Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention

A window pane that is cracked, broken, or completely missing typically requires professional attention. Glass that has cracked is difficult for DIYers to repair timber windows and avoid aggravating the situation.

Start by identifying the issue. Then gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the necessary safety precautions. Preparing your window repair project in advance will save you money and reduce frustration.

Broken Panes

A baseball that is thrown in error, a pebble thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying into the glass pane could damage it. Your windows may need professional repair or replacement, based on the type of glass and the method by which it was put up. Window replacement is a huge project that requires removing the sash, the portion of the window that houses the panes and frames. You'll require a professional who is experienced in the process and will need to have the correct window in stock or available prior to beginning work. A professional with experience will take out the old IGU (insulated glass unit) and replace it with a new one in its place. They will reassemble the sash, replace the casing, and caulk the joints to keep moisture out.

If you're replacing just one pane of glass the first thing you need to do is remove all shards of glass from the area surrounding the broken piece. You will also need to take off the glazing compound and metal glazing points that held the old pane in place. Wear safety glasses and gloves when doing this. Small glass chips could cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun is a great tool for softening the old putty and allowing you to scrape it away using a knife.

After taking off the old window pane, measure the dimensions of the window opening and broken transfer them to the new one. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch (or one quarter inch) from the width and the height of the frame in order to allow for 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. Allow the caulk to dry before inserting the sash to the frame and nailing it in place. Paint the frame to hide the nails and give it a polished and clean appearance. Contact a local glass manufacturer to request a quote if you need assistance with replacing windows. A trained, certified professional can safely handle this task and ensure your windows are shielded from the elements.

Broken Seals

A window seal is a barrier that keeps your home's air warm and minimizes the transfer of energy. However, these seals may become damaged as time passes due to issues such as fluctuating temperatures and humidity. A common sign that your window seals are damaged is the appearance of fog or condensation that cannot be wiped away from the inside or outside of your windows.

A reputable window company can windown repair window seals with a lot of ease. A window repair service will typically finish the job in an hour or less. To fix a broken seal, a window repair service will fog your windows, fill the void with insulative argon, or krypton gas and seal the glass unit without permitting any gas to escape.

After your windows have been sealed, they will provide the same insulating benefit that they did prior to becoming foggy. However, you may notice that the windows are a bit more difficult to open and close than they used to be. This could be an inconvenience, but it could be an indication that your window sash needs to be replaced or repaired.

It is worth contacting your manufacturer if you are still covered under warranty. You could be eligible for a no-cost IGU (insulated-glass unit) depending on the quality of your window.

If you aren't sure whether to replace or repair your windows due to the fact that your window seals have failed, it is best to replace them. This will stop this issue from happening again in the future, and will save you money in the long run for expensive repairs. Replace your existing windows with triple or double pane windows to boost your insulation in your home. Furthermore, these windows are much more eco friendly than older single-pane windows repaired.

Rotting Wood

Wood that is rotting on the sill frames or mullions will not only be unattractive however, it can cause structural damage. Fortunately, it is possible to repair wood that is rotting and a skilled carpenter can complete the task 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 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 getting in the way. Look for signs of excessive moisture, like blistering or peeling paint, a darker appearance and green algae that is growing on the surface of the wood. Also, ensure that you inspect the floor beams, joints and framing to see if the wood has started to decay.

Dry Rot is a fungus that can attack wood from the inside. While this condition is not as destructive as wet rot, it can nevertheless cause serious issues. It can also contaminate or weaken other materials like concrete, plaster and mortar, which come into contact.

Thankfully, Dry Rot can be treated using an epoxy resin that can make the affected wood stronger and more durable than originally. The product comes in two forms: fillers or penetrants. The penetrants are high-strength, no-shrink, broken adhesive putty that can be used to strengthen and repair rotten or damaged wood and other materials used in structures such as floors, walls sculptures, furniture columns, and other structures. It sets into a durable solid substance that is unaffected by water or insects.

The fillers, which are a high-strength, non-shrink, adhesive paste, can be used to fill in gaps or holes. They are easy to use, however precision is vital. It is crucial to scrape the area clean before applying the epoxy to eliminate any splinters or small pieces of decayed wood. The area should be primed after application to ensure proper adhesion.

In some cases there are instances where a large portion of wood that is rotten is so bad that it is necessary to replace the window. A professional can assess the situation and give you a recommendation.

Refusal to open

A window that refuses to open can be a frustrating problem. It's not only inconvenient but also dangerous when someone needs to escape from the flames of a building or need to get some fresh air. Fortunately, the majority of windows that are difficult to open can be fixed by following some troubleshooting steps.

Examine for dirt and grime if your single-hung or double-hung windows won't open or close. Over time, dirt and dust build up within the window frame leading to friction that makes it difficult to move the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with lubricant will often fix this issue.

Another reason for sticking windows is moisture. Wood absorbs moisture over time, and cause it to expand. This can cause cracks, rotting, and warping. Moisture can also harm paint, which can cause the frame to shift out of alignment. This could cause the window channels to not align with the window, making it difficult to fully open or close the window.

If lubricating hinges and replacing stripped screw doesn't fix the issue, you might need to call professionals to repair window your window. This is an even more complex process and may require the removal of the window sash. This is typically only recommended for those who are comfortable working with power tools. If the window is damaged, it may be necessary to replace it entirely. Depending on the kind of window and the degree of damage, it may be necessary to replace all of the windows in your home. A professional can assist you in determining the best option for your home.