Free in-home measure and quote - PGT, CGI and CWS impact lines compared on your actual openings, style by style
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Before
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Before
AfterPGT Window Replacement: The West Palm Beach Owner’s Guide
PGT window replacement in West Palm Beach typically runs $340-$780 per opening installed, depending on series, size, and whether the frame is preserved or replaced. We stock PGT-compatible sashes, balances, and hardware for same-day replacement on most 200-series and WinGuard lines, and we carry CGI and CWS equivalents when the original part is back-ordered. Most West Palm Beach owners discover a failing PGT window when the sash won’t stay up, the lock no longer draws the meeting rails tight, or they feel air movement around the frame after a storm - signs that the balance system, weatherstrip, or frame seal has reached end of life in South Florida’s salt-air, high-UV environment.
Which PGT Models This Applies To
We replace parts and full units across PGT’s residential lines, including the 200 Series aluminum single-hung, 400 Series vinyl, WinGuard aluminum and vinyl impact-rated lines, and the PremierVue aluminum series. The critical compatibility point is the balance system: PGT switched from constant-force balances to block-and-tackle assemblies in several WinGuard vinyl lines around 2018, and the two are not interchangeable even within the same nominal window size. The right part is determined by the PGT label inside the head jamb - it lists the series code, nominal size, and glass specification - plus a field measurement of the visible glass width and the balance tube length.
On OEM versus aftermarket: PGT does not sell direct to homeowners, and their distribution channel can run 10-14 days on balance hardware. We source OEM-equivalent balances from AmesburyTruth and Caldwell that match PGT’s original torque specs and carry the same 10-year corrosion warranty in coastal zip codes. For WinGuard impact sashes, we use PGT OEM only - the laminated glass and reinforced frame must maintain Miami-Dade NOA certification, and an aftermarket sash voids that compliance. Sightline Windows & Doors West Palm Beach is an independent service provider, not affiliated with PGT.
Signs Your PGT Window Replacement Is Failing
- Sash drops or won’t stay open. The coil balance or block-and-tackle assembly has lost tension. In West Palm Beach, salt air accelerates corrosion inside the balance tube; we see this first on east-facing windows within 8-12 years of install.
- Visible gap at the meeting rail when locked. The lock keeper has worn or the sash has settled due to failed balance tension. The window is no longer sealed against water intrusion or forced entry.
- Condensation between glass panes. The insulated glass unit (IGU) seal has failed. On PGT units with Low-E and argon fill, the coating degrades faster once moisture enters, and energy performance drops measurably.
- Frame corner separation or sealant cracking. Thermal expansion cycles in South Florida stress vinyl and aluminum joints differently; vinyl frames show corner weld separation, aluminum shows caulk failure at the sill-to-jamb joint.
- Operation requires force or makes noise. The sash shoes, pivot bars, or weatherstrip have worn. Dirt and salt accumulation in the track compound the problem, and forcing the sash risks cracking the glass or distorting the frame.
Before
AfterReplacement Cost & What’s Included
| Component | Typical Range (West Palm Beach) |
|---|---|
| Balance system replacement (single sash) | $180-$290 |
| IGU replacement (retain existing frame) | $340-$520 |
| Sash pack replacement (new sash, retain frame) | $420-$680 |
| Full unit replacement (frame-out, impact-rated) | $680-$1,240 |
What drives the range: frame material (aluminum vs. vinyl), glass specification (standard vs. impact-rated vs. impact with Low-E), and whether the existing frame is square and structurally sound. Our quote includes the measured survey you keep, the written scope with line-item pricing, removal and disposal, installation per manufacturer specification, and the documented photo record. Every PGT replacement carries our 365-Day Done Right Promise under the Haven Standard - if the balance tension, lock engagement, or seal performance is off, we return and correct it. If the number isn’t on the page, it isn’t in the price.
DIY or Call Us?
An owner can safely check the PGT label location, photograph it, and confirm the symptom - but we do not recommend removing a sash or accessing the balance system without proper support tools. A failed balance under tension can release abruptly; an unsupported sash can drop and shatter, particularly on impact-rated units where the laminated glass is heavier than standard annealed. We have also seen homeowners crack the frame during forced removal, turning a $240 balance job into a $600+ sash replacement.
What we handle: measured survey, part verification against PGT’s current spec sheets, proper sash support during balance service, and post-installation lock and seal testing. Call (561) 354-3861 to schedule your free estimate. We will review the label photo with you over text if that is easier.
FAQs
Balance systems typically last 10-15 years in coastal South Florida, though east-facing units with direct salt exposure may show corrosion at 8 years. IGU seals average 12-18 years before fogging appears; the range depends on frame color (darker vinyl absorbs more heat) and whether the original install included proper sill pan flashing. Call (561) 354-3861 for an exact quote on your specific PGT series - estimates are free.
Yes, in most cases. A dropped sash usually needs only balance and hardware replacement; fogged glass can be addressed with IGU replacement while keeping the original frame. Full unit replacement becomes necessary when the frame is out of square, the corner welds have separated, or the existing unit is pre-2010 and no longer meets current Florida Building Code for wind-borne debris. Call (561) 354-3861 for an exact quote - estimates are free.
Balance or hardware replacement on site takes 45-90 minutes per opening. IGU or sash pack replacement requires 2-3 hours including removal, fit check, and seal verification. Full frame-out replacement is a half-day per opening, plus any stucco or trim repair. We schedule based on the measured survey, not an estimate - Haven Clause 1 means the time on the written scope is the time we book. Call (561) 354-3861 to schedule your free estimate.
We carry PGT-compatible balances, lock sets, and weatherstrip for the 200 Series and WinGuard aluminum and vinyl lines on every West Palm Beach service vehicle. IGU replacements and sash packs are ordered to measured spec after survey - glass is cut to size, not stocked - and typically arrive within 3-5 business days. For emergency securing of a failed unit, we carry temporary measures on the truck. Call (561) 354-3861 to schedule your free estimate.
Written by Sonia Raman, Owner, Sightline Windows & Doors West Palm Beach at Sightline Windows & Doors West Palm Beach, serving West Palm Beach and nearby areas.