Who Do I Call To Fix an Egress Window?
Leave egress window installation to the experts
Egress windows are a critical and often legally required part of the emergency escape options in your home. An inoperable or damaged egress window can put you and your family at risk. If you’re having problems with this type of window, we strongly recommend hiring a dedicated egress window repair company near you.
At the very least, your repair professional should have a contractor license. Ideally, you’ll also hire a window repair technician who is certified by the Fenestration & Glazing Industry Alliance, as this indicates they’re highly trained and likely more reliable.
Benefits of Hiring a Window Repair Specialist To Fix an Egress Window
Hiring a professional who specializes in installing and repairing windows helps ensure you get the best service possible. A tech that only deals with windows—as opposed to a general contractor or do-it-all handyman—will have more experience fixing different types of windows. This means a few key things for you:
They’ll understand the egress window requirements set by local building codes and will make sure your window stays in compliance.
They know the importance of egress windows in the case of an emergency and will ensure they function properly for years to come.
They often secure better prices for materials and replacement parts, potentially saving you money on egress window costs for repair or replacement.
They’re more experienced and may provide better warranties for their work.
They have more specialized experience and are less likely to make mistakes that could lead to water damage or reduced home efficiency.
They’re more likely to know when a poorly operating window is a sign of a more serious issue, like foundation damage.
If your window well has a drain, they should have the tools and experience to clear any clogs causing egress window leaks.
They’ll know if and when you can replace your egress window with a different type of basement window.
Can I DIY Egress Window Repair?
Yes, you can DIY egress window repair, but it’s not recommended—any mistakes come with higher consequences than normal windows.
With standard windows, errors during the repair can lead to water and air leaks, making your living space less comfortable, reducing your home’s energy efficiency, and potentially leading to water damage.
With an egress window, you have an elevated risk of water intrusion due to the positioning below the ground. Additionally, a mistake can leave your window inoperable in the case of an emergency, like a fire. An issue with operation can not only be dangerous and put you and your family at risk, but it can potentially violate building codes. Your window repair cost will be higher when you go with a professional, but it’s well worth the money, especially when it comes to egress windows.
Can I Hire a General Contractor for Egress Window Repair?
Virtually all general contractors will have experience installing and repairing windows, so you definitely can hire one for egress window repair. The only exception might be if you have broken or cracked glass, as this is more of a specialty repair, and a general contractor is more likely to recommend a more expensive replacement instead of glass repair.
Even if the repair isn’t related to broken glass, a general contractor who handles all types of home improvement projects will typically have less experience with window repair, so a window specialist is still your best option.
Can I Hire a Handyperson for Egress Window Repair?
Yes, you can hire a handyperson for egress window repair. They’ll be able to fix most issues with an egress window, but they’re less likely to have the equipment and skills for glass replacement.
You can hire a handyperson for other egress window repairs, like stuck frames, minor leaks, and drafty windows. However, since handypeople don’t specialize in window repair, you’re more likely to see mistakes that can lead to ongoing problems. Additionally, they often won’t provide any kind of guarantee for their work, unlike a dedicated window repair specialist.
How Do Window Specialists Repair Egress Windows?
Window specialists use a variety of repair methods based on the issue you’re experiencing.
Water leaks: Your repair professional will remove the exterior trim to find the leak. They’ll then repair any damage to the frame and surrounding building materials, caulk around the window, and replace the trim.
Drafty egress windows: For this issue, your pro will use visual inspections and might employ a thermal camera to find where the outdoor air is coming in. They’ll then repair any frame damage and reseal around the problem area.
Inoperable egress windows: Your tech might remove the sash to repair interior window components like the window balance or window springs that might be causing the issue. They’ll also assess to see if structural damage is the cause and provide advice on how to fix the problem.
Broken egress window glass: Window repair specialists have the tools to seal small cracks without removing your window glass. If there’s a larger break, they may remove and replace the glass, sealing around the new pane and vacuum sealing argon or krypton gas between the panes if you have double-pane or triple-pane windows.