Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
If a window is broken, cracked or completely missing, it usually requires professional attention. Glass that has cracked is difficult for DIYers to repair without making the situation worse.
Start by identifying the issue. Gather your tools and work space, prepare it and take all the necessary safety precautions. Preparing for the window repair project in advance will help you save money and lessen frustration.
Broken Panes
A baseball that is thrown in error or a pebble that is thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying through the glass pane could break it. Depending on the kind of glass and how it was installed your windows may require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a large project that requires the removal of sash (the part of the window which holds the panes) from the frame. You'll need a contractor who has knowledge of the process and the correct window in stock before you begin work. A licensed contractor will take out and replace the old IGU. They will also rebuild the window sash and replace the casing.
If you're replacing just one pane of glass the first thing to do is to remove all the shards from the area around the broken piece. Also, you will need remove the glazing compound and the glazing points made of metal that were used to hold the old pane. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles while doing this. Even small glass chips can cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun is a great tool for softening the old putty and allowing you to cut it off with a utility knife.
After removing the old window pane, measure the dimensions of the window's opening, then transfer them to the new one. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the frame that was previously used to allow for expansion and contraction. You can use the traditional glazing putty or silicone caulk to seal the new pane.
Place the new pane in the window, and then apply caulk to seal the joint between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk dry before you put the sash in the frame. Paint the frame to hide the nails and give it a finished and clean appearance. If you require assistance in replacing a window or glass, contact a local glass business for a quote. A certified, skilled professional can safely complete this job and ensure your windows are shielded from the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal is designed to create a barrier between your home's air inside and the outside air to reduce energy transfer and making your indoor air warmer. However, these seals may get damaged as time passes due to issues like fluctuating temperatures and humidity. If you notice a buildup of fogginess on the inside or outside of your windows it is a sign your seals aren't working properly.
Window seals can be repaired with relatively little effort by an experienced window company. In fact an expert window repair service can typically complete the job in an hour or so. To fix a broken seal, the window repair professional will defog your windows, fill the void with insulative argon or Krypton gas and reseal around the glass unit, but not letting any gas escape.
After your windows are resealed they will offer the same insulation they did before they became foggy. You'll notice that your windows are more difficult to open or close than they were prior to. This could be a minor inconvenience but it could be a sign that your window sash requires to be replaced or repaired.
If your windows are under warranty, it's always worth contacting the manufacturer to see the possibility of an exchange. Based on the quality of your windows, you may be able to receive a new IGU (insulated glass unit) for free to you.
If you are unsure of whether to repair or replace your windows due to the fact that your window seals are damaged and are no longer working, you should replace them. This will prevent this problem from happening again in the future and save you money in long-term on costly repairs. Replace your existing windows with triple or double pane windows to increase your home's insulation. These newer windows are also much more environmentally friendly compared to older single-paned windows.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot in the frame, sill or the mullions of old windows is not only unsightly but it can also cause structural damage. Fortunately, it's possible to fix rotting wood, and a professional carpenter can do it fast and efficiently. The most important step is to identify and eliminate the cause of moisture.
This could require an attentive examination of the exterior of your house. Check for areas of wood that are in contact with dirt or masonry, especially those near windowsills and drip caps to ensure that there isn't any water getting in the way. Check for signs of excess moisture, such as blistering or peeling paint, a darker appearance and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Also, ensure that you look at the floor beams, joints and framing to determine if the timber has begun to decay.
Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. While this condition isn't as destructive as wet rot, it could still cause serious issues. It also can contaminate and weaken other materials that come in contact with the wood affected, such as mortar, cement and concrete.
Fortunately, Dry Rot can be treated using an epoxy resin that can make the wood affected robust and more durable than initially. The product comes in two forms: fillers or penetrants. The penetrants are a high-strength adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used to strengthen and repair severely damaged wood and other materials in structures such as floors, walls furniture, sculptures columns, and other structures. It is a hard, durable substance that is unaffected by insects and water.
Fillers are high-strength adhesive pastes that do not shrink. They can be used to fill holes or gaps. They are simple to apply, however the cleanliness and neatness of the application are important. It is recommended that the area be cleaned prior to application to remove any slender or splintered pieces of decayed wood. it is also a good idea to prime the area prior to applying the epoxy to ensure proper adhesion.
In some instances there are instances where a large portion of rotted wood is so extensive that it is required to replace the window. A professional can evaluate the situation and give you a recommendation.
Refusal to Open
A window that doesn't open can be a frustrating problem. Not only is it frustrating, but it can be dangerous if one is trying to escape a burning structure or simply needs fresh air. Fortunately, the majority of windows that are difficult to open can be fixed with some troubleshooting steps.
If your single hung or double-hung windows aren't closing or opening first thing to check is grime and dirt. Over time, dust and dirt will accumulate in the window frame and cause friction, which can make it hard to move the sash. This issue can be resolved by cleaning the windows and spraying the windows with lubricant.
Another reason that can cause sticking windows is moisture. As time passes, wood will absorb moisture and expand. This can cause cracks or warping, as well as rotting. Moisture damage can cause paint to peel, which could cause the frame's alignment to be shifted. This could cause the window channels to not align with the windows which makes it difficult to fully open or shut the window.
If you find that lubricating the hinges and reinstalling damaged screws fails to resolve the problem, it may be time to call in experts for window repair. upvc window repairs near me is a more difficult process that requires removing the window sash. This is only recommended for those who are confident with power tools. If the window is damaged, it could be required to replace it completely. Depending on the damage and type of window, you might need to replace all windows in your home. A professional can assist you in deciding which option is best for your home.