Our master bedroom casement window is broken. It cannot be repaired. All of our windows are the originals, and we don’t want to replace right now.
Is it possible to get a new window that looks like the rest? Should I go to Home Depot or Lowe’s first before Anderson or Pella, for less expensive options? I have 3 identical windows on the 2nd floor.
Dealing with the same issue here. Meeting with a window company this morning that supposedly specializes in restoring old windows. I can report back after our meeting.
We did replace a cracked basement window last summer and the entire casing had to be rebuilt. Our contractor said to avoid the big box stores for that kind of custom work. They did a good job (Pella) but they don’t do restoration and these are our leaded glass windows.
When I first read the thread title, it registered as : “Need to replace one old 48 year old widow.”
Not sure what services Home Depot and Lowe’s provides these days.
Depends on where you live. In places like Chicago you should be able to get the window fixed depending on what the issue is. Lots of old windows at restoration places around here. We even saved many of our old windows to make something out of them (think art project) when we put in all new ones but for the first 10 years I fixed just about all of them and restrung weights etc. Our house is from like 1886 but now rehabbed with new windows.
There’s no way to tell you if you can get a window that looks like the rest without knowing what the current window looks like. The requirement for replacement windows in most building codes is that they be as good or better than what was there from any energy standpoint, so you probably don’t have to get double-pane glass, which is the main reason new windows don’t look like old ones they need either fake mullions or thicker mullions because of the thicker panes.
I would not start at Home Depot or Lowes except to walk around and see if any windows look right. You might be able to repair the window. (I just did this with our attic windows which were casements with a weird half round top.) Or you might find someone who can make you a custom window without charging an arm and leg.
Do you have any stores that specialize just in windows and doors but carry multiple brands?
So what is your local. I just Google fixing casement windows and came up with a lot of stuff
We have fixed these also years ago.
https://www.familyhandyman.com/windows/window-repair/how-to-repair-old-windows/
Just because someone said they couldn’t be fixed means they don’t want to or don’t know how to.
I was told my 25 year old Jen Air double oven couldn’t be fix also, then found a place to repair the timer digital controller for $185. 00… 6 screws and come computer plugs to unhook its been working for 2 years… This was also a great company that told me it couldn’t be fixed. They just didn’t want to take the time to find someone to fix it, I guess.
Anything can usually be fixed and there are places online that specialize on old parts etc.
The fireman accidentally broke the window. I’m. It’s cracked on the side, not sure if it’s the casing or not. I know a part is needed. Right now the contractor just pushed it back in and it’s holding. His subcontractor said he couldn’t fix it. But you’re right, maybe they just didn’t want to. So, I’m going to nit do the big box stores, but the window stores and maybe another fix it man. @momofsenior1 , please let me know what you find out!
Does the window face the front of the house or a visable from the street or walking by vantage? Is it special in some way or just a white or brown or whatever casement window?
If it’s a window facing the backyard or a private side yard or something and you have no intent to replace a wall of windows or all, I would do my best to just match as close as possible so it’s not hugely obvious and do only the broken window.
Won’t ask why a fireman was there but hope everyone is OK.
https://www.weathershield.com/Product-List/Casement
They like Anderson /Marvin etc can match the window.
http://www.architecturalartifacts.com/category-s/107.htm
They used to carry just about anything needed for an older house. Send them a picture and they might tell you where to get it
But… Find an older “Polish” carpenter /handyman
In Chicago my experience is that most of these guys can fix just about anything… Seriously… One look at it and they will say “No problem”… Lol… (not trying to stereotype but it’s been our experience) with older homes.
I was going to suggest Marvin windows. Around here, they are the window replacement folks for older homes. Custom sizes.
Don’t do HD or Lowes and by all means avoid Renewal by Andersen. The latter are goons and will be shaming and pressuring you into replacing all of your windows. We had a local window replacement company replace just the glass pane in one of our original 40 yr old windows, but that was a piece of cake for them as just the glass was cracked. I had to call a few places and send photos to find the one that would do it.
The window guy just left. Basically said everything is repairable! Our house is 115 years old and we have much of the original leaded glass. They can repair what needs to be repaired which includes cracks in the glass, windows that won’t open/close, and replace the 1950 sunporch windows.
The recommended Marvin for replacement windows for the sunporch.
It’s going to take a week for them to get back to me on the estimate so no idea about the cost yet!
Once upon a time, the This Old House site had a list of contractors who specialize in fixing the sorts of things that regular contractors might take a pass on.
We have had estimates where they’ve told us “It cannot be done”. Then later found someone who could, indeed, do it.
We have also had the experience where someone says they can fix X, and it turns out they waaay oversold themselves.
Our best carpenter was from “the old country”. Amazing talent. RIP, Joban, you are missed!
I also thought it said “widow” on first reading! 
@Midwest67… Yes us too. We had three Polish workers all named “Stanley”. Things that happened were so funny we wanted to write a play but they were great!
Also if hiring someone from a known company as mentioned make sure they are on the manufacture list for warranties. Also if they recommend one manufacturer over another its usually because they have an account with them. They will get dealer pricing which can save you in the end and give you some wiggle room for negotiations…
A replacement glass shop may be able to do the work or recommend someone. We have a 53 yo house and there’s a locally-owned glass shop that folks in the neighborhood have used for these sorts of things. (I was able to get the glass fireplace door repaired there, for example).
For some reason I didn’t see the “n” in the thread title, and thought, “That’s pretty harsh.”