A cracked window in a Newark rowhouse or a fogged-up IGU in a newer condo are both "window problems" — but they're different repairs. Here's how to figure out what you actually need.
First: identify what's broken
Cracked or broken single pane — the glass is fractured; the frame is intact. Glass-only replacement. Common in older Newark homes with single-pane aluminum or wood windows.
Foggy/cloudy between panes — you have double-pane windows (IGU). The seal has failed; moisture infiltrated. The fix is replacing the glass unit inside the existing frame, not the whole window.
Broken frame, sash, or hardware — the glass may be secondary. If the frame is rotted, cracked, or structurally compromised, full window replacement may be required.
Impact damage + frame damage — a baseball or branch may break glass and bend the frame simultaneously. Assess both before ordering glass only.
Repair vs. replace: the decision
| Condition | Recommendation | |---|---| | Glass broken, frame intact and square | Glass-only replacement | | IGU fogged, frame intact | IGU replacement only | | Frame rotted or bent | Full window replacement | | Window is single-pane aluminum from 1970s | Consider upgrading to IGU for energy savings | | Window doesn't open/close properly | Hardware repair or full replacement | | Home has 10+ fogged IGUs | Group the work into one coordinated IGU order |
What glass-only replacement involves
A glazier removes the broken glass from the frame (cutting glazing points, removing putty or gaskets), measures the opening, cuts replacement glass to fit, and re-installs with new glazing compound or gaskets.
For double-pane units, the IGU is ordered to spec — exact size, glass type, spacer width, and argon fill. The glass shop installs the new unit into the existing frame when it arrives.
Lead paint note for Newark homes
Newark has a high percentage of pre-1978 housing stock. Window glazing compound in older wood windows may contain lead. Our team is trained to handle this safely — we test and dispose of old glazing compound appropriately. If your home was built before 1978, mention this when you call.
Energy considerations
Single-pane windows in northern NJ have poor energy performance (U-factor 0.87–1.3 — essentially no insulation). A double-pane IGU replacement improves U-factor to 0.28–0.40. For a home with 10–15 single-pane windows, upgrading the glass (not necessarily the frames) can noticeably reduce heating and cooling bills.
NJ's Clean Energy Program offers rebates for certified energy-efficient window upgrades. We can provide the documentation you need for rebate applications.
Timeline
- Emergency board-up: Same day, available 24/7
- Single-pane replacement (stock glass): 1–2 business days
- Custom IGU order: 5–10 business days
- Full window replacement (standard size): 1–2 weeks from order to install