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Window Repair – Common Problems That Require Professional Attention A window pane that's damaged, cracked or completely missing typically requires professional attention. Glass that is cracked is difficult for DIYers to repair and avoid aggravating the situation. Begin by identifying the problem. After that, gather your tools, prepare your work area and take the appropriate safety precautions. You can save money and avoid stress by preparing your window repair prior to the time. Broken Panes A stray baseball, pebble thrown by a lawnmower blade or bird flying through a window can break glass panes. Depending on the type of glass and the way it was installed, 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 will need a contractor who is experienced in the job and will need to have the proper window available prior to beginning work. A qualified contractor will remove the existing IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a new one in its place. rebuild the sash, replace the casing, and seal the joints to keep moisture out. If you are replacing a single window pane, the first step is to clear all glass shards from the area around the broken piece. It is also necessary to remove the glazing compound as well as metal glazing points that held the old pane in place. Be sure to wear gloves and safety glasses while doing this. Even small glass chips can cause permanent eye injuries. A heat gun is a great tool to soften the old putty which allows you to scrape it away with a utility knife. After removing the window pane, measure the dimensions of the window opening and transfer them to the new one. Make sure to subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the frame that was previously used to allow for expansion and contraction. You can use the traditional glazing putty or silicone caulk to seal the new pane. Apply a bead of caulk between the frame and glass to seal the joint. Let the caulk dry before inserting the sash to the frame and nailing it into the frame. Apply a coat of paint to the frame to cover the nails and give the window a clean looking, polished look. Contact a local glass business to request an estimate if you require assistance in replacing your window panes. A certified, skilled professional can safely complete the job and ensure that your windows are safe from the elements. Broken Seals Window seals are designed to create an air barrier between your home's air inside and the outside air to reduce energy transfer and making your indoor air warmer. Unfortunately, these seals can become damaged as time passes due to issues like fluctuating temperatures or humidity. If you notice a buildup or fogginess in or outside of your windows, it is a sign your seals aren't working properly. The good news is that window seals can be repaired relative ease by an experienced window company. A window repair service is usually able to complete the task in a half hour or less. To repair a damaged window seal, your window repair professional will clear the windows, fill in the gap with insulating argon or Krypton gas and then seal the glass unit without allowing gas to escape. When upvc window repair are sealed again, they will provide the same insulation as they did before they became foggy. You'll notice that your windows are more difficult to open or close than they were before. This may seem like a minor inconvenience but it could indicate that your window sash requires to be repaired or replaced. It is a good idea to contact your manufacturer if you are still covered by warranty. Depending on the quality of your windows, you might be able to obtain an entirely new IGU (insulated glass unit) at no cost to you. If you are unsure of whether to replace or repair windows due to the fact that window seals are damaged, it is best to replace them. This will prevent this issue from occurring again in the future, and save you money in the long run for expensive repairs. Replace your windows with double or triple pane windows to increase your insulation in your home. The newer windows are much more eco-friendly when compared to single-paned windows of the past. Rotting Wood Wood that is rotting on the sill frame or mullions can not only be ugly, but it can also cause structural damage. A skilled carpenter is able to quickly and efficiently repair damaged wooden frames. The most important task is to find and eliminate the cause of moisture. This could require an attentive examination of the exterior of your house. Look for areas of wood that are in contact with dirt or masonry, particularly those located near windowsills and drip caps, to be sure that there is no water collecting there. Look for signs of excessive moisture such as peeling or blistering paint, a darker look, and algae that is growing on top of the wood. Also, ensure that you examine the floor beams, 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. This can cause serious damage even though it's not as destructive or as harmful as wet rot. It can also contaminate or weaken other materials like plaster, concrete, and mortar, that come into contact. Dry Rot can be treated with epoxy resins, which makes the wood stronger and more durable. The product comes in two forms: fillers and penetrants. The penetrants is a strong adhesive putty that has no shrinkage that can be used for reinforcing and repairing rotted wood or other materials in structures. It sets to form a solid, durable substance that is unaffected by insects and water. The fillers, which are high-strength, non-shrink, adhesive paste, can be used to fill in gaps or holes. They are simple to apply, however neatness and cleanliness are essential. It is important to scrape the surface clean before applying the epoxy in order to eliminate any splinters or tiny pieces of decayed wood. Prime the area after application to ensure proper adhesion. In some cases an entire area of decayed to the point that the window might need to be replaced. A professional can assess the situation and provide guidance. Refusal to open A window that doesn't open can be a frustrating problem. It's not just a nuisance, but it can be dangerous if one needs to escape from a burning building or simply needs fresh air. Most windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be repaired by following some troubleshooting tips. If your single or double-hung windows aren't closing or opening, the first thing to look at is dirt and grime. Over time dust and dirt can accumulate in the window frame and create friction, which can make it hard to move the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with a oil-based lubricant can often solve this problem. Another reason for sticking windows is moisture. Wood absorbs moisture over time, causing it to expand. This can cause cracks or warping, as well as rotting. Damage from moisture can cause paint to peel, which may cause the frame's alignment to shift. This could cause the window sash channels to no longer line up with the window, making it difficult to fully open or close the window. If lubricating hinges and replacing screws that are stripped do not solve the problem, you may need to contact a professional for window repair. This is a more complicated process, and requires the removal of the window sash. This is only for those who are confident with power tools. If the window has been damaged it might need to be replaced entirely. Depending on the type of window and the severity of the damage, it could be required to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can assist you in deciding what option is best for your home.