Locally Owned Since 2004
Window Replacement & Installation in Virginia Beach, VA
Drafty rooms, windows that stick or won’t stay open, fogged glass, or frames that are starting to rot are all reasons homeowners start looking at window replacement in Virginia Beach. Reitzel Exteriors has worked on Hampton Roads homes since 2004. We look at your existing windows, explain your options for style, material, and installation, and help you decide what makes sense for your home’s comfort, appearance, and budget.
Window Replacement & Installation Services
Residential Window Replacement
Replacing old windows can fix drafts, sticking sashes, failed seals, and worn frames, and it’s a chance to update the look of the house. We’ll help you choose windows that fit your home and explain what the replacement will involve.
Window Installation
A good window can still leak or draft if it isn’t installed correctly. Accurate measurements, a proper fit, flashing that directs water out, and careful sealing and trim are what make a new window perform the way it should.
Signs It May Be Time to Replace Your Windows
01
Drafts you can feel near closed windows
02
Windows that stick, won’t stay open, or won’t lock
03
Soft, rotted, warped, or cracked frames
04
Fog or condensation between the panes of insulated glass
05
Peeling, cracking, or deteriorating sashes and frames
06
Water stains or leaks around the window
07
Recurring repairs to the same windows
08
Gaps or poor fit around the window
09
Broken or worn-out hardware and balances
Not every one of these means full replacement.
A drafty window might need weatherstripping; a leak might be a flashing or caulking issue rather than the window itself. And water damage around a window can extend beyond what you see, so it’s worth having the opening looked at rather than guessing.
Should You Repair or Replace Your Windows?
It usually comes down to:
Age: How long the windows have been in service
Frame condition: Solid, or soft, rotted, or warped
Glass condition: Cracked, or fogged between panes
Hardware: Whether parts are still available
Seal failure: Failed seals in insulated glass usually mean replacing the glass unit or the window
Moisture: Whether water has damaged the frame or the wall around it
Repair feasibility: Whether a fix will actually last
Your goals: Comfort, appearance, easier operation, or less maintenance
Cost: Repairing a few problems vs. replacing the windows
When Repair May Be Reasonable
The frames are sound, the problem is limited to hardware, weatherstripping, or one piece of glass, and parts are available.
When Replacement May Be Worth Considering
Frames are rotting or warped, several windows have failed seals, the windows are hard to operate, or you’re tired of repairing the same problems.
Understanding Your Replacement Window Options
The right style depends on how you want the window to open, how much airflow you need, the space around it, and the look of the house.
Double-Hung Windows
Both sashes slide up and down, and many tilt in for cleaning. A traditional look that suits most home styles.
Casement Windows
Hinged on one side and crank outward. They open fully for airflow and close tightly against the frame.
Sliding Windows
Sashes slide side to side. Good for wide openings and spots where a crank or lifting sash is awkward.
Picture Windows
Fixed windows that don’t open. They let in the most light and view, and are often paired with operating windows.
Bay and Bow Windows
Project outward from the wall in an angle (bay) or a curve (bow), adding light and a little interior space. They involve more structural and roof work than a standard window.
Comparing Window Frame Materials
Vinyl
The most common replacement window frame. Low maintenance, never needs paint, and generally budget-friendly. Color options and very large sizes can be more limited.
Fiberglass
Strong and stable through temperature swings. Can be painted, and typically costs more than vinyl.
Wood
Classic look and good insulating value. Needs regular painting or finishing, especially on the exterior, to stay sound.
Aluminum
Strong and slim, but metal conducts heat, so thermal performance depends on design features like thermal breaks. Finish matters near salt air.
Composite
Blends of materials, such as wood fiber and resin. Properties vary by manufacturer.
Actual performance depends on the specific product, not just the material category.
How Replacement Windows Can Affect Home Comfort
New windows can make a home feel less drafty and more even in temperature, but how much depends on the product, the installation, and the house. Here’s what the labels mean:
Air leakage: How much air passes through the window. Lower is better, and installation affects it as much as the window does.
Insulated glass: Two or more panes with a sealed space between them that slows heat transfer.
Low-E coatings: Thin coatings on the glass that reflect heat, helping keep summer heat out and winter heat in.
Frame performance: The frame material and design affect how much heat passes through the edges.
U-factor: How well the whole window insulates. Lower numbers insulate better.
Solar heat gain coefficient (SHGC): How much of the sun’s heat comes through. Lower numbers block more heat, which helps in hot summers.
ENERGY STAR: Windows that meet ENERGY STAR’s performance requirements for a given climate zone carry the label.
No window guarantees a specific drop in energy bills. Results depend on the window, the installation, the rest of the house, and how you use it.
Choosing Windows for Coastal Virginia Homes
Wind exposure
Windows are rated for how much wind pressure they can handle. Exposed homes may need higher ratings.
Wind-driven rain
Storms push water sideways. Flashing and sealing around the opening matter as much as the window itself.
Humidity
Damp air means condensation and slow drying, so frame materials and good sealing make a difference.
Sun exposure
Strong sun can fade frames and heat rooms, which makes SHGC and low-E coatings worth a look.
Corrosion
Salt air is hard on metal hardware and some frame finishes, especially close to the water.
Building requirements
Depending on the home’s location and the project, local codes may set wind-pressure requirements. The permit process confirms what applies.
What Affects Window Replacement Costs?
Number of windows
Window sizes
Style (fixed, double-hung, casement, bay)
Frame material
Glass package (low-E, number of panes, special glass)
Installation method (insert vs. full-frame)
Access (upper floors, landscaping, obstructions)
Condition of existing frames and openings
Interior and exterior trim work
Repairs to rotted framing or sheathing
Overall project complexity
Accurate pricing depends on your home and the windows you choose. We’ll measure, go over options, and explain what’s included.
Want to know what replacing your windows would involve?
What to Expect During Window Replacement
1
Discuss Your Window Project
Call 757-513-7053 or send the form. Tell us how many windows, what’s wrong with them, and what you’d like to change.
2
Review Existing Windows
We look at the windows, frames, and openings, and note any rot, water damage, or access issues.
3
Review Replacement Options
We go over styles, materials, glass, and installation method, and give you a written estimate.
4
Prepare for Installation
We take final measurements, order the windows, and schedule installation once they arrive.
5
Complete the Installation
We remove the old windows, fit the new ones, flash and seal the openings, and finish the trim. If we find rot or damage in the opening, we talk with you before going further.
6
Final Review and Cleanup
We check that each window operates and locks properly and clean up the work area.
How to Prepare Your Home for Window Installation
Clear access: Move furniture a few feet away from the windows being replaced.
Window treatments: Take down blinds, curtains, and rods if we ask you to.
Fragile items: Move breakables and wall hangings near the windows.
Pets and children: Plan to keep them away from open window openings and the work area.
Outside access: Make sure we can reach each window from outside, including gates and landscaping.
Timing: Ask how long your project should take and which rooms will be affected when.
Every home is different, so we’ll go over what to expect for yours before installation day.
Why Work With Reitzel Exteriors?
Local Experience Since 2004
Marc and Courtney Reitzel started the company in 2004, and we still work out of our office on Virginia Beach Blvd.
Exterior Remodeling Experience
We also handle siding replacement and exterior trim repair, so we understand how a window ties into the wall around it.
Clear Project Communication
You’ll know which windows, materials, and installation method we’re recommending, and why, before work starts.
Attention to Installation Details
Flashing, sealing, and trim are where window installs succeed or fail. That’s where we put the time.
Where we work
Window Replacement in Virginia Beach and Hampton Roads
Our office is in Virginia Beach, and we also work with homeowners in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, and on the Peninsula in Hampton and Newport News. Not sure if we cover your area? Give us a call.
From Homeowners
What Homeowners Say About Reitzel Exteriors
Thinking About Replacing Your Windows?
Whether your windows are drafty, hard to open, fogged, or just showing their age, we’re glad to take a look. Call us or send a few details about your home and how many windows you’re considering. We’ll talk through what’s going on, go over replacement and installation options, and explain what the project would involve.
- 757-513-7053
- info@reitzelexteriors.com
- 3324 Virginia Beach Blvd Ste 108 Virginia Beach, VA 23452
Window Replacement FAQs
How do I know if my windows need replacing?
Common signs are drafts, fog between the panes, frames that are soft or rotting, windows that stick or won’t lock, and repeated repairs. A single issue doesn’t always mean replacement. Sometimes weatherstripping, hardware, or sealing fixes the problem.
Can damaged windows be repaired instead?
Sometimes. Worn weatherstripping, broken hardware, or a single cracked pane can often be fixed if the frame is sound and parts are available. Rotted frames, multiple failed seals, or windows that no longer operate well usually point toward replacement.
How much does window replacement cost?
It depends on the number and size of windows, style, frame material, glass package, installation method, access, and the condition of the existing openings. Accurate pricing comes after measuring and choosing windows.
How long does window installation take?
It depends on how many windows are being replaced, the installation method, access, and whether repairs are needed around the openings. Windows are usually ordered after final measurements, so there’s also lead time before installation. We’ll give you an expected schedule once the scope is set.
What is the difference between insert and full-frame replacement?
An insert window fits inside the existing frame, leaving surrounding trim mostly in place. Full-frame replacement removes the entire old window down to the rough opening, which lets damaged framing and flashing be addressed. The right choice depends on the condition of the existing frame.
Are energy-efficient windows worth considering?
They can be. Low-E glass, insulated glass, and well-built frames can improve comfort and reduce drafts. How much difference you’ll notice depends on your current windows, the new product, the installation, and your home, so no specific savings can be promised.
What window materials are available?
Common frame materials are vinyl, fiberglass, wood, aluminum, and composite. They differ in maintenance, appearance, thermal performance, and cost. Vinyl is the most common choice for replacement windows.
What should homeowners consider when choosing windows for coastal Virginia?
Look at wind-pressure ratings, how the window handles wind-driven rain, frame materials that hold up to humidity and salt air, and glass that limits solar heat. Proper flashing and sealing during installation matter just as much as the product.
Will replacing windows improve home comfort?
Often. Replacing drafty, poorly sealing windows can make rooms feel less drafty and more even in temperature. Results depend on the windows you choose, how they’re installed, and the rest of the house.
Does Reitzel Exteriors install windows outside Virginia Beach?
Yes. Our office is in Virginia Beach, and we also work with homeowners in Norfolk, Chesapeake, Portsmouth, and Suffolk, plus Hampton and Newport News. Call 757-513-7053 to confirm we cover your area.