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Window Repair – Common Problems That Require Professional Attention If a window pane is broken, cracked or completely missing, it usually requires professional attention. It can be difficult for DIYers not to make the situation worse by repairing damaged glass. Start by identifying the issue. Gather your tools, prepare your work area and take the required safety precautions. You can save money and avoid frustration by preparing for this window repair ahead of time. Broken Panes A baseball that is thrown in error, a pebble thrown from a lawnmower or a bird flying through the glass pane could cause it to break. upvc window repairs have may require professional repair or replacement based on the type of window glass and the method by which it was put in. Window replacement is a major task that requires the removal of sash, the part of the window that holds the panes, from the frame. You'll require a professional who knows how to handle the task and have the right window available prior to beginning work. A qualified contractor will remove the current IGU (insulated glass unit) and replace it with a new one in its place. They will rebuild the sash and replace the casing and seal the joints to keep moisture out. If you're replacing just one glass pane the first thing to do is to remove all the shards from the area surrounding the broken piece. You will also have remove the glazing compound as well as the metal glazing points which were used to hold the old pane. Wear gloves and safety goggles while doing this. Even small glass chips can cause permanent eye damage. A heat gun can be helpful in softening the old putty, allowing you to cut it off using a knife. After removing the old pane of glass Measure the opening, then transfer the measurements to the new window. Be sure to subtract 1/8 inch (or one quarter inch) from the width and height of the frame in order to allow for expansion and contraction. The new pane should be sealed 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 gap between the frame and the glass. Allow the caulk to dry before placing the sash back to the frame and nailing it into place. Apply the paint on the frame to cover the nails and give the window a neat and polished appearance. Contact a local glass business for an estimate if you require assistance with replacing windows. A trained, certified professional can safely handle this task and ensure your windows are safe from the elements. Broken Seals A window seal creates a barrier that keeps the air in your home warm and minimizes energy transfer. However, these seals may become damaged as time passes due to issues such as fluctuating temperatures and humidity. A common sign that the seals on your windows have failed is a buildup of condensation or fogginess that is not able to be removed from the inside or outside of your windows. Window seals can be repaired relative ease by a professional window company. A window repair service will typically complete this task in an hour or less. To fix a broken seal, the window contractor will clear your windows, fill the gap with insulative argon or Krypton gas and reseal around the glass unit, but not permitting any gas to escape. After your windows have been resealed and sealed, they will offer the same insulation benefit they did prior to becoming foggy. You will notice that your windows are more difficult to open or close than they were before. This may seem like an inconvenience, but it could indicate that your window's sash is in need to be repaired or replaced. If your windows are still under warranty, it is always worth contacting the manufacturer to see about a replacement. You may be eligible to receive a free IGU (insulated-glass unit) dependent on the quality of your window. If you aren't sure whether to repair or replace your windows due to the fact that your window seals have failed and are no longer working, you should replace them. This will prevent this problem from happening again in the future, and save you money in long run for expensive repairs. Additionally, replacing your existing windows with triple or double pane windows can significantly improve the insulation efficiency of your home. The newer windows are significantly more sustainable when compared to single-paned windows of the past. Rotting Wood The rotted wood in the frame, sill or the mullions of old windows is not only unsightly but it can also cause structural damage. A skilled carpenter is able to quickly and efficiently repair wooden frames that are rotting. The most important thing is to identify and fix the water source. This may require a careful examination of the exterior of your home. Check for wood that is in contact with dirt, masonry or drip caps. Check for signs of excessive moisture such as peeling or blistering paint, a darkened appearance, and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Examine the floor beams, joints and framing for signs that indicate rot. Dry Rot is a fungus that can attack wood from the inside. While this condition is not as destructive as wet rot, it could still cause serious issues. It can also contaminate and weaken other materials that come into contact with the wood affected like plaster, mortar and concrete. Thankfully Dry Rot is treatable with an epoxy resin, which can make the affected wood robust and more durable than it was originally. The product comes in two forms: penetrants and fillers. The penetrants are high-strength, no-shrink, adhesive putty that can be used to strengthen and rebuild rotted or severely damaged wood and other materials used in structures like walls, floors, sculptures, furniture columns, and more. It sets to form a solid and durable material that is not affected by water and insects. Fillers are strong adhesive pastes that do not shrink. They can be used to fill in gaps or holes. They are simple to apply, however the cleanliness and neatness of the application are important. It is advised that the area be scraped clean prior to application to remove any slender or splintered pieces of decayed wood. it is also a good idea to prime the area before applying the epoxy to ensure the proper adhesion. In some instances, there is a lot of rotten wood so severe that the window could need to be replaced. A professional can evaluate the situation and offer guidance. Refusal to Open A window that isn't able to open can be an incredibly difficult issue. It's not just a nuisance however, it could also be dangerous if someone wants to escape from a burning building, or simply wants some fresh air. Most windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be fixed by following a few troubleshooting suggestions. If your single hung or double hung windows aren't opening or closing, the first thing to look at is dirt and grime. Over time dust and dirt will accumulate in the window frame, and cause friction, which can cause a problem in moving the sash. This problem can be fixed by cleaning the windows and applying the windows with lubricant. Another reason that can cause sticking windows is moisture. Wood absorbs moisture over time, and cause it to swell. This can lead to cracking, rotting, and warping. Moisture can also damage paint, which will cause the frame to move out of alignment. This can cause the window channels to not align with the windows which makes it difficult to fully open or shut the window. If lubricating hinges and replacing stripped screw doesn't fix the issue, you might need to call professionals to repair your window. This can be an even more complex process and requires the removal of the window sash. This is only suggested for those who are comfortable using power tools. If the window is damaged, it could be necessary to replace it completely. Based on the extent of damage and the type of window you might have to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can help you determine which option is right for your home.