Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
If a window is damaged, cracked, or completely missing, it usually requires professional attention. It's difficult for DIYers not to make the situation worse by repairing damaged glass.
Begin by identifying the issue. Set up your tools, prepare the work area and take all the necessary safety precautions. Preparing for the window repair project in advance can help you save money and lessen frustration.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown out of error or a pebble thrown by the lawnmower or bird flying into the glass pane could break it. Based on the type of glass and the way it was put in the windows could require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a huge task that requires the removal of sash, which is the part of the window which holds the panes in place, from the frame. You'll require a professional with expertise in this process and the correct window in stock before you begin work. A licensed contractor will remove the old IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a brand new one in its place, rebuild the sash and replace the casing and caulk the joints to keep moisture out.
If you're replacing a single glass pane, the first thing to do is to remove all the shards that are in the area surrounding the broken piece. You will also need to remove the glazing compound as well as metal glazing points that were holding the old pane in place. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles when doing this; small glass chips can cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun can be helpful for softening the old putty and allowing you to scrape it away using a knife.
After removing the old pane of glass Measure the opening, then transfer the measurements to the new window. 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 traditional glazing putty or silicone caulk to seal the new pane.
Place the new pane in the window and apply caulk in a thin layer to seal the gap between the frame and the glass. Allow the caulk to set before putting the sash inside the frame. Paint the frame to hide the nails and give it a neat sleek look. If you need assistance with to replace a window pane, contact a local glass business for a quote. A trained, certified professional is able to safely manage this job and ensure your windows are safe from the elements.
Broken Seals
Window seals are designed to create a barrier between your home's air inside and the outside air, reducing energy transfer and making your indoor air warmer. The seals can be damaged over time due issues such as humidity and fluctuating temperatures. If you notice a buildup or fogginess inside or outside of your windows, this could be a sign that your seals are failing.
The good news is that window seals can be repaired relative ease by an experienced window company. upvc window repairs can usually finish the job in an hour or less. To fix a broken seal, a window repair service will defog your windows, fill the gap with insulative argon or Krypton gas, and then seal the glass unit without permitting any gas to escape.
After your windows are resealed they will continue to provide the same insulation as they did before they became foggy. You'll notice that your windows are more difficult to open or close than they were before. This may seem like an inconvenience, but it could be a sign that your window sash needs to be replaced or repaired.
If your windows are still under warranty, it's always advisable to contact the manufacturer to see whether they can offer an exchange. You may be eligible for a free IGU (insulated-glass unit) dependent on the quality of the window.
If the seals on your windows are failing and you're considering whether to replace or repair your windows, the most effective option is to replace them. This will stop the issue from occurring again in the future, which will save you money and time on costly repairs in the long run. Replace your windows with double or triple pane windows to increase your insulation in your home. Additionally, the newer windows are more environmentally friendly than older single-pane windows.
Rotting Wood
Wood that is rotting on the sill frame, or mullions may not only be unsightly but cause structural damage. A skilled carpenter is capable of quickly and efficiently repair wooden frames that are rotting. The most important thing to do is to find and eliminate the cause of moisture.
This may require a careful examination of the exterior of your house. Look for areas of wood that are near dirt or masonry, especially those near drip caps and windowsills, to be sure that there is no water getting in the way. Check for signs of excessive moisture such as peeling or blistering paint, a darkened look and algae growing green on the surface of the wood. Examine floor beams, joints, and framing for signs of rot.
A fungus called Dry Rot can attack wood and eat it up from the inside out. This can cause serious problems even though it's not as destructive or as harmful as wet rot. It can also cause contamination or weaken other materials like plaster, concrete and mortar, which come into contact.
Dry Rot is treated using epoxy resins, making the wood more durable and stronger. The product is available in two forms: fillers or penetrants. The penetrants are a high-strength adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used for reinforcing and rebuilding rotted wood or other materials used in structures. It is a hard and durable material that is indestructible to insects and water.
The fillers, which are high-strength, non-shrink, adhesive paste can be used to fill gaps or holes. They are simple to apply, however the cleanliness and neatness of the application are important. It is important to scrape the area clean before applying the epoxy in order to eliminate any splinters or small pieces of decayed wood. Apply primer to the area following application to ensure that it adheres well.
In some cases a large area is decayed to the point that the window might need to be replaced. A professional can assess the situation and provide guidance.
Refusal to open
A window that won't open can be a snarling issue. It's not just annoying, but also dangerous when one needs to escape a burning building or just wants some fresh air. Many windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be repaired by following a few troubleshooting suggestions.
If your single or double-hung windows aren't opening or closing the first thing you need to look for is dirt and grime. Over time dust and dirt will build up in the window frame, and cause friction, which can make it difficult to move the sash. This issue can be resolved by cleaning the windows and spraying the windows with lubricant.
Moisture is another major cause of windows that stick. As time passes, wood begins to 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 shift. This can cause the window channels to not line up with the windows, making it difficult to fully open or close the window.
If lubricating hinges and reinstalling the stripped screw doesn't fix the issue, you might require the help of a professional for window repair. This can be a more complicated process, and may require the removal of the window sash. This is typically only recommended for people who are accustomed to working with power tools. If the window is damaged, it may be necessary to replace it completely. Depending on the damage and the type of window you may need to replace all windows in your house. A professional can help you determine what option is best for your home.