Window Refurbishing

Windows that stick, draft, rattle, fog, or no longer lock properly do not always need to be replaced. Overhaul provides complete window refurbishing services for homeowners across Ottawa, Stittsville, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Orleans. We restore, repair, and upgrade existing windows to extend their lifespan, improve energy efficiency, and return them to full working condition, all without the cost and disruption of tearing everything out and starting over.

What Window Refurbishing Actually Means

Refurbishing is the middle ground between a minor fix and a full replacement. It involves a thorough assessment of the window's condition followed by targeted work to address every issue, whether that is a single failed component or a combination of problems that have built up over time.

A typical refurbishing job may include any combination of the following:

• Replacing worn or broken hardware such as cranks, locks, latches, and hinges
• Resealing or replacing weatherstripping to eliminate drafts
• Adjusting or realigning frames and sashes for smooth operation
• Replacing failed sealed glass units to remove fog and restore insulation
• Repairing or replacing damaged frame sections
• Upgrading components to improve security, ventilation, or ease of use

The goal is always the same: bring the window back to full performance using the most practical and cost-effective approach for its condition.

The Types of Windows We Refurbish

PVC and Vinyl Windows

PVC windows are the most common type in Ottawa-area homes built or renovated in the last 30 years. They are durable and low-maintenance, but the hardware, seals, and sealed glass units inside them do wear out. We refurbish PVC windows of all configurations, including casement, sliding, double-hung, awning, and fixed picture windows. When hardware is no longer available from the original manufacturer, we source compatible replacements to keep the window operational.

Casement and Awning Windows

Casement and awning windows rely on crank mechanisms that are under constant stress from regular use. A stiff or stripped crank, a worn hinge, or a warped sash can make the window difficult to open, impossible to seal properly, or both. We replace crank operators, hinges, and lock hardware, and realign the sash to restore a tight, even seal around the full perimeter.

Sliding and Double-Hung Windows

Sliding and double-hung windows develop problems with their tracks, balances, and weatherstripping over time. A window that will not stay open, slides roughly, or lets in a noticeable draft usually has a worn balance or a track that needs cleaning and adjustment. We repair and replace these components to restore smooth, reliable operation.

Heritage and Wood-Framed Windows

Older homes across Ottawa, particularly in established neighbourhoods, often have original wood-framed windows with character and craftsmanship that cannot be replicated by modern replacements. These windows require a specialized restoration approach that addresses wood deterioration, glazing compound failure, and hardware wear while preserving the window's original profile and architectural detail. For a full overview of how we approach these projects, visit our Heritage Window Restoration page.

When Refurbishing Makes More Sense Than Replacing

Full window replacement is sometimes necessary, but it is also frequently recommended when refurbishing would deliver the same result at a fraction of the cost. Here are the situations where refurbishing is typically the better choice:

The frame is structurally sound. If the frame is not rotted, warped, or cracked, there is no reason to remove it. Replacing the hardware, seals, and glass inside a solid frame restores full performance without the expense of a new unit and the finish work that comes with it.

The problem is isolated. A foggy sealed unit, a broken crank, or failed weatherstripping are component-level failures. Replacing the entire window to fix one part is like replacing a car because the battery died.

You want to preserve the original look. Modern replacement windows do not always match the profile, proportions, or sightlines of the originals, especially in older homes. Refurbishing keeps the existing aesthetic intact.

Budget matters. Refurbishing typically costs a fraction of what full replacement runs, particularly when you factor in the interior and exterior finish work that replacement requires.

Foggy or Condensation Between the Panes?

If your windows are showing fog, haze, or condensation trapped between the glass, that is a specific problem with the sealed glass unit, and it is one of the most common issues we address. We replace the failed sealed unit inside your existing frame, eliminating the moisture and restoring full thermal performance. This work is covered by our 12-year transferable warranty against seal failure, including labour. For full details on this service, visit our Thermopane Window Restoration page.

Window Screen Issues?

Torn, bent, or missing window screens are a common side issue that comes up during refurbishing. We repair and replace screens for all window types, including custom fabrication for non-standard sizes. Visit our Screen Replacement and Repair page for more on this service.

New Window Installation

When a window is beyond refurbishing, whether due to frame failure, extensive rot, or a design change, we also install new windows. Overhaul is an official installer for North Star Windows, a Canadian manufacturer known for energy-efficient vinyl windows built for cold-climate performance. If your project calls for replacement rather than restoration, we can handle that as well.

What to Expect

1. Contact us with a description of your window issues. Photos are always helpful but not required.
2. On-site assessment. We inspect each window individually, identify every issue, and provide a clear recommendation on whether refurbishing or replacement is the right path.
3. The work. Most refurbishing jobs are completed on-site in a single visit. Larger projects or jobs requiring parts to be ordered may take more than one appointment.
4. Final walkthrough. Every window is tested for smooth operation, proper sealing, and secure locking before we consider the job complete.

Serving Ottawa and Surrounding Communities

Overhaul serves homeowners across Ottawa, Stittsville, Kanata, Nepean, Barrhaven, and Orleans. All work is performed on-site at your home.

With over 40 years of experience in window and door refurbishing, we have worked on virtually every window type, brand, and configuration found in Ottawa-area homes. That depth of experience means faster diagnosis, better solutions, and fewer surprises. Every service is backed by our 12-year warranty.

Windows not working the way they should?

Call us at (613) 869-1200 or contact us online to book an assessment.

Have questions before you reach out? Visit our FAQ for answers to the most common ones.