Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
A window pane that's damaged, cracked or completely gone typically requires professional attention. It is difficult for DIYers not to create more problems by repairing cracked glass.
Begin by identifying the problem. After that, gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the required safety precautions. Making preparations for the window repair project in advance will save you money and reduce frustration.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown in error or a pebble that is thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying through glass can damage it. Your windows might require professional repair or replacement depending on the type of window glass and the way it was put up. Window replacement is a huge project that requires the removal of the sash (the part of the window which holds the panes) from the frame. You'll require a professional with experience in the process and the correct window on hand or in stock prior to starting work. A licensed contractor will remove the old IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a brand new one in its place. They will put back the sash in place and replace the casing and seal the joints to keep moisture out.
If you are replacing just one window pane, the first step is to eliminate all shards of glass from the area surrounding the broken piece. It is also necessary to remove the glazing compound as well as the 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. Heat guns can be used to soften the old putty so that it is possible to scrape it off using a utility blade.
After removing the window pane, measure the dimensions of the window opening and transfer them to the new one. Make sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the old frame to allow for expansion and contraction. The new pane should be sealed using either silicone caulk or traditional glazing putty.
Apply a bead caulk to the glass and frame to seal the joint. Allow the caulk to set before you insert the sash into the frame. Paint the frame to hide the nails and give it a finished, clean look. Contact a local glass business for an estimate if you need help replacing window panes. A certified, skilled professional can safely complete this project and ensure that your windows are shielded from the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal creates an environment that keeps the air in your home warm and reduces the transfer of energy. Unfortunately, these seals could get damaged as time passes due to issues like fluctuating temperatures and humidity. One of the most common signs that the seals on your windows have failed is the appearance of fog or condensation that is not able to be removed either from the outside or inside of your windows.
A reputable window company can repair window seals with relative ease. A window repair service will typically complete the task in a half hour or less. To fix a broken window seal, your window repair professional will defog the windows, fill in the gap with Krypton gas or argon to insulate and then reseal the glass unit without allowing gas to escape.
Once your windows have been sealed they will be able to provide the same insulation benefit they did before becoming foggy. However, you might notice that the windows are a little more difficult to open and close than they used to be. While this is a minor issue, it could be a sign that the sash of your windows requires replacement or repair.
If your windows are under warranty, it's always advisable to contact the manufacturer to inquire whether they can offer an exchange. You may be eligible for a no-cost IGU (insulated-glass unit) dependent on the quality of the window.
If your window seals are failing and you're considering whether to replace or repair your windows, the best option is usually to replace them. This will stop the issue from occurring again in the future, saving you time and money on expensive repairs in the future in the long run. Replace upvc window repair with double or triple pane windows to increase your home's insulation. Additionally, the newer windows are more environmentally sustainable than single-pane windows of the past.
Rotting Wood
Wood rot on the sill, frame, or mullions may not only be unsightly, but it can cause structural damage. Fortunately, it's possible to repair rotting wood, and a professional carpenter can complete the task quickly and effectively. The most important step is to locate and correct the water source.
This could require you to carefully inspect the exterior of your home. Examine the wood for signs that it is in contact with masonry, dirt or drip caps. Look for signs of excessive moisture, including blistering or peeling paint, a darkened appearance and green algae that is growing on the surface of the wood. Also, be sure to inspect floors, floor beams and framing joints to see if the wood has started to decay.
A fungus called Dry Rot can attack wood and eat it up from the inside out. While this condition isn't as destructive as wet rot, it can still cause serious issues. It can also cause contamination or weaken other materials such as concrete, plaster and mortar, which come into contact.
Dry Rot can be treated using epoxy resins, which makes the wood more durable and stronger. The product comes in two forms: penetrants and fillers. The penetrants is a strong adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used to reinforce and repairing rotted wood or other materials used in structures. It hardens into a durable, solid substance that is unaffected by insects or water.
The fillers, which are high-strength adhesive paste that is non-shrink and non-shrink, can be used to fill gaps or holes. The fillers are easy to apply, however the cleanliness and neatness of the application are important. It is recommended that the area be scraped clean prior to application to remove any splinters or thin pieces of decayed wood. it is also a good idea to prime the area before applying the epoxy to ensure proper adhesion.
In some cases there are instances where a large portion of wood that is rotten is so extensive that it's required to replace the window. A professional can evaluate the situation and advise you accordingly.
Refusal to open
A window that won't open can be a difficult issue. It's not just annoying, but also dangerous when you need to escape an unburned building or simply needs to breathe fresh air. Fortunately, windows that are difficult to open can be fixed by following some troubleshooting steps.
If your single or double hung windows aren't opening or closing the first thing you need to check is dirt and grime. Over time, dust and dirt build up inside 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 cause of windows that stick. As time passes, wood will absorb moisture and swell. This can lead to cracks warping, rotting, and cracking. Moisture damage can also cause paint to peel, which could cause the frame's alignment to shift. This can cause the window sash channels to no longer align with the window, making it difficult to completely 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 experts for window repair. This is a more complex procedure that requires the removal of the window sash. This is usually only recommended for people who are comfortable working with power tools. If the window is damaged, it might be necessary to replace it entirely. Depending on the kind of window and the severity of the damage, it could be required to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can help you determine which option is right for your home.