When to Call in a Professional and When to Do it Yourself
Window repairs can be expensive. It is important to know when you should hire a professional, and when you can do the job yourself.
Water and dirt that leaks between the window panes is an indication of a leaky seal. This can cause windows to become less efficient, which can result in higher energy bills.
Adhesives that are sold in auto repair stores are a great solution for damaged or chipped glass and also sash issues.
Cracked Glass
Glass can break due to a stray piece of grass or a slammed door or window handle. The good news is that broken glass that's not broken or a double-paned window with an opening through both panes is often repaired by thoroughly cleaning the area and applying epoxy to the surface, and then letting it cure.
This is the longest-running solution but also the most effective. Epoxy is a thermosetting substance that will give you the best seal for windows. If done correctly, it could even make tiny cracks disappear. After cleaning your windows, fill the cracks with epoxy. It could take a few attempts to cover the entire area.
The type of epoxy you need will vary depending on the size and the nature of the cracks. For smaller repairs, look for a two-part blend that consists of two components: a hardener and a resin. These are usually packaged with a syringe, which lets you control the flow of resin or hardener. However wood sticks can be used in the similar manner. Mix the epoxy for approximately 20 seconds to allow it to thicken before you apply it. It will take between 5 and 10 minutes before it starts to harden.
For cracks that are more extensive, consider using a glass adhesive instead of epoxy. Glass adhesive is available at auto maintenance stores that are made to repair windshields, but works just as well on your home windows. The product comes complete with clear instructions that guide you through the application process.
Once the epoxy has cured then scrape off any excess with a sharp blade and clean the window with a clean rag moistened with acetone to get rid of any epoxy raised above the crack. Spray the newly-repaired window with glass cleaner and polish it with another clean rag, and your windows will be as clean as new.
Stress cracks can be seen on any surface of glass and can spread across the entire window if not taken care of promptly. These types of cracks are usually caused by temperature differences between the outside and the inside of your home, however they can also be caused by the repeated slamming of your windows or putting too much force into opening them.
Broken Seals
The window's seal will eventually fail, whether it's triple or double paned, uninsulated or insulated. The window seal acts as an air gap between two areas of different temperatures--in other words, the outside air and the inside air. This can stop the build-up of moisture and condensation. If the seal is damaged the moisture can get spread across windows, causing them to get smudges or drips. Foggy windows aren't just unattractive, but they may cause water damage and rot over time.
Fogging up windows is the primary sign of a broken window seal, but it's not just a matter of time. Moisture that escapes between the window panes could extend over a larger area than the glass, which is why it is crucial to recognize and fix this issue as soon as it is possible.
The failure of seals can lead to a host of issues that extend well beyond the appearance and performance of your window. This includes a higher than normal energy bill when outside air finds its way into your home. This is particularly relevant to windows that were insulated with inert gases like argon or krypton to enhance their insulation capabilities.
Although a damaged seal isn't as urgent as a damaged window, it's an important issue to tackle. A damaged seal could lead to moisture in the walls of your home, rotting wood, and even mold, so it is recommended to consult a window installation company near you as soon as you detect any signs of a damaged seal.
It is recommended to engage an expert to replace the entire IGU. This is the most popular method to repair a damaged seal, but it is only possible when the frame isn't damaged. It is also possible to apply caulk or weatherstripping around the sash, however this is more complicated and less long-lasting than replacing the entire window. Some companies offer the option of replacing only the IGU, without replacing the frame. However, this can be difficult to accomplish and should only be performed by a certified window installation expert.
Expansion/Contraction Between Sashes/Frames
A common problem for homeowners is the breakage of a window glass pane. This type of damage that is caused by the impact of a ball or a storm, needs to be repaired as quickly as is possible. Repairing the damage isn't easy and expensive since a new glass panel has to be designed to fit the existing window frame. The first step is to determine if the window frame or sash has been damaged. This will help you determine the best way to repair.
For upvc window repair near me made of older wood will typically have a "stop," a thin strip of wood that blocks the top sash from moving but allows the bottom sash to slide out. If the stop is worn out or damaged, it could cause drafts as air can get in between the sashes. This can be corrected by replacing the stop however this is a case where it makes more sense to replace the entire window.
Another sign that windows are in need of a major repair is if it allows too much noise through. The purpose of windows is to help insulate your home If the windows let in too much traffic noise or other street noise it may be time for an upgrade.
Many New Orleans houses have tall wooden sash windows. They allow breezes to flow throughout the house in hot temperatures. The lower sash of the top one ventilates the home and draws cool air in from outside and raising the bottom sash pushes humid air and hot air out of the home. If your windows aren't functioning as they should they should, it may be due to the degeneration of the pulley and weight systems hidden inside the frame or built-up paint.
Removal of the paint build-up and fixing these parts will usually improve the function of the window. Sometimes it is better to replace the entire window to ensure its durability. This is especially true when major construction projects are planned that include windows in the near future. If the repair cost is similar to that of a new replacement window, a complete replacement may make sense.
Fog Between Panes
If a double-paned glass window becomes foggy typically, it's because the seal between glass panes has failed. This is more prevalent in humid climates where the moisture in the wooden frame can cause it to decay. The seal could then leak air. In this instance, it is better to replace the window than repair it.
Foggy windows can be a hassle particularly because it is difficult to clean the moisture that has accumulated between the glass panes. This can lower the energy efficiency of your window and make it difficult to have a clear view of the outside. Fogging between panes can also be a sign of other problems that include rot and mold in the frame and surrounding materials.
Condensation is the most frequent reason for moisture to form between the glass. Condensation occurs when cool surfaces absorb waterborne vapors from the air and let it out when the surface warms. This is a normal phenomenon which can occur on various surfaces including windows. If you're able wipe the condensation off your window, it's probably simply the result of humidity cooling off, and then settled on the glass's cooler surface.
In some instances glass may become permanently fogged due to condensation or other issues which have weakened the seal between the panes. If this happens, you should call the manufacturer of your windows to determine if your windows are still covered by warranty. If they are, replacing them is likely to be cheaper than repairing.
Some companies will repair or replace double-pane windows, without having to remove the sash. This is accomplished by drilling small holes between the panes, and then vacuuming out any moisture that has been trapped. Then, vents are added to the window to allow air circulation. This can sometimes remove the fog, but it's typically short-lived and won't replace the inert gas between the panes or restore the insulation value of your window. The best way to get rid of persistent fogging is by replacing the IGU. If you are not ready to replace your IGU (insulated glazing unit) however, you can make use of defogging products to eliminate moisture between the panes.