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Window Repair – Common Problems That Require Professional Attention A window pane that's broken, cracked, or completely missing will usually require professional attention. It is difficult for DIYers to not cause more damage by repairing cracked glass. Begin by identifying the issue. Get your tools ready and prepare the area for work and take the necessary safety precautions. You can save money and avoid stress by preparing your window repair prior to the time. Broken Panes A stray ball, pebble thrown by mower blades or a bird flying into windows could break glass panes. Depending on the type of glass used and the method by which it was put in the windows could require repair or replacement by a professional. Window replacement is a major project that requires removing the sash, which is the part of the window that holds the panes and frames. You'll need a contractor with knowledge of the process and the appropriate window in stock before you begin work. A professional with experience will take out the current IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a new one in its place, rebuild the sash and replace the casing and seal the joints to keep moisture out. If you're replacing a single pane of glass the first thing you need to do is remove all the shards that are in the area surrounding the damaged piece. Also, upvc window repair will need to remove the glazing compound, as well as the metal glazing points which were used to hold the old pane. Be sure to wear gloves and safety goggles while doing this. Small chips of glass can cause permanent eye injuries. A heating gun can be useful to soften the old putty, allowing you to scrape it away with a utility knife. After taking off the old pane 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. Apply a bead caulk between the frame and glass to seal the joint. Let the caulk dry prior to placing the sash back into the frame and nailing it into place. Apply a coat of paint to the frame to cover the nails and give the window a neat and polished appearance. If you need help to replace a window pane or glass, contact a local glass company for a price. A certified, skilled professional can safely complete the task and ensure that your windows are safe from the elements. Broken Seals A window seal creates an air barrier that keeps the air in your home warm and helps reduce the transfer of energy. Unfortunately, these seals can become damaged in time due to problems like fluctuating temperatures or humidity. A common sign 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 a lot of ease. A window repair service will typically 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 seal the glass unit around it without allowing gas to escape. Once your windows are sealed, they will provide the same insulation benefit they did prior to becoming foggy. You will be able to see that your windows are more difficult to open and close than before. While this is a minor inconvenience, it may be an indicator that the window's sash requires replacement or repair. If your windows are under warranty, it's always worth contacting the manufacturer to inquire about an exchange. You could be eligible to receive a free IGU (insulated-glass unit) dependent on the quality of the window. If you are unsure of whether to replace or repair your windows because your window seals are damaged, it is best to replace them. This will prevent this issue from happening again in the future, and save you money in the long run on expensive repairs. Replace your windows with triple or double pane windows to boost your home's insulation. These newer windows are also much more environmentally friendly when compared to single-paned windows of the past. Rotting Wood Wood rot on the sill, frames or mullions will not only be unattractive however, it can cause structural damage. A professional carpenter is capable of quickly and efficiently repair wooden frames that are rotting. The most important thing is to identify and fix the source of moisture. This may require a careful inspection of the exterior of your home. Examine the wood for signs that it is in contact with masonry, dirt or drip caps. Examine for signs of excess moisture, like peeling or blistering paint, a darker appearance and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Also, make sure to look at the floor beams frames, joints and framing to determine if the timber has started to decay. Dry Rot is a fungus that can cause wood to be damaged from the inside. While this condition isn't as destructive as wet rot, it can still cause serious problems. It can also harm or weaken other materials, like concrete, plaster, and mortar, that come into contact with it. Fortunately Dry Rot can be treated with an epoxy resin, which can make the affected wood stronger and more durable than originally. The product comes in two forms: penetrants or fillers. The penetrants are a strong adhesive putty with no shrinkage that can be used to strengthen and rebuild rotted or severely damaged wood and other materials used in structures, walls, floors sculptures, furniture columns, and more. It is a hard solid substance that is not affected by water or insects. The fillers, which are high-strength adhesive paste that is non-shrink and non-shrink, can be used to fill in gaps or holes. The fillers are easy to apply, however, cleanliness and neatness are crucial. It is essential to scrape the area clean before applying the epoxy to eliminate any splinters or tiny pieces of decayed wood. Prime the area after application to ensure that it adheres well. In certain situations the area of decayed wood is so bad that it's required to replace the window. A professional can assess the situation and give you guidance. Refusal to Open A window that refuses to open can be a frustrating issue. It's not just annoying, but also dangerous when one needs to escape a burning building or just need to get some fresh air. Fortunately, windows that are difficult to open can be fixed with certain troubleshooting steps. Check for grime and dirt If your double-hung or single-hung windows aren't able to open or close. Over time, dust and dirt will build up in the window frame and cause friction, which can make it difficult to move the sash. This issue can be solved by cleaning the windows and applying the windows with lubricant. Another reason that can cause sticking windows is moisture. Wood will absorb moisture over time, which causes it to swell. This can lead to cracking or warping, as well as rotting. Moisture can also damage paint, which can cause the frame to shift out of alignment. This could cause the window channels to not align with the windows which makes it difficult to fully open or shut the window. If applying lubrication to the hinges and replacing broken screws does not solve the problem, it may be time to contact experts for window repair. This is a more complicated procedure that requires the removal of window sash. This is usually only recommended for those who are comfortable working with power tools. If the window is broken it might need to be replaced completely. Depending on the type of window and degree of damage, it could be necessary to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can assist you in deciding which option is the best one for your home.