Window replacement in Beaverton, OR typically involves one of three scopes: replacing a failed IGU (insulated glass unit, the sealed glass assembly inside your existing frame), installing a storm window over what you already have, or doing a full-frame replacement when the frame itself is beyond saving. Most Beaverton homeowners need the first option, not the last. Understanding which one applies to your situation saves you time and money before you ever call anyone.

When Does a Window Actually Need Replacing?

If your windows look fogged or hazy, that is a failed seal, not a permanently broken window. The glass inside an IGU is sealed at the factory. When that seal fails, moisture gets between the panes and you get the haze. The fix is a new IGU measured and fabricated to fit your existing opening. You typically do not need to replace the whole window frame.

Full-frame replacement makes sense when the frame itself is rotted, warped beyond adjustment, or when you are doing a renovation that changes the rough opening size. For most Beaverton homes with aluminum or vinyl frames from the 1980s and 1990s, the frame is still structurally sound even when the glass has given out. Our crew assesses that on-site before any recommendation is made.

Other signs a window needs attention:

  • Drafts you can feel along the edges with the window closed
  • Hardware that no longer latches or locks securely
  • Glass that rattles in the frame during wind
  • Visible frame damage, soft wood, or water staining around the sill

If it is just the seal, we replace the glass. If the frame is failing too, we tell you that directly.

What the Replacement Process Looks Like

Here is how a standard IGU replacement goes from first contact to finished install:

Step 1: Assessment. Our crew visits the opening, checks the frame condition, and measures the existing glass. If the frame is sound, we proceed to fabrication. If there are issues with the frame, sash, or hardware, we flag them before anything is ordered.

Step 2: Fabrication. We measure and fabricate the new sealed unit in our shop in Cornelius. IGUs are built to the exact dimensions of your opening. Tempered glass panels (required in certain locations such as near doors, low to the floor, or in bathrooms) are ordered to final size, since tempered glass cannot be cut after heat treatment. Annealed glass is cut to size in the shop.

Step 3: Installation. Our crew removes the old sealed unit, inspects the glazing channel and frame, and installs the new IGU. Most standard residential replacements do not require touching the existing frame at all.

Step 4: Review. We walk through the finished install with you before we leave. The site is cleaned and the old glass is removed.

If you have multiple windows, we typically assess them all in a single visit so fabrication can be batched.

IGU Swap vs. Full-Frame Replacement: What Makes Sense for Beaverton Homes

Beaverton's housing stock includes a large number of homes built between the late 1970s and early 2000s. Many of those windows are hitting the end of their glass life while the frames remain structurally sound. That is exactly the situation where an IGU swap makes sense.

An IGU replacement costs significantly less than a full-frame job and generally takes less time. It is also less disruptive, our crew generally pops the old sealed unit out and replaces it without touching the surrounding drywall, trim, or exterior cladding.

Full-frame replacement is the right call when:

  • The frame is rotted, cracked, or has moisture damage into the wall
  • You are changing window size or style as part of a remodel
  • The existing frame type is incompatible with a modern IGU assembly

We give you a straight answer on which path fits your situation after the assessment. Our goal is not to sell you a full-frame replacement if an IGU swap will hold.

If you are managing multiple windows and are unsure where to start, contact Martin Glass for an assessment before committing to any scope.

Storm Windows as an Option

Storm windows are a separate category worth knowing about. Rather than replacing the existing window, a storm window installs over your current frame and adds a second layer of insulation. We install QuantaPanel storm window systems, and low-E glass options are available for better thermal performance.

Storm window installation typically runs around $700 per opening installed. Low-E glass packages and any frame preparation work add to that figure. For Beaverton homeowners who want to improve thermal performance without replacing existing windows, storm windows are often the most cost-effective path, particularly for historically significant windows or situations where full replacement is impractical.

What to Ask Before You Hire Anyone

If you are getting quotes from multiple glaziers, these questions will help you evaluate what you are actually being offered:

  • Are you replacing just the sealed unit, or the full frame? Why?
  • Is the glass measured and fabricated to fit my existing opening, or is it a stock size?
  • Is the glass tempered where code requires it?
  • Who does the actual installation, your crew, or a subcontractor?
  • What does the workmanship warranty cover?

A glazier who can answer all of those clearly and specifically is one who knows the work. Vague answers on any of those points are worth probing before you sign anything.

We handle everything in-house at Martin Glass, from the initial assessment through fabrication and installation. No subcontractors, no hand-offs.

If your Beaverton windows are fogging up, drafting, or failing to latch, contact Martin Glass to schedule an assessment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if I need a full window replacement or just a new IGU?

If your frames are structurally sound and the problem is hazy or fogged glass, you typically need a new IGU (insulated glass unit), not a full-frame replacement. Our crew assesses the frame condition on-site and tells you directly which option fits your situation. Most Beaverton homes with aging vinyl or aluminum frames fall into the IGU replacement category.

Q: What is the difference between an IGU swap and a storm window installation?

An IGU replacement removes the failed sealed unit from inside your existing frame and installs a new one. A storm window installs as an additional layer over your existing window without removing anything. Storm windows are generally used when you want improved insulation without replacing what is already there.

Q: Does tempered glass cost more than standard glass for window replacement?

Tempered glass is generally priced higher than standard annealed glass, and it must be ordered to final dimensions rather than cut in the shop. Tempered glass is required in certain locations — near doors, low to the floor, in bathrooms, and other areas where breakage could cause injury. Our crew identifies which openings require tempered glass during the assessment.

Q: What does storm window installation cost in Beaverton?

Storm window installation typically runs around $700 per opening installed. Low-E glass packages and frame preparation add to that figure depending on the condition of your existing frames and the glass option you choose. Contact Martin Glass for a quote on your specific openings.