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Window Repair – Common Problems That Require Professional Attention If a window pane is broken, cracked or completely missing It usually requires professional attention. It's difficult for DIYers to not make the situation worse by repairing damaged glass. 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 can save you money and reduce frustration. Broken Panes An errant baseball, pebble thrown by a lawnmower blade or bird flying through a window could damage glass panes. Depending on the type of glass and how it was installed your windows may require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a significant task that requires the removal of sash, the portion of the window that houses the panes in place, from the frame. You'll need a professional who knows how to handle the process and have the right window on hand before beginning work. A professional with experience will take out the existing IGU (insulated glass unit) and replace it with a new one in its place, rebuild the sash, replace the casing, and caulk the joints to keep moisture out. If you are replacing just one window pane, the first step is to clear the glass shards completely from the area surrounding the broken piece. Also, upvc windows repairs near me will need to take off the glazing compound and the metal glazing points that kept the old pane in place. Make sure you wear protective gloves and gloves when doing this; small glass chips could cause permanent eye injuries. A heating gun can be useful in softening the old putty, allowing you to cut it off with a utility knife. After removing the old window pane, take measurements of the window's opening, then transfer them to the new one. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch (or quarter inches) from the width and the height of the frame in order to account for expansion and contraction. You can use traditional glazing putty or silicone caulk to seal the new pane. Place the new pane into the window, and then apply caulk in a thin layer to seal the joint between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk dry before inserting the sash in the frame and nailing it into place. Apply an application of paint to the frame to cover the nails and give the window a tidy and polished appearance. Contact a local glass manufacturer to get an estimate if you need help replacing window panes. A trained, certified professional can safely handle 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 air inside and the outside air which reduces energy transfer while keeping your indoor air warmer. However, these seals may get damaged in time due to problems such as fluctuating temperatures and humidity. If you notice a buildup of fogginess inside or outside your windows, this is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. Window seals can be fixed with the ease of a professional window company. A window repair service will typically finish the job in an hour or less. To fix a broken window seal, your window repair professional will defog the windows, fill in the gap with insulating argon or Krypton gas and then seal the glass unit around it without allowing gas to escape. Once your windows are sealed they will be able to provide the same insulating benefit that they had before they became foggy. However, you might observe that your windows are a bit more difficult to open and close than they were before. While this is a minor inconvenience, it may be an indicator that the sash of your windows requires repair or replacement. If your windows are under warranty, it is always worth contacting the manufacturer to see about a replacement. Based on the quality of your windows, you might be able to receive a new IGU (insulated glass unit) at no cost to you. If the seals on your windows are failing and you're thinking whether to replace or repair your windows, the most effective option is to replace them. This will prevent the issue from occurring again in the future, which will save you time and money on costly repairs in the long in the long run. Replace your windows with triple or double pane windows to increase your insulation in your home. The newer windows are much more environmentally friendly when compared to single-paned windows of the past. Rotting Wood Wood rot in the frame, sill or mullions of an old window is not only unsightly but can cause structural damage. Fortunately, it is possible to repair wood that is rotting, and a professional carpenter can do it quickly and efficiently. The most important thing is to identify and fix the source of moisture. This could require a careful inspection of the exterior of your home. Check for wood that is in contact with dirt, masonry or drip caps. Check for signs of excessive moisture, such as peeling or blistering paint, a darker look and green algae growing on the top of the wood. Also, ensure that you inspect floor beams and framing joints to determine if the wood has rotted away. Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. This can cause serious problems even though it's not as destructive or harmful as wet rot. It also can contaminate and weaken other materials that come in contact with the wood affected, such as plaster, mortar and concrete. Dry Rot can be treated with epoxy resins, making the wood more durable and stronger. The product comes in two types: fillers and penetrants. The penetrants are high-strength adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used to reinforce and repair rotten or damaged wood and other materials in structures, walls, floors, sculptures, furniture, columns and more. It is a hard and durable material that is not affected by insects and water. The fillers, which are a high-strength, non-shrink, adhesive paste, can be used to fill gaps or holes. They are simple to use, however precision is vital. It is advised that the area be scraped clean prior to application to eliminate any splinters or thin pieces of decayed wood. it is recommended to prime the area prior to applying the epoxy to ensure that it adheres properly. In some instances, an entire area of rotten wood so severe that the window may need to be replaced. A professional can evaluate the situation and give you guidance. Refusal to Open A window that refuses to open can be a frustrating problem. It's not just frustrating, but it can be dangerous if one needs to escape from a burning building or simply needs fresh air. Many windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be fixed by following a few troubleshooting techniques. If your single-hung or double-hung windows aren't closing or opening the first thing you need to look at is dirt and grime. Over time dust and dirt will build up in the window frame and cause friction, which could cause a problem in moving the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with oil-based lubricant can often solve this problem. Moisture is another common reason for windows that become stuck. Wood will absorb moisture over time, and cause it to expand. This can lead to cracks 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 making it difficult to fully open or shut the window. If you find that lubricating the hinges and reinstalling stripped screws doesn't solve the issue, it could be time to call in professionals for window repair. This can be an even more complex process and will require removing the window sash. This is only for people who are comfortable with power tools. If the window is damaged it might need to be replaced entirely. Based on the kind of window and the degree of damage, it may be necessary to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can help determine the best option for your home.