Window seal repair cost: What factors to consider when budgeting

Foggy windows that stay misty no matter how much you clean? That’s likely due to a broken window seal! When seals fail, moisture gets trapped between glass panes, leading to persistent cloudiness and allowing your heated or cooled air to escape. This obstructs your view and compromises your home’s energy efficiency. In fact, up to 40% of a home’s heating energy can be lost through windows, and up to 87% of heat gained during summer can enter the house the same way.

In Australia, repairing broken window seals typically costs between $40 and $50 per hour, depending on factors like location, window type, and job complexity. To help you budget more effectively, this post will outline all the costs involved and what to expect when hiring a professional handyman. 

Window seal repair price list

Estimate your window seal repair costs by referring to the table below:

A handyman installing a window seal. (Source: Shutterstock)

Factors affecting window seal replacement costs

When budgeting for window seal repairs, several key factors will influence your final bill. Understanding these variables helps you get more accurate quotes and avoid those surprise costs that nobody wants. 

Window type and design

Different window styles come with different price tags for seal replacement, and knowing which type you have can help you budget more accurately. For instance, triple-pane windows typically run $600 to $900 per window due to their more complex construction. If you have bay or bow windows, expect to pay higher (around $500 to $1,500) because of their unique shapes and challenging access points. 

More importantly, you need to consider the age and brand of your windows. Older or discontinued models might require custom-ordered seals, which drives up material costs and labour time. 

Extent of damage

Minor condensation with just light fogging might be resolved at the lower end of the price range. However, windows with visible water pooling or telltale mineral deposits on the glass often require a complete IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) replacement instead of just a seal repair, pushing costs to $250 to $1,100. 

The worst-case scenario? When moisture has compromised the window frame, requiring additional carpentry work that can add another $100–$400 to your total

Project duration and accessibility factors

Window seal repair professionals typically charge between  $40 and $50 per hour, which adds up quickly, depending on how complicated your job becomes. Many homeowners don’t realize until they get the final bill that window location will affect labour time and total cost. For instance, hard-to-reach windows require more time and safety precautions to repair properly.

A window that takes 30 minutes to fix under ideal conditions might require 90 minutes or more when access is challenging. This accessibility factor can add  $75 to $ 150 to your project cost when special equipment like extension ladders, scaffolding, or mechanical lifts becomes necessary. 

Window size and number

If you have many damaged windows at home, you must allocate more funds for restoration services. Several windows with broken seals also require more repair materials. Broken window seal repair costs depend on the window type. 

What are the processes involved in window seal repair?

Professionals mount windowpanes on frameworks called sashes, which hold the glass panes in place. Some use seals of pre-shaped material, while others use glazing putties to seal gaps.

Each sash is part of a jamb. When windows open, sashes slide or turn inside jambs. Handle all movable junctions carefully so that they continue to function correctly. Jambs are inside window frames, and every junction between them needs a seal.

During sealing, window specialists check all the seams and frames for cracks, decay, and moisture damage. Repairs or upgrades add to the cost. The required amount of sealant depends on the window's size and the damage's extent. Before sealing your windows, you must clean, repair, or replace their binding mechanisms.

What are the different types of window seals?

There are three common types of window seals. Read below to know the purpose of each one and determine which one is best for your home’s energy efficiency.

Silicone Caulking

This type of window sealant contains liquid compounds pressed around window frames to make them water-resistant. The sealant helps protect your windows from precipitation and strong drafts.

Weatherstripping

Weatherstripping is usually for areas of operable windows that leave gaps when you close them. Weatherstripping acts as a barrier to prevent the entry of air or moisture. Foam and tubular vinyl/rubber are common types of weatherstripping. Determine how much weatherstripping costs and see which material is best for your window. 

Insulating glass units

Window experts use IGUs to keep residences warmer in winter and cooler in summer. IGUs typically consist of two or more glass panes separated by a spacer material and sealed together at the edge. The insulating airspace contains noble gases, such as argon or krypton. Each glass pane has two surfaces, so standard double-paned IGUs have four sides.

A handyman carefully applying weatherstripping to a window frame. (Source: Shutterstock)

Ready to fix those foggy windows?

Now that you understand what impacts window seal repair costs in Australia, you’re well-positioned to make informed decisions about fixing those foggy windows. When creating your Airtasker listing, be as specific as possible to attract the right professionals and get accurate quotes from the start.

• Include clear, well-lit photos of each affected window from both inside and outside
• Specify exactly what you're seeing (foggy glass, condensation between panes, drafts)
• Mention how many windows need attention and their precise locations in your home
• Note any access challenges (second story, behind furniture, over staircases)
• Indicate if special equipment like ladders or scaffolding might be needed

Don't let those foggy windows continue driving up your energy bills. Post your window seal repair task today and connect with a skilled local handyman today!