Brandywine Carpentry Co.
(302) 379-5071 Free quote

Window Replacement, Repair & Trim in Wilmington, DE

Window replacement and installation, trim and casing, sill rot repair, and sticking or drafty windows.

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Windows take a beating from Delaware's humid summers and freeze-thaw winters. We replace and install windows, trim them out inside and out, repair rotted sills and frames, and fix windows that stick, won't lock, or let cold air in.

Window work we do

  • Window replacement and installation: new windows set plumb, level, and square, shimmed, insulated, and flashed so water is directed out instead of into the wall.
  • Window trim and casing: interior casing, stools, and aprons, plus exterior brickmold and PVC or wood trim, installed or replaced to match the rest of the house.
  • Sills and rot repair: soft sills, frame bottoms, and exterior trim cut out and rebuilt with new wood or PVC, then sealed.
  • Sticking or drafty windows: sashes that bind, won't stay up, or don't lock, along with worn weatherstripping, failed caulk, and gaps around the frame.

Repair or replace?

A window with a sound frame and glass usually just needs adjustment, new weatherstripping, fresh caulk, or a sill repair, which costs far less than a new unit. Replacement makes more sense when the frame is rotted through, the sash is broken or won't operate, double-pane glass has fogged between the panes, or you want better efficiency and easier cleaning. We'll tell you which way your windows lean after we look at them.

Insert or full-frame replacement

An insert (pocket) replacement fits a new window inside the existing frame. It's faster, costs less, and leaves interior trim and walls alone, but it only works when the old frame is solid and square. Full-frame replacement takes the window out down to the rough opening, which lets us inspect and repair hidden rot, add proper flashing and insulation, and install new trim. When there's rot around the window, full-frame is usually the right call.

Older homes: Window sashes, sills, and trim in homes built before 1978 often have lead paint, and replacing or scraping them disturbs it. Paint should be tested, or the work handled with lead-safe practices, before it starts.

What affects price

The number and size of windows, insert versus full-frame replacement, the window product you choose, how much rot needs repair, whether interior and exterior trim are being replaced, access (second-floor and bay windows take more time), and whether painting is included.

Questions about windows

Can a rotted window sill be repaired without replacing the window?
Often, yes. If the rot is limited to the sill or the bottom of the frame and the rest of the window is sound, we cut out the damaged wood, rebuild it with new wood or PVC, and seal it. If the rot runs through the frame, replacing the window is usually the better value.
Why does my window stick or let in drafts?
Common causes are paint sealing the sash to the frame, swollen wood in humid months, worn or missing weatherstripping, broken sash balances, and failed caulk around the outside of the frame. Many of these are fixable without a new window.
Do I need a permit to replace windows?
Replacing a window with the same size in the same opening often doesn't need one. Enlarging an opening, adding a new window, or changing a bedroom egress window usually does. Rules vary by jurisdiction, so we'll confirm what's required for your address.
Do you replace the trim when you replace a window?
With a full-frame replacement, new interior casing and exterior trim are usually part of the job. With an insert replacement, the existing trim often stays and we add or replace trim pieces where needed. We'll go over it when we quote.
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