When to Call in a Professional and When to Do it Yourself

Window repairs can be expensive. It is important to know when to engage an expert, and when to do the job yourself.

A leaky seal is evident by the leaking of dirt and water through the window panes. This can make the windows less efficient, which can result in more energy costs.

Cracked or chipped glass and issues with sash can be addressed with adhesives sold in auto maintenance stores.

Glass that has cracked

Glass can be cracked by a stray piece of grass or a slammed door window handle. The good news is that broken glass that isn't broken into pieces or a double-paned window with holes in both panes is often repaired by cleaning the area thoroughly and applying epoxy to the surface and waiting for it to cure.

This is the time-consuming solution, yet also the most efficient. Epoxy is a thermosetting product that will give you the best seal for windows. If done correctly, it could even make tiny cracks disappear. After cleaning the windows, fill the cracks with epoxy. It could take a few attempts to cover the entire surface area.

The type of epoxy you require will depend on the size and shape of the crack. For smaller repairs, look for a two-part mix consisting of the resin and a hardener. They usually come with a syringe that lets you control the flow of the resin or the hardener. However wooden sticks can be used in this similar manner. Mix the epoxy for 20 seconds before applying it. You only have about 5-10 minutes to apply it before it starts to set.

For cracks that are more extensive, consider using a glass adhesive instead of epoxy. Glass adhesive is available at auto repair to double glazed windows stores. It's designed to fix windshields, but it can work equally well on windows at home. The product comes with clear instructions to guide you through the application procedure.

After the epoxy has dried, take off any excess with a sharp razor and clean the window with a rag that has been soaked in acetone. This will eliminate any epoxy that has been raised above the crack. Spray the newly-repaired window with glass cleaner, and polish it with another clean rag. Now your windows will be as clean as new.

Stress cracks can be seen on any surface of glass and tend to spread over the entire window if it is not addressed immediately. These cracks are usually caused by temperature changes between your home and the outside. However, they could also result from closing your windows or using excessive force to open them.

Broken Seals

The window's seal will eventually fail, no matter if it's triple or double paned, insulated or not. The window seal serves as a barrier that prevents condensation and moisture from building up. If the seal is damaged water will be able to get between the windows and cause them to fog or drip. The windows that are stained by fog can be ugly and glass window repairs cause water damage, or decay.

Fogging up windows is the primary sign of a broken window seal, however it's not just a matter of time. The water that escapes between the window panes is capable of covering a greater area than the glass. Therefore, it is crucial to recognize the issue and fix it as soon as you can.

The failure of seals can lead to a number of problems that go beyond the appearance of your window. They can also add to your energy bill, as the outside air can get into your home. This is especially true of windows which were previously insulated with gasses that are inert, such as argon and Krypton, which are used to enhance their insulation capabilities.

Although a damaged seal is not quite as urgent as a damaged window, it is still an important problem to address. If you notice signs of a defective seal, you must call an expert in window installation as soon as you can. This will prevent the growth of mold and rotting wood from occurring within your home.

The most commonly used method for fixing a damaged seal is to replace the entire insulated glass unit (IGU), but this is typically only an option when the frame of the window isn't damaged or decaying, and should only be handled by an experienced professional. It is also possible to apply weatherstripping or caulk around the sash window repairs, but this is more difficult and less long-lasting than replacing the entire window. Additionally, some companies offer an option for just replacing the IGU without replacing the frame, but this isn't always easy and should be done by a professional window installer.

Expansion/Contraction Between Sashes/Frames

One of the most frequent problems faced by homeowners is the breaking of a window pane. This kind of damage caused by a baseball or a storm, should be repaired as quickly as possible. Repairing the damage can be costly and difficult since a new glass panel has to be designed to be a perfect match to the frame of the window. It is essential to determine if the frame of the window or sash is damaged first and then determine the best course of action.

Older wood windows often have a "stop," which is a thin piece of timber that prevents the top sash from moving, but allows the bottom sash to slide open. If the stop is worn or damaged, it could cause a draft as air can pass through the sashes. This can be corrected with a replacement piece, but this is a situation where it would probably make more sense to replace the entire window.

Another sign that a window is in need of major repairs is if it allows excessive noise in. If your windows are letting in too much traffic or street noise, it might be time to replace windows.

Many New Orleans homes have tall double-hung wooden windows with sash. These windows allow air circulation in the home when it's hot. Lowering the top sash helps to ventilate the home and allows cool air to enter from the outside, while raising the bottom sash pushes humid air and hot air from the house. If windows aren't functioning as they are supposed to, it may be due to the degeneration of the weight and pulley mechanisms hidden inside the frame, or to a build-up of paint.

Removing the built-up paint and repairing the damaged parts will generally restore the functionality of the window. Sometimes it is better to replace the entire window to ensure its durability. This is especially true if there are major construction projects in the future that will include the windows. If repairs cost similar to the cost of a brand new window, then a complete replacement might be the best option.

Fog between panes

If a double-pane glass is fogging, it's typically because the seal between the glass panes has failed. The problem is especially prevalent in humid environments where moisture in the wooden frame can cause the seal to rot and let air in. In this case it is more beneficial to replace the window instead of repair it.

Foggy windows are a frustrating issue. It can be difficult to remove the water that has built up between the glass panes. This can reduce the energy efficiency of your window glass repair and make it difficult to see clearly of the outside. Fogging can also indicate other problems such as mold and rot on the frame or surrounding materials.

Condensation is the most common cause of moisture between the glass. Condensation occurs when cool surfaces absorb water vapors from the air and release it when the surface heats up. It is a typical natural phenomenon that can be observed on many surfaces, including windows. If you're able to wipe the condensation off your window, it's probably just humidity that has cooled off, and then settled on the cooler Glass window repairs.

In certain cases, the glass can be permanently hazy due to condensation or other issues that have compromised the seal between the panes. If this happens, you should contact the manufacturer of your window to determine if your windows are still covered under warranty. If so, replacing them will likely to be less expensive than repairing them.

Some companies will repair or replace double-paned windows with no sash. This is done by drilling a small hole between the panes and vacuuming out any moisture that is trapped. Then vents are inserted into the window to allow air circulation. This can remove some of the fogginess but it is usually short-lived and does not replace the inert gas between the panes, or restore the insulation value of your window. The best way to eliminate persistent fogging is to replace the IGU. If you're not ready to purchase a new one but you're still able to try defogging products that aid in removing the moisture between the panes.