Window & Door Installation — Energy Savings Start Here

A broken window is an immediate security and weather exposure risk. Cracked or shattered glass should be covered temporarily with heavy plastic sheeting and tape until a professional arrives. Broken seals (indicated by fog or condensation between double-pane glass) mean the insulating gas has escaped, reducing energy efficiency by up to 30%. Replacing an insulated glass unit costs $150–$300 per pane, while full window replacement runs $300–$850 per window. Attempting to remove broken glass without proper tools and technique risks serious cuts and injury. Wear thick gloves and safety glasses when taping over a break, and keep children and pets away from the area.

A door that won’t close or latch properly is a security vulnerability and energy waste — a 1/8-inch gap around a door frame leaks as much air as a 6-inch hole in your wall. Warped frames often indicate moisture damage or structural settling that may extend into the rough framing. A professional door installer ($500–$2,500 for entry door replacement) will assess whether the frame can be repaired or needs full replacement, ensure the new door is plumb and level, install proper weatherstripping, and maintain deadbolt alignment. Before the installer arrives, check whether the issue is the door, the frame, or the hinges — sometimes tightening hinge screws with longer 3-inch screws solves minor sagging.

Replacing 15–20 windows ($6,000–$16,000 for vinyl; up to $40,000 for wood or fiberglass) is a major investment that requires professional measurement, product selection, and installation. Every window must be measured individually — even in the same house, openings vary by 1/4 to 1/2 inch. Improper measurement means windows that don’t fit, causing air leaks that negate the energy savings you’re paying for. Professional installers also properly flash and seal the rough opening with weatherproof membrane to prevent water intrusion behind the window frame, which causes rot and mold. The energy savings from upgrading single-pane to double-pane windows averages 13% on annual energy bills according to Energy Star.

Building codes require at least one egress window ($2,700–$5,900 installed) in any habitable basement room for emergency escape. Installation requires cutting through the foundation wall, excavating an egress well outside, installing a steel or polycarbonate window well, waterproofing the foundation cut, and properly framing the rough opening. This is structural work that affects your foundation’s integrity and requires a building permit and inspection in every jurisdiction. Improper cutting can crack the foundation, compromise structural load paths, and create water intrusion points. A professional handles the excavation, concrete cutting, waterproofing, window installation, and well drainage in a coordinated process.

A sliding door that won’t lock is a home security risk that shouldn’t wait. Doors off their tracks may fall if forced, causing injury from heavy tempered glass panels that can weigh 80–150 pounds. Professional sliding door repair or replacement ($1,200–$4,000) involves adjusting or replacing the roller mechanism, cleaning or replacing the track, and ensuring the locking hardware engages properly. For older doors with broken frames or failed thermal seals, full replacement is more cost-effective than repeated repairs. While waiting for service, place a security bar or wooden dowel in the door track to prevent the door from being forced open, and block the gap with a towel to reduce air infiltration.