Common Signs of Home Window Repair
Keeping your windows in good condition prevents energy loss and protects the rest of your home. However, some signs of damage are easy to miss.
Replacing worn caulking can keep moisture, bugs and outdoor air from seeping in. It’s also a simple and inexpensive fix. Some homeowners can even do this project themselves. Contact Window Repair Naperville now!
Cracked Glass
Whether it’s caused by sudden shifts in temperature, impact or weather changes, windows are not designed to be resilient against cracking. And when they do, it’s important to get cracked glass repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and improve the appearance of your home.
The severity of the crack and its location can determine whether it is repairable or if the window should be replaced. Cracks that are superficial and do not interfere with functionality or structural integrity can usually be fixed, while cracks that have spread over a larger area or are near the hinge or latch may need to be replaced for safety reasons.
If your cracks are shallow and limited to the edge of the glass, a simple solution can be to tape them. Masking or heavy-duty tapes such as duct tape can hold a small crack for a while, keeping it from worsening and maintaining the seal of the window. It’s best to extend the tape a few inches past both sides of the crack for maximum strength.
Epoxy is another option if you need a more permanent fix. However, it’s crucial to know that this method is more involved and requires some skill to use correctly. Always wear gloves and work in a well-ventilated area. Before applying the epoxy, carefully clean over and around the crack using a cotton rag to ensure there is no dirt or debris present on the surface.
Mix the epoxy according to its instructions and apply it with a putty knife, being careful not to put too much pressure on the crack. You only have 10 to 15 minutes before it begins to harden, so be sure to work quickly. Once the epoxy has been applied, allow it to sit undisturbed for five minutes or until you can see that it has begun to dry.
Once the epoxy has dried, scrape away any excess with a razor blade or a cotton rag moistened with acetone. You can also wipe the area with a damp cloth to remove any residual acetone and allow it to dry completely before using your window again.
Broken Sash
Over time, old windows can develop problems that make them hard to raise or stay open. One common issue is broken sash cords. Connected to weights that sit in cavities on each side of the window, these cords allow you to raise and lower the sash. Over time these cords can break, leading to an inability to open the window or to a crashing window when opened. In some cases, only one cord is broken but you may also have a seized pulley that needs replacing.
Fortunately, fixing these issues is not difficult and most homeowners can do it themselves with minimal experience. Before beginning this repair, however, you should prepare a work area and lay out all your tools and materials. You should also familiarize yourself with the basic steps of repairing an old sash window. Start by removing the stops that hold the window sash to the jamb frame using a utility knife and a putty knife. Remove any nails that are rusty and replace them with new screws to make future maintenance easier.
Once the stop beads are removed you can begin to pry the window sash from the frame. The most important thing to remember when repairing these windows is that you should always be careful not to snap the sash pins that keep the window sash locked in place. These sash pins are usually made of wood and can easily snap off if you are not careful.
After you have pulled the sash free from the frame, you will need to remove the window weights and the old sash cords. While this can be a very tedious process it is necessary to ensure that the window can function properly in the future. Be sure to use cotton sash cord when you replace the old ones as synthetic ropes tend to stretch over time and can cause the sash to sag or even drop out of the window.
Once you have removed the old sash cords, you can replace them by feeding a cotton line down through the window pocket and over the pulley. Cut the line leaving a length of slack measuring about two-thirds of the height of the window opening. Pull the new cord down over the pulley and tie it off to the old weight on each side, then return the sash weights to the window pocket.
Leaking Seals
Window seals provide a critical function to help keep water, cold air, and dust out of your home. When they become damaged or deteriorate, they can allow water to seep into the frame and cause mold and mildew. In some cases, you may also notice a draft or increase in your energy bills as the windows struggle to keep warm air in and cold air out. Fortunately, this is a common problem that can be easily repaired.
Most window leaks are caused by a breakdown of the sealant around the frame of the window. This can be caused by extreme temperature changes or if the sealant was damaged during installation. The best way to repair this issue is to strip the old caulking and apply a new layer. However, it is important to make sure that the area surrounding the window is clean and dry before you apply any new sealant.
To strip the existing caulking, you can use a heat gun, hair dryer, or acetone. However, always test the product on a small section of your window before you strip it all the way down. Some products can damage the window frame and may require a professional to replace it.
Adding a new layer of caulking will restore the condition of the window seal to its original form and protect your home from leaks and infiltration. The process is relatively straightforward and can be completed in a couple of hours.
A broken window seal can lead to a variety of problems, such as condensation between double-paned windows or a wet and humid interior. In some instances, the argon gas that provides insulation for the window panes can leak out as well.
A major breakdown of the window seal can also result in a leaky roof, clogged drainage holes, or rotting wood. If you suspect that your window seal is damaged, you should contact a professional window contractor in your local area for a full inspection. It is important to have this problem fixed as soon as possible to prevent long-term damage to your home.
Broken Frame
When a window frame is broken, it can create a weak point in the structure of your home that could lead to a number of problems. It also lowers the value of your home in the eyes of potential buyers. Luckily, this problem is easier to fix than many people realize. A simple patching job can make the difference between a broken frame and a fully functional one.
While you can take care of some problems on your own, it is better to call a professional for a full replacement or major repair. They will have access to high-quality materials and can do the work quickly and efficiently. This saves you time and money while ensuring that your home is protected from the elements.
Wooden frames can rot and crack over time, which is why it is important to keep them repaired. This will ensure that the integrity of the house is not compromised and will prevent moisture damage to other parts of your home. Fortunately, repairing a wooden frame is much simpler than replacing it. The process involves filling the cracks and re-caulking the area to keep moisture out of your home. This will reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth as well as the formation of drafts.
Composite frames are less likely to break, but they can crack and warp over time as a result of temperature changes. This is typically due to changing weather patterns and can be easily fixed by resealing the areas that have become loose. A repair kit can be used to do this and will include everything you need to do the job correctly.
You should always wear gloves and protective eyewear when working on any type of project. This will help to reduce the likelihood of scratches or cuts to your hands and eyes. In addition, it is a good idea to have a drop cloth in place to protect your flooring and furniture.
Some of the most important tools to have are a putty knife, pliers, and a screwdriver. These will allow you to remove the old glazier points that hold the glass in place and scrape down the L-shaped channels around the frame. This will prepare the surface for a new application of putty and will provide a stronger bond. You should also have a rag and a bottle of cleaning solution for your windows to clean away any grease or dirt from the surface.