Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
A window pane that is broken, cracked or completely gone typically requires professional attention. It can be difficult for DIYers not to make the situation worse by fixing cracked glass.
Begin by identifying the issue. After that, gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the required safety precautions. You can save money and avoid frustration by preparing your window repair project ahead of time.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown out of error or a pebble that is thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying over glass can break it. Depending on the kind of glass and the way it was installed, your windows may require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a major project that involves the removal of the sash (the part of the window which holds the panes) from the frame. You'll need a contractor with expertise in this process and the appropriate window on hand or in stock before you begin work. A licensed contractor will remove the current IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a brand new one in its place. rebuild the sash, replace the casing, and caulk the joints to keep moisture out.
If you're replacing a single glass pane the first thing to do is remove all shards of glass from the area surrounding the broken piece. It is also necessary remove the glazing compound as well as the metal glazing points that held the old pane. Wear safety goggles and gloves when doing this. Small glass chips could cause permanent eye damage. It is possible to use heat guns to soften the old putty so that it is possible to scrape it away with a utility blade.
After removing the old pane of glass, measure the opening and transfer the measurements to the new window. Make sure to subtract 1/8 inch (or quarter inches) from the width and the height of the frame to allow for expansion and contraction. Seal the new pane using either silicone caulk or traditional glazing putty.
Place the new pane into the window, and then apply caulk to seal the gap between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk set before you put the sash inside the frame. Apply the paint on the frame to cover the nails and give the window a clean and polished look. Contact a local glass manufacturer to get an estimate if you need assistance with replacing windows. A skilled, certified professional will be able to safely manage the job and ensure that your windows are safe from the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal forms an air barrier that keeps the air in your home warm and minimizes the transfer of energy. Unfortunately, these seals can get damaged in time due to problems like fluctuating temperatures and humidity. The most obvious sign that your window seals 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 ease. A window repair service can usually complete the task in a half hour or less. To repair a damaged window seal, the window repair service will fog the windows, fill the void with an insulating gas like Krypton or argon and then reseal the glass unit around it without allowing gas to escape.
Once your windows are sealed they will be able to provide the same insulation benefit they did before becoming foggy. However, you may be noticing that your windows are a little more difficult to open and close than they were previously. It may seem like a minor inconvenience but it could be a sign that your window sash requires to be repaired or replaced.
If your windows are under warranty, it's always advisable to contact the manufacturer to inquire about the possibility of a replacement. Based on the condition of your windows, you may be able to get an entirely new IGU (insulated glass unit) at no cost to you.
If you are unsure of whether to replace or repair windows due to the fact that window seals have failed, it is best to replace them. This will prevent the problem from happening again in the future, and save you money in the long-term on expensive repairs. Additionally, replacing your existing windows with double or triple pane windows can dramatically increase the insulating efficiency of your home. These newer windows are also significantly more sustainable than single pane windows that were previously used.
Rotting Wood
Wood decaying on the sill, frame, or mullions may not only be unsightly but cause structural damage. Fortunately, it is possible to repair wood that is rotting, and a professional carpenter can complete the task quickly and efficiently. The most important thing to do is to locate and eliminate the cause of moisture.
This may require a careful examination of the exterior of your home. Check for wood that is in contact with masonry, dirt or drip caps. Check for signs of excess moisture, like peeling or blistering paint, a darkened appearance and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Also, be sure to examine floor beams frames, joints and framing to determine if the timber has rotted away.
upvc window repairs is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. This condition can cause serious damage, even though it is not as destructive or harmful as wet rot. It can also contaminate and weaken other materials that come into contact with the wood affected like mortar, cement and concrete.
Fortunately Dry Rot is treatable with an epoxy resin, which can make the affected wood robust and more durable than originally. The product comes in two forms: fillers or penetrants. The penetrants is a high-strength adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used for strengthening and rebuilding rotted wood or other materials used in structures. It hardens to a solid, durable substance that is not affected by water and insects.
The fillers, which are high-strength adhesive paste, that is not shrinkable, can be used to fill in gaps or holes. They are simple to use, but precision is essential. It is advised that the area be scraped clean prior to application to eliminate any splinters or thin pieces of decayed wood, and it is recommended to prime the area prior to applying the epoxy to ensure proper adhesion.
In some instances the area of decayed wood is so severe that it is necessary to replace the window. A professional can assess the situation and give you suggestions.
Refusal to open
A window that isn't opening can be a frustrating problem. Not only is it frustrating but it can also be dangerous if someone needs to escape a burning structure or simply needs fresh air. Fortunately, windows that are difficult to open can be fixed by following some troubleshooting steps.
Examine for grime and dirt if your single-hung or double-hung windows aren't able to open or close. Over time, dust and dirt will accumulate inside the window frame, creating friction, which can make it difficult to move the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with oil-based lubricant can often solve this issue.
Another common cause of sticking windows is moisture. As time passes, wood begins to absorb moisture and swell. This can cause cracking or warping, as well as rotting. The moisture can also cause damage to paint, causing the frame to shift out of alignment. This can cause window channels to not align with the windows which makes it difficult to completely open or close the window.
If you find that lubricating the hinges and reinstalling stripped screws doesn't solve the problem, it may be time to contact experts for window repair. This can be more complex, and will require removing the window sash. This is typically only recommended for those who are accustomed to working with power tools. If the window has been damaged it might need to be replaced entirely. Based on the extent of damage and the type of window, you might have to replace all windows in your house. A professional can assist you in determining which option is right for your home.