formulated house cleaner, or mix together ⅓ of a cup of laundry detergent, ⅔ of a cup of powdered household cleaner, plus one quart of bleach and one gallon of water. Use a spray bottle and a soft-bristled brush to clean the frames.
How often should I lubricate window tracks in the Pacific Northwest?
In the PNW, we recommend lubricating window tracks every 3-6 months and absolutely once a year. This will keep the window from sticking and allow it to glide smoothly in its track. There are a number of websites and YouTube vidoes that can walk you through this proccess.
Can I repair a drafty window myself?
The short, and mostly annoying answer is: it depends. If you’re handy, or a DIYer, you can try fixes like replacing weather stripping and reapplying caulk. You can find all kinds of advice and videos on YouTube. If you’re not in a position to replace your windows, even adding thermal curtains or replacing your locks and latches can be a short term fix. Because drafty windows can account for up to 30% of energy loss in a home, you might start thinking about professional repair and replacement if:
- Drafts persist after multiple fixes
- Window panes are cracked, foggy, or have condensation between the panes.
- Frames are rotting, warped, or showing signs of water damage
- Your windows are decades old and lack modern insulation technology.
Cleaning Do’s and Don’ts
The Do’s
- Do use the right cleaning tools and products and consider eco-friendly products
- Do clean your screens first
- Do use distilled water
- Do clean windows on cloudy days
- Do clean windows from top to bottom
- Do clean windows every 3-6 months
- Do clean the frames and sills
- Do hire a professional for high windows with a dangerous reach (please!)
The Don’ts
- Don’t use abrasive materials and be cautious using bleaching agents
- Don’t use excessive pressure as you can easily crack the glass or damage the seals
- Don’t use paper towls or paper
- Don’t overlook water spots
- Don’t forget to rinse (and change your rinse water frequently)
Process, Installation & Timeline
What is the first step toward getting a window fixed?
Head on over to our Contact Us page and give us a call, send a text or an email, or fill out our Request for a Quote form. If you need a rough estimate, we can generally provide that with a little information and a few pictures from you (if you are in a remote location, we will provide this to you before we schedule a visit as the price will be above average for the normal jobs we do in town).
The most frequent way we begin a job is by visiting your home or business and taking measurements of the windows or doors you would like to repair or replace- we can usually visit within 7 days. We’ll discuss what you’re looking for, and David or Ed will have a quote back to you in about 3-4 business days.
If you decide to move forward with the estimate, we will ask that you put down 50%, and we will begin the ordering process. We accept cash, check, card, and ACH payments. There is a 2% discount for all payments made by cash or check.
Once we receive your product, we will reach out to schedule the installation. In most cases, we will be able to provide you with about a week’s notice- sometimes we can schedule more quickly if there is a cancellation or other unforseen event. You are welcome to call at any time to check on the status of your order. We love speaking with you and are happy to keep you informed!