Window & Glass FAQ

It depends on the number of windows, the style, the frame material, the glass package, and whether it's an insert or full-frame installation — so we quote after an in-home measurement rather than guessing. To plan a range now, use our free window cost calculator, which uses real NJ market rates. Vinyl double-hung inserts are the value end; fiberglass, clad, or wood frames with triple-pane or laminated glass step up from there.

Because 'a window' isn't one thing. Frame material (vinyl vs fiberglass vs wood), glass package (standard Low-E vs triple-pane vs laminated), the window style, and especially insert versus full-frame installation can easily double the per-opening price. Per-window cost also drops as the count rises, since the crew mobilizes once. Make sure competing quotes specify the same material, glass, and install method before you compare them.

Yes — manufacturer and lender financing options are available through approved programs, and we walk through them at the quote. Many homeowners phase a whole-home project (worst windows first) to spread the cost, which we're happy to plan with you.

Yes — free, in-home, and no obligation. Accurate window pricing requires measuring each opening and checking the frame and sill condition, which is exactly what a calculator can't do. We measure, recommend, and give you a written quote at no cost.

Most homes are done in one to two days depending on the number of windows and whether it's insert or full-frame work. A handful of windows can be a single-day job; a whole-home full-frame project with trim work runs longer. We give you a realistic schedule at the quote.

An insert (pocket) replacement fits a new window into your existing, sound frame — faster, less invasive, less expensive. A full-frame replacement removes everything to the studs and is the right call when the frame or sill is rotted, when you're changing the window size, or when there's hidden water damage to address. We confirm which your home needs at the measurement and never upsell a full-frame where an insert is correct.

It depends on the town and the scope. Like-for-like insert replacements often don't require a permit, while full-frame replacements or changing an opening's size frequently do, and egress requirements apply to bedroom and basement windows. We know each town's requirements and pull permits where they're needed.

Yes. Removal and disposal of the old units is included, along with cleanup and a magnet sweep for any fasteners. You're left with new windows installed and the old ones hauled away.

Homes built before 1978 may have lead-based paint, and window work disturbs it. We follow EPA RRP (Renovation, Repair, and Painting) lead-safe work practices on pre-1978 homes — containment, safe removal, and cleanup — to protect your family during the install.

Vinyl is the value leader and the right choice for most NJ homes — low-maintenance and energy-efficient. Fiberglass is stronger and more dimensionally stable (great for large openings and extreme temperature swings) at a higher price. Wood and clad-wood suit historic homes and buyers who want a specific look, with more maintenance and cost. Our vinyl-vs-wood-vs-fiberglass guide breaks down the trade-offs for the NJ climate.

Double-pane with a Low-E coating and argon fill is the sensible standard for NJ — it cuts heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer. Triple-pane is worth it for maximum efficiency, noise reduction, or north-facing exposures. Laminated/impact glass adds storm and security protection (and serious sound reduction) and is worth considering near the shore or on busy roads.

Foggy or cloudy glass means the seal on the insulated glass unit (IGU) has failed and the gas fill is gone, so the window has lost much of its insulating value. In many cases we can replace just the glass unit rather than the whole window — keeping your existing frame and sash — which is far less expensive than full replacement. We'll tell you honestly whether glass-only replacement or a new window makes more sense.

Look at two numbers on the NFRC label: U-factor (lower is better — how well it insulates) and SHGC (solar heat gain — moderate is ideal for NJ's mixed climate). A triple-pane window with a low U-factor is the most efficient, but a quality double-pane Low-E/argon window captures most of the benefit at a lower price. Energy Star certification for the Northern climate zone is a reliable shortcut.

Yes. Beyond standard windows we do architectural and specialty shapes (arches, round-tops, trapezoids), custom mirrors, glass railings and balconies, shower enclosures, storefronts, tabletops, and decorative, frosted, tinted, tempered, and laminated glass. The 'glass' half of Precision Windows & Glass is a full custom shop.

Yes for qualifying products. The federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (Section 25C) covers a percentage of the cost of Energy Star-certified windows up to an annual limit, and NJ utility energy-efficiency programs periodically offer incentives. We provide the product documentation (NFRC ratings, Energy Star certification) you need to claim them — your tax preparer files the credit. See our NJ window rebates guide for current details.

If you're replacing old single-pane or failed double-pane windows, yes — drafty, leaky windows are a real source of heat loss, and sealing the envelope with efficient units reduces heating and cooling load. The honest caveat: windows are one part of the envelope, and the payback period varies with how bad your current windows are. We'll give you a realistic picture rather than overpromising.

Yes. We're registered with the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs as a Home Improvement Contractor (NJHIC #13VH13970900) and carry full general liability and workers' compensation coverage. We'll provide our certificate of insurance on request — a legitimate NJ contractor always can.

All 21 New Jersey counties from our Garfield shop, with same-day response across the northern and central tier — Bergen, Passaic, Essex, Hudson, Union, Middlesex, and Morris — and next-day to two-day service to the rest of the state, including the shore and south.

Yes. Beyond residential windows, we install and repair commercial storefront glass, glass partitions and doors, and handle commercial window leak repair for retail, office, and institutional buildings across NJ — including emergency board-up and reglaze after a break-in.