Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
If a window pane is cracked, broken or missing completely it will require professional attention. It is difficult for DIYers not to cause more damage by repairing cracked glass.
Begin by identifying the issue. Get your tools ready and prepare the area for work and take all the necessary safety precautions. Making preparations for the window repair project in advance will save you money and decrease frustration.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown in error or a pebble thrown by an lawnmower or bird flying through glass can break it. Your windows might require professional repair or replacement depending on the type of glass and the method by which it was put in. Window replacement is a huge project that requires the removal of the sash, the portion of the window that holds the panes and frames. You'll require a professional with expertise in this procedure and the right window on hand or in stock prior to starting work. A qualified contractor will remove the old IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a brand new one in its place, reassemble the sash and replace the casing and seal the joints to keep moisture out.
If you're replacing just one glass pane the first thing you need to do is to remove all shards of glass from the area surrounding the broken piece. Also, you will need to take off the glazing compound and the metal glazing points that kept the old pane in place. Make sure you wear protective gloves and gloves while doing this. Small glass chips could cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun is a great tool in softening the old putty, allowing you to cut it off using a utility knife.
After removing the old pane of glass take a measurement of the opening and transfer the measurements to the new window. Make sure to subtract 1/8 inch (or a quarter inch) from the width and height of the frame to take into account expansion and contraction. Cover the new frame with either silicone caulk or the traditional glazing putty.
Apply a bead caulk to the glass and frame to seal the joint. Let the caulk dry before you put the sash into the frame. Paint the frame to hide the nails and give it a polished, clean look. Contact a local glass business to get an estimate if you need help replacing window panes. A trained, certified professional can safely handle this job and ensure your windows are protected against the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal is designed to create an enclosure between your home's indoor air and the outside air, reducing energy transfer and keeping your indoor air warmer. However, these seals may be damaged as time passes due to issues such as fluctuating temperatures and humidity. If you notice a buildup or fogginess on the inside or outside of your windows, this could be a sign that your seals are failing.
Fortunately, window seals can be fixed with relatively little effort by a professional window company. In reality the window repair service will typically complete the job in about an hour. To repair a damaged window seal, your window contractor will clear the windows, fill the void with Krypton gas or argon to insulate, and reseal the glass unit without allowing gas to escape.
After your windows are sealed, they will provide the same insulation benefits they did prior to becoming foggy. However, you may be noticing that your windows are a bit more difficult to open and close than they were previously. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it could be a sign that your window sash needs to be repaired or replaced.
It is worth contacting your manufacturer if you're still covered by warranty. Depending on the quality of your windows, you may be able to obtain a new IGU (insulated glass unit) at no cost to you.
If your window seals are failing and you're thinking whether to replace or repair your windows, the best option is to replace them. This will stop the issue from occurring again in the future, saving you money and time on expensive repairs in the future in the long run. Replace your windows with triple or double pane windows to boost your insulation in your home. Moreover, these newer windows are more environmentally green than the older single pane windows.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot on the sill, frame, or mullions may not only be ugly but also cause structural damage. Fortunately, it's possible to fix rotting wood, and a professional carpenter can do it fast and effectively. The most crucial step is to locate and correct the source of moisture.
This may require you to inspect the exterior of your home. Check for areas of wood that are in contact with dirt or masonry, especially those that are near windowsills and drip caps to ensure that there is no water collecting there. Check for signs of excess moisture, like blistering or peeling paint, a darkened appearance and green algae that is growing on the surface of the wood. Also, be sure to inspect floor beams frames, joints and framing to see if the wood has rotted away.
Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. Although this isn't as destructive as wet rot, it can still cause serious issues. It can also cause a lot of harm and weaken other materials that come into contact with the wood affected, such as mortar, concrete and plaster.
Dry Rot is treated using epoxy resins, which makes the wood more durable and stronger. The product is available in two forms: fillers and penetrants. The penetrants is a high-strength adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used for reinforcing and repairing damaged wood or other materials in structures. It sets to form a solid, durable substance that is indestructible to insects and water.
Fillers are high-strength adhesive pastes that do not shrink. They can be used to fill holes or gaps. The fillers are easy to apply, however the cleanliness and neatness of the application are important. It is advised that the area be cleaned prior to application to remove any slender or splintered pieces of decayed wood. it is recommended to prime the area prior to applying the epoxy to ensure proper adhesion.
In some instances, a large area of rotted wood is so bad that it is required to replace the window. A professional can evaluate the situation and offer suggestions.
Refusal to open
A window that isn't able to open can be a frustrating issue. It's not only inconvenient but it can also be dangerous if one needs to escape a burning building or just needs to breathe fresh air. The majority of windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be fixed by following a few troubleshooting suggestions.
Check for dirt and grime If your double-hung or single-hung windows aren't able to open or close. Over time, dust and dirt will accumulate within the window frame, leading to friction that makes it difficult to move the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with lubricant is often a solution to this problem.
Moisture is another common reason for windows that stick. As time passes, wood will absorb moisture and swell. This can cause cracking or warping, as well as rotting. Moisture damage can cause paint to peel, which may cause the frame's alignment to shift. This can cause the window sash channels to no longer line up with the window, making it difficult to fully open or close the window.
If lubricating hinges, and replacing the broken screws doesn't solve the problem, you may need to call professionals for window repair. upvc window repairs is a more complex procedure that requires the removal of window sash. This is only suggested for those who are comfortable using power tools. If the window is damaged, it might be necessary to replace it entirely. Based on the extent of damage and the type of window, you might have to replace all the windows in your house. A professional can help determine which option is right for your home.