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Window Repair – Common Problems That Require Professional Attention If a glass 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 cracked glass. 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 prevent frustration by preparing for this window repair project ahead of time. Broken Panes A stray baseball, pebble thrown by a lawnmower blade or bird flying into windows can cause glass panes to break. Depending on the type of glass and how it was put in your windows may require professional repair or replacement. Window replacement is a major task that requires the removal of sash, the portion of the window that houses the panes, from the frame. You'll need a professional who is experienced in the task, and you'll need to have the proper window available prior to beginning work. A professional with experience will take out the existing IGU (insulated glass unit) and install a brand new one in its place. They will put back the sash in place, replace the casing, and caulk the joints to keep moisture out. If you are replacing just one window pane, the first step is to remove all shards of glass from the area around the broken piece. You will also need to take off the glazing compound and the metal glazing points that kept the old pane in place. Wear safety goggles and gloves when doing this. Small glass chips could cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun can be helpful to soften the old putty and allowing you to cut it off using a knife. After removing the window pane, take measurements of the window's opening and transfer them to the new one. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the frame that was previously used to allow for expansion and contraction. Seal the new pane using either silicone caulk or traditional glazing putty. Place the new pane into the window and apply caulk in a thin layer to seal the joint between the frame and the glass. Let the caulk dry before putting the sash into the frame. Apply the paint on the frame to cover the nails and give the window a clean and polished appearance. If you need help to replace a window pane or glass, contact an experienced glass company in your area for a quote. A skilled, certified professional is able to safely manage this project and ensure that your windows are protected against the elements. Broken Seals Window seals are designed to create an enclosure between your home's indoor air and the outside air to reduce energy transfer and making your indoor air warmer. The seals may be damaged over time due to issues such as humidity and fluctuating temperatures. If you notice a buildup of fogginess inside or outside of your windows, this is a sign that your seals aren't working properly. A reputable window repair service can repair window seals with relative ease. A window repair service will typically complete this task in an hour or less. To fix a broken window seal, your window contractor will clear the windows, fill in the gap with insulating argon or Krypton gas and then seal the glass unit, but without allowing gas to escape. After your windows are sealed, they will provide the same insulation benefits they did prior to becoming foggy. However, you will likely observe that your windows are a little more difficult to open and close than they were before. It may seem like an inconvenience, but it could be a sign that your window sash requires to be repaired or replaced. It is worth contacting your manufacturer if you're still covered under warranty. Depending on the quality of your windows, you may be able to receive an entirely new IGU (insulated glass unit) for free to you. If you are unsure of whether to replace or repair your windows due to the fact that your window seals have failed and are no longer working, you should replace them. This will stop this problem from happening in the future and save you money in the long-term on expensive repairs. Replace your windows with triple or double pane windows to increase your insulation in your home. These windows are also much more eco-friendly when compared to single-paned windows of the past. Rotting Wood Wood rot on the sill, frame or mullions can not only be unattractive but cause structural damage. A professional carpenter is able to quickly and efficiently repair damaged wooden frames. The most important thing is to identify and fix the source of the moisture. This may require you to inspect the exterior of your home. Check for areas of wood that are near dirt or masonry, specifically those located near windowsills and drip caps to ensure that water is not collecting there. Check for signs of excessive moisture like peeling or blistering paint, a darkened appearance and algae growing green on the top of the wood. Also, ensure that you examine the floor beams and framing joints to determine if the wood has begun to decay. Dry Rot is a fungus that can attack wood from the inside. Although this isn't as destructive as wet rot, it can still cause serious problems. It can also cause a lot of harm and weaken other materials that come in contact with the wood affected including plaster, mortar and concrete. Fortunately, Dry Rot is treatable with an epoxy resin, which can make the wood affected strong and more durable than it was initially. The product comes in two forms: fillers and penetrants. 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 in structures such as floors, walls sculptures, furniture, columns and more. It hardens into a durable solid material that is not affected by insects or water. Fillers are high-strength adhesive pastes that do not shrink. They can be used to fill in holes or gaps. They are simple to apply, however, the cleanliness and neatness of the application are important. It is recommended that the area is cleaned prior to application to remove any splinters or thin pieces of decayed wood, and it is recommended to prime the area before applying the epoxy to ensure the proper adhesion. In some cases the area of wood that is rotten is so bad that it's required to replace the window. A professional can evaluate the situation and offer suggestions. Refusal to Open A window that refuses to open can be a frustrating problem. It's not just a nuisance however, it could be dangerous if one wants to escape a burning building, or simply wants some fresh air. The majority of windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be repaired by following some troubleshooting tips. If your single hung or double hung windows aren't closing or opening the first thing you need to look for is grime and dirt. Over time, dust and dirt will accumulate within the window frame causing friction that can make it difficult 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 swell. This can lead to cracks or warping, as well as rotting. Moisture can also damage paint, which will cause the frame to move out of alignment. This could cause the window sash channels to no longer line up with the window, making it difficult to completely open or close the window. If lubricating hinges, and replacing the broken screws doesn't solve the issue, you could require the help of a professional for window repair. This is more complex, and will require removing the window sash. upvc window repairs near me is only recommended for those who are comfortable using power tools. If the window is damaged, it might be necessary to replace it completely. Based on the extent of damage and type of window, you might have to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can help determine the best option for your home.