Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
A window pane that's broken, cracked, or completely missing typically requires professional attention. Glass that is cracked is difficult to DIYers to repair without making the situation worse.
Start by identifying the issue. Gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the required safety precautions. You can save money and prevent frustration by planning your window repair prior to the time.
Broken Panes
A stray ball or pebble thrown from mower blades or a bird flying into windows could cause glass panes to break. Depending on the kind of glass and how it was installed your windows may require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a huge project that requires removing the sash, the part of the window that holds the panes and frames. You'll require a professional who is experienced in the process and have the correct window in stock or available prior to beginning work. A licensed contractor will remove the old IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a brand new one in its place, rebuild the sash, replace the casing, and seal the joints to keep moisture out.
If you are replacing a single window pane, the first step is to eliminate the glass shards completely from the area around the broken piece. It is also necessary remove the glazing compound as well as the metal glazing points that held the old pane. Wear gloves and safety goggles when doing this; small glass chips could cause permanent eye damage. Heat guns can be used to soften the old glue so you can scrape it off using the blade of a utility knife.
After removing the window pane, take measurements of the window's opening, then transfer them to the new one. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch (or a quarter inch) from the width and the height of the frame in order to take into account 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 to seal the gap between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk dry before placing the sash back to the frame and nailing it in the frame. Apply upvc window repairs on the frame to cover the nails and give the window a tidy, finished appearance. Contact a local glass manufacturer for an estimate if you require help replacing window panes. A skilled, certified professional can safely handle the project and ensure your windows are protected from the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal is made to create an air barrier between your home's indoor air and the outside air to reduce energy transfer and making your indoor air warmer. These seals can be damaged over time due to problems like humidity or fluctuating temperatures. If you notice a buildup of fogginess in or outside of your windows this is a sign that your seals are failing.
The good news is that window seals can be repaired with the ease of an experienced window company. A window repair service is usually able to complete this task in an hour or less. To repair a damaged window seal, the window repair service will defog the windows, fill in the gap with insulating argon or Krypton gas and then reseal the glass unit without allowing gas to escape.
After your windows have been resealed they will be able to provide the same insulation benefits they did before becoming foggy. However, you might observe that your windows are slightly more difficult to open and close than they used to be. Although this is not a major issue, it could be a sign that the window's sash needs to be repaired or replaced.
It is a good idea to contact your manufacturer if you're still covered by warranty. Based on the condition of your windows, you might be able to get an entirely new IGU (insulated glass unit) at no cost to you.
If you are unsure of whether to repair or replace your windows due to the fact that your window seals have failed, it is best to replace them. This will prevent this issue from happening again in the future, and save you money in the long-term on costly repairs. Additionally upgrading your windows with double or triple pane windows can greatly improve the insulation efficiency of your home. Furthermore, these windows are much more environmentally green than the older single pane windows.
Rotting Wood
Wood decaying on the sill, frame or mullions can not only be unsightly, but it can cause structural damage. It is, however, possible to fix rotting wood, and a professional carpenter can do it quickly and effectively. The most important step is to locate and correct the source of moisture.
This may require a careful inspection of the exterior of your house. Examine the wood for signs that it is in contact with masonry, dirt or drip caps. Examine for signs of excess moisture, like blistering or peeling paint, a darkened appearance and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Examine floors, floor beams, joints and framing for signs that indicate rot.
A fungus called Dry Rot can attack wood and eat it away from the inside out. This can cause serious problems even though it's not as destructive or harmful as wet rot. It can also cause a lot of harm and weaken other materials that come into contact with the wood affected including mortar, cement and concrete.
Dry Rot is treated using epoxy resins, making the wood stronger and more durable. The product comes in two forms, fillers or penetrants. The penetrants are a strong adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used to strengthen and rebuild rotted or severely damaged wood and other materials used in structures, walls, floors, furniture, sculptures columns, and more. It is a hard solid material that is not affected by water or insects.
The fillers, which are a high-strength, non-shrink, adhesive paste, can be used to fill gaps or holes. They are easy to use, however precision is essential. It is recommended that the area be scraped clean prior to application in order to remove any splinters or thin pieces of decayed wood. it is recommended to prime the area prior to applying the epoxy to ensure proper adhesion.
In some cases there is a lot of decayed wood to the point that the window could require replacement. A professional can assess the situation and give you a recommendation.
Refusal to open
A window that refuses to open can be a frustrating issue. It's not just a nuisance, but also dangerous when you need to escape an unburned building or simply wants some fresh air. Most windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be repaired by following a few troubleshooting techniques.
If your single-hung or double-hung windows aren't opening or closing first thing to look at is dirt and grime. Over time, dust and dirt build up inside the window frame, causing friction that can make it difficult to move the sash. This problem can be fixed by cleaning the windows and applying the windows with lubricant.
Moisture is another major reason for windows that stick. Over time, wood will absorb moisture and swell. This can lead to cracks warping, rotting, and cracking. Moisture damage can cause paint to peel, which may cause the frame's alignment to shift. This could cause the window channels to not align with the window, making it difficult to fully open or close the window.
If applying lubrication to the hinges and replacing damaged screws fails to resolve the issue, it could be time to call in professionals for window repair. This is a more complicated procedure that requires the removal of window sash. This is typically only recommended for those who are accustomed to working with power tools. If the window is damaged, it could be required to replace it completely. Depending on the condition and type of window, you may need to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can assist you in determining which option is right for your home.