Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
A window pane that's cracked, broken, or completely missing is usually in need of professional attention. It is difficult for DIYers not to make the situation worse by repairing cracked glass.
Begin by identifying the problem. Gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the necessary safety precautions. You can save money and avoid frustration by planning your window repair project ahead of time.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown out of error, a pebble thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying over the glass pane could break it. Depending on the type of glass used and the method by which it was put up the windows could require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a huge project that requires the removal of the sash, the portion of the window which holds the panes, from the frame. You'll need a contractor with knowledge of the procedure and the right window 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 caulk 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 around the broken piece. upvc window repair is also necessary remove the glazing compound and the glazing points made of metal that were used to hold the old pane. Wear safety goggles and gloves while doing this. Small glass chips can cause permanent eye damage. The use of heat guns is to soften the old glue so that you can scrape it away with a utility blade.
After removing the window pane, measure the dimensions of the window's opening and transfer them to the new frame. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the old frame to allow for expansion and contraction. Cover the new frame with either silicone caulk or traditional glazing putty.
Place the new pane into the window, and then apply caulk in a thin layer to seal the gap between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk dry before putting the sash back into the frame and nailing it in place. Apply a coat of paint to the frame to cover the nails and give the window a neat and polished look. Contact a local glass manufacturer for a quote if you need help replacing window panes. A skilled, certified professional is able to safely manage this task and ensure your windows are protected against the elements.
Broken Seals
Window seals are designed to create a barrier between your home's indoor air and the outside air to reduce energy transfer and keeping your indoor air warmer. The seals can be damaged over time due to problems like humidity or fluctuating temperatures. 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.
The good news is that window seals can be repaired relative ease by an experienced window company. A window repair service will typically finish the job in an hour or less. To fix a broken seal, the window contractor will fog your windows, fill the void with insulative argon, or krypton gas and seal the glass unit without permitting any gas to escape.
Once your windows have been sealed and sealed, they will offer the same insulating benefit that they did before becoming foggy. You'll notice that your windows are more difficult to open or close than they were before. This may seem like a minor inconvenience but it could be an indication that your window's sash is in need to be replaced or repaired.
If your windows are under warranty, it is always worth contacting the manufacturer to see whether they can offer a replacement. You could be eligible for a no-cost IGU (insulated-glass unit) depending on the quality of the window.
If you are unsure of whether to repair or replace your windows because your window seals are damaged, 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 costly repairs. Additionally upgrading your windows with triple or double pane windows can significantly improve the efficiency of insulation in your home. These windows are also significantly more sustainable when compared to single-paned windows of the past.
Rotting Wood
The rotted wood in the sill, frame or the mullions of a window is not just ugly, but it can also cause structural damage. It is, however, possible to fix rotting wood and a skilled carpenter can do it quickly and efficiently. The most crucial step is to pinpoint and correct the water source.
This may require you to carefully inspect the exterior of your home. Examine areas of wood that are near dirt or masonry, especially those located close to drip caps and windowsills to ensure that there is no water collecting there. Check for signs of excess moisture, like blistering or peeling paint, a darker appearance and green algae that is growing on the surface of the wood. Examine the floor beams, joints and framing for signs of rot.
Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. This condition can cause serious problems even though it's not as destructive or as damaging as wet rot. It can also harm or weaken other materials, like concrete, plaster and mortar, which come into contact with it.
Thankfully, Dry Rot can be treated using an epoxy resin that can make the wood affected strong and more durable than originally. The product comes in two forms: fillers and penetrants. The penetrants are a high-strength adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used for reinforcing and rebuilding rotted wood or other materials in structures. It hardens into a durable, solid substance that is unaffected by water or insects.
The fillers, which are a high-strength adhesive paste, that is not shrinkable, can be used to fill in gaps or holes. They are simple to use, however precision is vital. It is important to scrape the area clean prior to applying the epoxy to get rid of any splinters and small fragments of decayed wooden. Prime the area after application to ensure that the epoxy adheres properly.
In some cases there is a lot of decayed to the point that the window could require replacement. A professional can assess the situation and provide advice.
Refusal to open
A window that isn't opening can be a snarling issue. Not only is it frustrating however, it could be dangerous if one wants to escape from a burning building or simply needs fresh air. Fortunately, most windows that are difficult to open can be fixed with certain troubleshooting steps.
If your single hung or double-hung windows aren't closing or opening, the first thing to look at is grime and dirt. Over time dust and dirt will build up within the window frame and cause friction, which can cause a problem in moving the sash. This problem can be fixed by cleaning the windows and spraying the windows with lubricant.
Another reason that can cause sticking windows is moisture. Over time, wood will absorb moisture and swell. This can lead to cracks, rotting and warping. The moisture can also cause damage to paint, which will cause the frame to shift out of alignment. This can cause window channels to no long align with the windows making it difficult to completely open or close the window.
If you find that lubricating the hinges and reinstalling broken screws does not solve the problem, it may be time to call in experts for window repair. This can be a more complicated process, and will require removing the window sash. This is only recommended for people who are comfortable with power tools. If the window has been damaged and needs to be replaced entirely. Depending on the type of window and degree of damage, it may be necessary to replace all of the windows in your home. A professional can assist you in deciding what option is best for your home.