Kustom Restores Clarity, Comfort, and Protection to Every Window
Every window in your home performs four jobs simultaneously. It provides a view — the visual connection between your interior and the world outside. It provides a barrier — keeping weather, insects, noise, and intruders on the other side. It provides insulation — maintaining the temperature difference between your conditioned interior and Elsmere's heat and humidity. And it provides safety — tempered, laminated, or impact glass protecting your family from breakage hazards and storm events.
When the glass is compromised, every one of those functions degrades. A crack in the pane weakens the barrier and the safety protection. Fog between double-pane glass means the insulating seal has failed and your energy bills are climbing. A broken pane eliminates the barrier entirely — weather, noise, insects, and security risk pour through the opening. Even a small chip creates a stress point that can propagate into a full fracture without warning.
Some window glass problems are urgent — a broken pane that needs immediate board-up and replacement. Some are gradual — a foggy IGU that has been silently costing you money for months. Some are opportunities — replacing dated single-pane glass with energy-efficient double-pane or upgrading standard glass to impact-rated hurricane protection. Whatever your window glass situation, the solution starts with understanding what you have, what is wrong with it, and what your options are.
Kustom handles the full spectrum of window glass service in Elsmere. We repair glass when repair is viable. We replace glass with properly specified panes when replacement is needed. We upgrade glass when you want better performance than what you had. And we do it all with precise measurement, professional glazing, and quality materials that restore your windows to full function.
Call (888) 670-9331. Kustom puts the clarity, comfort, and protection back in every window.
A crack of any size is a compromised pane. Hairline cracks may appear stable but can propagate suddenly from temperature changes, wind pressure, or vibration. Spreading cracks are actively growing and will eventually reach the frame edge, at which point the pane loses structural integrity. A full fracture from edge to edge means the pane is held together only by the glazing and frame — it could fall out or shatter from minimal additional stress.
Fog, haze, or visible moisture between the two panes of a double-pane window means the seal of the insulated glass unit has failed. Humid Elsmere air has entered the space between the panes where it condenses and creates the cloudiness you see. This fog is not on either glass surface — it is inside the sealed unit where you cannot reach it. The fog will persist and worsen, and the window's insulating performance has already been compromised.
A chip — a small point of glass removal from impact — creates a stress concentration where cracks can initiate. The chip itself may seem minor, but the weakened area is vulnerable to crack propagation from thermal stress, wind load, or vibration. Chips in tempered glass are particularly concerning because tempered glass, once compromised at any point, can shatter entirely.
A broken window is an immediate problem — no barrier, no insulation, no security. The opening is exposed to weather, insects, and intrusion. Broken panes require emergency board-up followed by permanent glass replacement.
Click here to Call (888) 670-9331A draft at the window indicates air infiltration — either through a crack in the glass, a failed seal between the glass and the frame, deteriorated glazing compound, or a gap where the glass meets the sash. In Elsmere's cooling-dominated climate, drafts at windows mean conditioned air escaping and hot air entering, directly increasing energy costs.
Glass that rattles when wind hits the window or when the door closes has lost its secure seating in the frame. The glazing compound or glazing bead that holds the glass has deteriorated, leaving the pane loose. A loose pane is vulnerable to falling out, cracking from vibration, and allowing air and water infiltration around its edges.
Moisture or discoloration at the edge where glass meets frame indicates seal failure at that junction. Water is entering between the glass and the frame, potentially causing frame rot in wood windows, corrosion in aluminum frames, and mold growth in the surrounding wall material.
Failed IGU seals, cracked glass, and deteriorated glazing all reduce a window's insulating performance. If energy bills have increased without a corresponding change in usage, HVAC condition, or rate structure, window glass failure may be the cause — particularly if you have noticed fog in any windows or can feel drafts.
Impact — Storm Debris, Baseballs, Accidents: Physical impact is the most obvious cause of glass breakage. Flying debris during storms, errant baseballs, lawn equipment projectiles, bird strikes, and accidental contact with furniture or equipment during moving all produce impact-related glass failures.
Thermal Stress Cracking — Elsmere's Heat and Sun: Thermal stress cracks develop when different areas of the same pane experience significantly different temperatures simultaneously. A window receiving direct sun on one portion while shaded on another developments temperature differentials that create stress. The crack typically starts at the edge and propagates inward in a relatively straight line.
IGU Seal Failure — Humidity Defeating the Seal: Insulated glass units have a perimeter seal that maintains the dry gas fill between the two panes. Elsmere's relentless humidity attacks this seal from the outside while thermal cycling stresses it mechanically. Over years, the seal degrades, fails, and allows humid air to enter the space between the panes.
Pressure Changes and Altitude-Related Stress: While less common in Elsmere than in mountainous regions, barometric pressure changes during storms can stress IGU seals and contribute to failure in already weakened units.
Age and Material Degradation: Materials that hold the glass — glazing compound, sealants, gaskets, and spacer bars — degrade over time. UV exposure, thermal cycling, and moisture attack these materials continuously. Windows 15 to 25 years old are increasingly likely to develop seal failures.
Improper Previous Glazing or Installation: Glass installed with insufficient glazing compound, incorrect sealant, improperly sized panes, or without proper expansion allowance may develop problems years before it should. Improper installation creates stress concentrations and conditions that accelerate failure.
Hurricane and Severe Weather Events: Hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe thunderstorms subject windows to extreme wind pressure and airborne debris — the two forces most likely to cause catastrophic glass failure. Windows without impact-rated glass are particularly vulnerable.
Small Chip and Scratch Repair: Minor chips and surface scratches on non-tempered glass can sometimes be repaired using resin fill and polishing techniques that restore visual clarity and prevent crack propagation. Repair is viable when damage is small and shallow.
Seal Restoration for Early-Stage IGU Failure: In some cases, very early-stage IGU seal deterioration can be addressed through seal restoration techniques. However, once visible fog has developed, IGU replacement is the lasting solution.
Reglazing — Replacing Failed Putty and Glazing Compound: Older windows use glazing compound to hold glass and seal against infiltration. When this compound cracks or crumbles, reglazing restores the seal without replacing the glass itself.
Single-Pane Glass Replacement: We replace broken, cracked, and failed single-pane glass in all window types and sizes. Single-pane replacement restores the barrier but does not provide the insulating performance of double-pane.
Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) Replacement — Foggy Window Fix: The most common window glass replacement in Elsmere. We remove the failed IGU and install a new sealed unit — restoring clarity and performance without replacing the entire window frame.
Tempered Glass Replacement for Safety Locations: We replace tempered glass with properly tempered panes that meet building code requirements for locations near doors, in bathrooms, or at low heights.
Laminated Glass Replacement: We replace laminated glass in windows where superior sound reduction and UV protection are required or desired.
Obscure, Textured, and Decorative Glass Replacement: We source and install replacement glass matching existing patterns for bathrooms, sidelights, and transoms.
Click here to Call (888) 670-9331Single-Pane to Double-Pane Upgrade: Upgrading to IGU glass provides dramatically improved insulation, reduced energy costs, and better sound attenuation. This upgrade may be possible within your existing frame depending on configuration.
Standard to Low-E Glass: Low-E glass reflects infrared radiation while transmitting visible light — reducing solar heat gain without darkening the view. Essential for Elsmere's cooling load.
Standard to Impact-Rated Glass for Hurricane Protection: Impact glass holds together when broken, preventing wind and debris from penetrating the opening. Provides hurricane protection, security, and potential insurance reductions.
Standard to Laminated for Security and Sound Reduction: Laminated glass resists penetration even when broken. Valuable for ground-floor windows or high-noise areas.
Tinted Glass for Heat and Glare Reduction: Available in bronze, gray, green, and blue tints to reduce visible light transmission and cooling load.
Emergency Board-Up and Temporary Weatherproofing: Kustom provides emergency board-up to secure openings until custom glass fabrication is complete or after-hours emergencies can be resolved.
Single-Pane Glass: One layer of glass. Original standard in older homes. Provides minimal insulation and no significant sound reduction.
Double-Pane Insulated Glass Units (IGUs): Two panes separated by a sealed air or gas-filled space. Trapped air or argon gas provides insulation that single-pane cannot.
Tempered Safety Glass: Four to five times stronger than standard glass. Breaks into small, safe granules rather than dangerous shards. Required by code in specific locations.
Laminated Safety Glass: Two glass layers bonded to a PVB or EVA interlayer. Glass adheres to the interlayer rather than falling free. Provides sound reduction and UV protection.
Impact-Rated Hurricane Glass: Specifically tested and certified to withstand windborne debris at hurricane velocities. Required by building code in coastal zones.
Low-E (Low-Emissivity) Glass: Glass with a microscopic metallic coating that reflects infrared radiation. Reduces solar heat gain in summer and heat loss in winter.
Tinted and Reflective Glass: Reduces solar heat gain and glare. Common in commercial applications and increasingly available for residential windows.
Obscure, Patterned, and Decorative Glass: Glass with texture or opacity for privacy. Used in bathrooms, transoms, and sidelights.
Many Elsmere homes have windows with glass that no longer meets current performance expectations or code requirements. Single-pane windows waste energy. Non-impact windows in hurricane zones lack storm protection. Standard glass on sun-exposed elevations admits excessive heat. Understanding what you currently have helps identify which upgrades deliver the greatest benefit for your specific home.
What Causes Fog Between the Panes: The fog is moisture — humid Elsmere air that has entered the sealed space between the two panes of a double-pane window through a failed perimeter seal. The desiccant material inside the spacer bar has been overwhelmed and moisture condenses on the inner glass surfaces.
Why Cleaning Won't Fix It: The fog is not on either accessible glass surface. It is inside the sealed unit, between the two panes, where no cleaning tool can reach. No amount of glass cleaner will remove condensation that is inside the sealed unit.
What a Failed IGU Seal Costs You in Energy: When the seal fails, the insulating value drops significantly. A home with multiple failed IGUs may be losing 15 to 30 percent of its window insulating performance — translating directly to higher cooling costs in Elsmere's climate.
IGU replacement costs a fraction of full window replacement and delivers the same glass performance improvement. Full window replacement makes sense when the frame is also failing. IGU-only replacement makes sense when the frame, hardware, and finish are in good condition.
Can the Seal Be Repaired? — Honest Answer: In the vast majority of cases, no. Once the seal has failed enough to produce visible fog, the failure is structural. IGU replacement is the reliable, lasting solution that Kustom recommends for foggy windows.
We remove the glazing beads or stops, extract the failed unit carefully, clean the frame, and install a new IGU manufactured to exact dimensions with fresh desiccant. The result is a clear window that looks and performs like new in the existing frame.
What Impact Glass Is and How It Works: Impact glass is laminated glass tested to withstand the impact of a large missile (an 8-foot 2x4 traveling at 34 mph) and hurricane-force wind pressure. When the outer glass layer breaks, the interlayer holds the pane in place, preventing wind and debris from entering.
Building Code Requirements in Elsmere: Depending on your proximity to the coast, your windows may be required to have impact-rated glass or an approved alternative. Kustom can assess your home's code requirements and recommend the appropriate protection level.
Impact Glass vs. Hurricane Shutters: Impact glass provides permanent protection requiring no preparation. Shutters must be installed before each storm. Impact glass also provides everyday benefits like security, sound reduction, and UV protection that shutters do not.
Upgrading Existing Windows to Impact Glass: In many cases, existing frames can accept impact glass replacement panes. The frame must have adequate depth and structural capacity. Kustom evaluates compatibility for this cost-effective upgrade path.
Insurance Benefits: Many insurance companies offer premium reductions for homes with impact-rated windows, sometimes ranging from 5 to 30 percent. Over time, these savings offset a significant portion of the upgrade cost.
Click here to Call (888) 670-9331We examine the damage, identify the glass type, and measure the pane dimensions precisely to the sixteenth of an inch. We also assess the frame and glazing condition.
We specify the replacement to match or upgrade the existing glass — single-pane, IGU, tempered, laminated, or Low-E — including gas fill and coating configuration.
We present our findings and options. You understand the cost differences and performance benefits of various upgrade options before choosing.
We remove broken or failed glass safely — containing fragments, protecting surrounding surfaces, and following appropriate safety techniques for tempered glass.
With glass removed, we inspect the frame for damage or corrosion. We clean glazing surfaces and prepare the opening for the new pane installation.
New glass is installed with proper materials — silicone, glazing compound, or beads — to ensure it is securely seated and sealed against air and water infiltration.
We verify the seal around the perimeter, clean the new glass, and remove all debris and old glazing material, leaving the window ready for service.
Every Window Type: We replace glass in casement, double-hung, sliding, awning, and fixed picture windows. Each type has specific glazing requirements we accommodate.
Historic and Older Homes: We can upgrade performance from single-pane to IGU or Low-E while preserving the window's historic appearance and character-defining profiles.
New Construction & Condos: We handle warranty issues, builder defect correction, and high-rise window requirements, working within building and HOA guidelines.
What Determines the Cost: Cost depends on glass type, pane size, whether repair or replacement is needed, and any incorporated upgrades.
| Service Category | Typical Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Chip and Scratch Repair | $50 to $150 |
| Window Reglazing (New Compound) | $75 to $200 per window |
| Small/Medium Single-Pane Replacement | $75 to $200 |
| Large Single-Pane / Tempered Replacement | $150 to $350 |
| Standard IGU Replacement (Foggy Window) | $150 to $400 |
| Large IGU / Low-E Upgrade Replacement | $250 to $600 |
| Impact Glass Replacement per Window | $300 to $800 |
Glass-only replacement typically costs 30 to 50 percent of full window replacement. It is the best choice when the frame and hardware are sound but the glass is failing or compromised.
The Hidden Cost: Every day a failed IGU remains, you pay elevated energy costs. IGU replacement typically pays for itself through energy savings over one to three years in Elsmere's climate.
Every Glass & Window Type: We replace single-pane, double-pane, tempered, impact, Low-E, and decorative glass in every residential and commercial configuration.
Precise Measurement: Accurate fabrication to the sixteenth of an inch ensures a perfect fit on the first installation.
Professional Glazing: We use quality materials appropriate for each type to create a lasting, weathertight seal against air and water.
Upgrade Expertise: We provide honest performance and cost information for impact, Low-E, and double-pane upgrades.
Clean Work & Upfront Pricing: We protect your home during work and provide a warranty covering both materials and workmanship with clear pricing before we start.
Kustom provides window glass repair and replacement throughout every neighborhood in Elsmere and surrounding metro communities. Call (888) 670-9331 to confirm coverage.
Your windows should be clear, energy-efficient, and strong enough to protect your home from weather and intrusion. Kustom restores clarity and protection with precise measurement, professional glazing, and honest guidance.
Kustom is the call for all your window glass needs in Elsmere, DE. Whether you need a simple repair or a full impact upgrade, one call handles it all.
Click here to Call (888) 670-9331