Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention
If a glass pane is broken, cracked or missing completely It usually requires professional attention. It's difficult for DIYers to not create more problems by fixing cracked glass.
Start by identifying the issue. After that, gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the appropriate safety precautions. You can save money and prevent frustration by planning your window repair project ahead of time.
Broken Panes
A baseball thrown in error, a pebble thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying through the glass pane could break it. Depending on upvc window repair near me of glass and the way it was put in your windows may require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a large 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 who has expertise in this process and the appropriate window in stock prior to beginning work. A professional contractor is able to remove and replace the current IGU. They will also reassemble the window sash and replace the casing.
If you're replacing just one glass pane the first thing you need to do is to remove all the shards from the area around the broken piece. It is also necessary remove the glazing compound and the metal glazing points which held the old pane. Wear safety goggles and gloves when you do this. Small glass chips can cause permanent eye damage. The use of heat guns is to soften the old putty to the point that it is possible to scrape it away with a utility blade.
After removing the old piece of glass, measure the opening and transfer the measurements to the new window. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the old frame to allow for expansion and contraction. Seal the new pane using either silicone caulk or traditional glazing putty.
Place the new pane in the window and then apply caulk to seal the joint between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk set before you insert the sash inside the frame. Paint the frame to hide the nails and to give it a polished and clean appearance. Contact a local glass business to request an estimate if you require assistance in replacing your window panes. A trained, certified professional will be able to safely manage the task and ensure that your windows are shielded from the elements.
Broken Seals
A window seal is a barrier that keeps your home's air warm and minimizes energy transfer. The seals can be damaged over time due to issues such as humidity and fluctuating temperatures. If you notice a buildup or fogginess inside or outside your windows, it is a sign your seals are failing.
A reputable window repair service can repair window seals with relative ease. A window repair service will typically complete this task in an hour or less. To repair a damaged seal, the window contractor will defog your windows, refill the void with insulative argon or krypton gas, and then seal the glass unit, but not permitting any gas to escape.
After your windows are resealed they will provide the same insulation they did before they became foggy. However, you might observe that your windows are a little more difficult to open and close than they used to be. It may seem like something minor, but it could be an indication that your window's sash is in need to be replaced or repaired.
It is worth contacting your manufacturer if you are still covered under warranty. Depending on the quality of your windows, you might be able to receive an entirely new IGU (insulated glass unit) for free to you.
If you are unsure whether to replace or repair your windows because your window seals have failed, it is best to replace them. This will prevent the issue from arising again in the future, saving you money and time on expensive repairs in the long term. In addition, replacing your existing windows with triple or double pane windows can greatly improve the insulating efficiency of your home. Furthermore, these windows are much more environmentally friendly than older single-pane windows.
Rotting Wood
Wood that is rotting on the sill frames or mullions will not only be unattractive but cause structural damage. A professional carpenter is able to quickly and efficiently repair rotting wooden frames. The most important thing to do is to find and eliminate the cause of moisture.
This could require you to carefully inspect the exterior of your home. Check for wood that is in contact with dirt, masonry or drip caps. Examine for signs of excess moisture, including peeling or blistering paint, a darkened appearance and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Also, make sure to examine floor beams and framing joints to determine if the wood has started to decay.
Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. Although this isn't as destructive as wet rot, it could still cause serious problems. It also can contaminate and weaken other materials that come into contact with the affected wood, such as plaster, mortar and concrete.
Fortunately Dry Rot is treatable with an epoxy resin that can make the affected wood strong and more durable than it was originally. The product is available in two forms: penetrants and fillers. The penetrants are high-strength, no-shrink, adhesive putty that can be used to strengthen and rebuild rotted or severely damaged wood and other materials in structures, walls, floors, sculptures, furniture, columns and more. It is a hard, durable substance that is unaffected by water and insects.
Fillers are strong adhesive pastes that don't shrink. They can be used to fill in holes or gaps. The fillers are easy to apply, however neatness and cleanliness are essential. It is advised that the area be cleaned prior to application to remove any splinters or slender fragments of decayed wood, and it is recommended to prime the area after applying the epoxy to ensure proper adhesion.
In some cases there is a lot of decayed wood to the point that the window may require replacement. A professional can evaluate the situation and provide guidance.
Refusal to open
A window that isn't opening is a frustrating issue. It's not just annoying, but can be dangerous when one needs to escape a burning building or just needs to breathe 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 opening or closing the first thing you need to check is dirt and grime. Over time, dirt and dust build up inside the window frame, causing friction that can make it difficult to move the sash. This issue can be resolved by cleaning the windows and applying a lubricant on them.
Another reason for sticking windows is moisture. As time passes, wood will absorb moisture and expand. This can cause cracks, rotting, and warping. The moisture can also cause damage to paint, which can cause the frame to move out of alignment. This can cause the window channels to not align with the windows, making it difficult to fully open or shut 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 professionals for window repair. This is a more complex procedure that requires the removal of window sash. This is only for those who are confident with power tools. If the window is damaged, it may need to be replaced entirely. Depending on the damage and type of window, you may need to replace all windows in your house. A professional can help determine the best option for your home.