Window Repair vs. Replacement: What GTA Homeowners Are Actually Paying in 2026

The most common question we get at Window Fix GTA is also the most important one: should I repair or replace my windows? The answer depends on three things — what's actually wrong, how old your windows are, and what your budget is. Here's a straightforward breakdown of real 2026 costs and a simple decision framework that saves most GTA homeowners significant money. Window Repair Costs in Toronto (2026) Broken glass replacement (single pane): $175 to $300 Foggy/failed IGU replacement: $150 to $350 per window Window crank or operator repair: $80 to $200 Window hardware (hinges, locks, handles): $75 to $250 Window seal and caulking: $100 to $200 per window Screen repair or replacement: $50 to $120 Door hardware repair: $100 to $300 Most repairs fall in the $150 to $350 range per window. A whole-house repair job covering multiple issues typically costs $500 to $1,500 total. Window Replacement Costs in Toronto (2026) Standard casement window (supply and install): $800 to $1,200 Double-hung window: $700 to $1,100 Sliding patio door: $1,500 to $3,000 Bay or bow window: $3,000 to $6,000 Full home window replacement (10-15 windows): $10,000 to $18,000 Full replacement is a major renovation project. It makes sense in specific situations — but most homeowners who ask about replacement actually only need repair. When to Repair Choose repair when: - Only the glass has failed (IGU fogging, cracked pane, broken glass) - The frame is structurally sound — no rot, no warping - Hardware has broken but the window itself is intact - The window is less than 20 years old - You want to preserve original wood or heritage windows Repairing just the glass unit in a sound frame costs 60 to 80 percent less than full replacement. On a typical GTA semi-detached home with 12 windows, that's the difference between spending $3,600 on repairs versus $13,000 on full replacement. When to Replace Choose replacement when: - The frame is rotted, warped, or structurally compromised - Your windows are more than 25 to 30 years old and repairs have become recurring - You have single-pane windows with no thermal break — these can't be made energy efficient through repair alone - Drafts persist even after resealing and recaulking - You're doing a major renovation and want to upgrade for energy efficiency In 2026, replacing old single-pane windows with ENERGY STAR certified windows qualifies for a $100 rebate per rough opening under the Ontario Energy Rebate program, running through November 2026. The Honest Answer Most Contractors Won't Give You Most windows that GTA homeowners think need replacing actually only need repair. Frame failure is far less common than glass or hardware failure — and glass and hardware can almost always be repaired without touching the frame. We'll always tell you the honest option. If your frame is fine and only the glass has failed, we'll repair it. We'd rather do a $250 repair than sell you a $1,200 replacement you don't need. Call us at (647) 961-8637 for a free inspection and honest assessment across Brampton, Mississauga, Toronto, and the GTA.