Window problems
Diagnostic guides for the most common window problems — when it's a repair, when it's a replacement, and how to tell the difference.
By Anthony Moorman — Former Renewal by Andersen rep · 12+ years in residential real estate.
Common window problems
Foggy windows: repair or replace? →
Condensation between the panes means a failed seal. Whether the unit is salvageable depends on three things.
Drafty windows: causes and fixes →
Cold air at the window in winter — is it weatherstripping, the sash, the install, or the unit itself.
Window won't stay open →
A double-hung that drops when raised. Usually the balance — sometimes a bigger sash problem.
Failed window seal →
What seal failure actually means, what's covered by warranty, and your repair options.
Rotted window frame →
Epoxy repair, sash replacement, or full unit replacement — how to decide.
Cracked window pane →
When glass-only replacement is the right call and when the whole unit needs to go.
Window condensation — inside, outside, or between panes →
Diagnosing where the moisture is actually coming from. The location tells you the cause.
Stuck window →
How to free a window that won't open without breaking it.
Whistling or noisy windows →
Wind noise through the window in winter — air infiltration vs. install gap vs. just the unit.
Water leaking around windows →
Active water intrusion — caulk, flashing, or full replacement. The order matters.