When to Call in a Professional and When to Do it Yourself
Window repairs can be costly. But, it's important to understand when to engage a professional, and when you can complete the job yourself.
Water and dirt leaking between the panes of windows is an indication of a seal failing. This could lead to less efficient windows and higher bills for energy.
Adhesives that are sold in auto repair shops can be used to repair cracked or chipped glass, and sash problems.
Cracked Glass
Glass can be cracked by the smallest of pebbles from your lawnmowers or a slammed door window handle. It's good news that you can repair cracked glass that isn't broken into pieces or a double-paned window with an opening in both panes, by cleaning it thoroughly and then applying epoxy.
This is the longest-running solution but also the most effective. Epoxy is a thermosetting product that will give you the most secure seal for windows. If done correctly, it could even make tiny cracks disappear. Start by thoroughly cleaning the windows, and then filling in the cracks with epoxy, which could take several attempts to ensure you've covered the entire surface area.
The type of epoxy you need will vary depending on the size and type of the cracks. Look for a two part mixture that includes resin and hardener. The majority of these products come with a syringe to regulate the flow of resin and hardener, but you can also make use of a wooden rod for this purpose. Mix the epoxy for 20 seconds prior to applying it. You only have about 5-10 minutes to apply it prior to it beginning to set.
Consider using glass adhesive for larger cracks instead of epoxy. You can find glass adhesive in auto repair shops that is made to repair windshields, but can be used on your home windows. The product comes complete with clear instructions that guide you through the application procedure.
After the epoxy has dried then scrape off any excess with a razor blade and clean the window using a clean rag soaked with acetone to remove any epoxy that is raised above the crack. Spray the glass cleaner on the newly repaired window and polish it with a clean rag. Your windows will appear like new.
Stress cracks can develop on any surface of glass and can spread across the entire window if not treated immediately. These types of cracks are usually caused by temperature fluctuations between the inside and outside of your home, but 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, regardless of whether it's double or triple paned, uninsulated or insulated. The window seal keeps the air between two zones that are of different temperatures, i.e outside air and inside air--which will prevent the accumulation of moisture and condensation. If the seal fails the moisture can get spread across windows causing them to fog or drip. Foggy windows can be unattractive and cause water damage or rot.
The primary indication of a damaged seal is that windows are getting fogged up and not just in one spot. The moisture that escapes between windows can cover a much larger area than just the glass itself, so it is crucial to recognize and fix this issue as soon as possible.
Failed seals may cause various problems that go beyond the appearance and performance of your window. This includes an increased than normal energy bill when outside air gets into your home. This is particularly the case for windows sealed with inert gases like Krypton or argon to improve their insulation capabilities.
While a damaged seal isn't as urgent as a broken window, it is still an important problem to address. If you notice signs of a defective seal, you must call an expert in window installation immediately. This will stop mold and rotting wood from taking place within your home.
It is recommended that you employ a professional to replace the entire IGU. This is the most common way to repair a damaged seal, but it's only feasible in the event that the frame isn't damaged. It is also possible to apply weatherstripping or caulk around the sash, however this is more challenging and less permanent than replacing the entire window. Some companies will offer replacing only the IGU, without replacing the frame. However, this could be difficult and should only be performed by a qualified window installation expert.
Expansion/Contraction Between Sashes/Frames
One of the most frequent problems faced by homeowners is the breaking of a window glass pane. This kind of damage that is caused by a baseball or a storm, should be repaired as soon as possible. The repair process can be costly and difficult since a new glass panel has to be designed to fit the frame of the window. It is important to determine whether the window frame or sash has been damaged first, then figure out the best method of action.
Older wood windows usually come with the feature of a "stop," which is an incredibly thin piece of wood that prevents the top sash from moving however it allows the bottom sash to slide open. If the stop is worn or damaged, it could create a draft because air can get in between the sashes. This can be corrected with a new stop however this is a case where it makes more sense to replace the entire window.
Another sign that a window is in need of extensive repairs is if it allows too much noise in. The job of a window is to insulate the home, so if the windows allow the infiltration of too much traffic or other street noise it might be time to consider an upgrade.
Many New Orleans houses have tall wooden sash windows. These windows allow for air to circulate inside the home when it's hot. Raising the bottom sash will draw hot and humid air from the house. Lowering the top sash will help to ventilate the home, and draw cool air from outside. If these windows are not functioning as they should it can be a result of an accumulation of paint on the jambs, or deterioration in the pulley and weight system that is hidden within the frame.
In the majority of cases, removing the paint build-up and then repairing the window's components can restore functionality of windows. However, sometimes it makes more sense to replace the window completely to ensure its durability. This is particularly true if there are major construction projects in the near future that involve the windows. A complete replacement may make more sense if the cost of repairs will be comparable to the cost of the new window.
Fog in between panes
When a double-pane window is causing fog, it's usually due to the seal between the glass panes has failed. This problem is more common in humid climates, where the moisture in the wooden frame could cause it to decay. The seal could then leak air. In this situation it is more beneficial to replace the window instead of repair it.
The windows that are stained with water can be a frustrating issue. It can be hard to remove the moisture that has accumulated between the glass panes. This can reduce the efficiency of your window and make it difficult to have a clear view of outside. Fogging between the panes could be a sign of other problems, including mold and rot in the frame and surrounding materials.
Condensation is by far the most common cause of moisture between the glass. Condensation occurs when cool surfaces absorb water vapor from the air, and release it when the surface heats up. This is a common natural phenomenon that can be seen on various surfaces, including windows. If you're able to clean the condensation off your window, it's probably just humidity that has cooled off, and then settled on the glass that was cooler.
In some cases glass may be permanently cloudy due to condensation or other issues that have compromised the seal between the panes. When this happens, you need to contact the manufacturer of your window to determine if the windows are still covered by warranty. If they are, the cost of replacing windows is likely to be less expensive than fixing them.
Some companies will repair or replace double-pane windows without removing the sash. upvc window repairs is often done by drilling a hole in between the panes, then vacuuming out the moisture trapped inside, and then installing vents in the window to allow for air circulation. This can be a good way to get rid of the fogging but it's typically not lasting long. It doesn't replace or restore the inert gases between the panes. Replacing the IGU (insulated glazing unit) is the best choice for getting rid of persistent fogging. If you're not yet in a position to replace the IGU (insulated glazing unit) however, you can make use of defogging products to eliminate moisture from between the panes.