7 Things You'd Never Know About Window Repair Window Repair - Common Problems That Require Professional Attention

If a glass pane is broken, cracked or missing completely it will require professional attention. Cracked glass is difficult for DIYers to repair without aggravating the situation.

Start by identifying the issue. Gather your tools and prepare your work area and take the required safety precautions. Preparing your window repair in advance will help you save money and lessen frustration.

Broken Panes

A baseball that is thrown in error or a pebble thrown by the lawnmower or bird flying over the glass pane could damage it. Your windows may need professional repair or replacement based on the type of glass and how it was put up. Window replacement is a huge project that involves the removal of the sash (the part of the window that holds the panes) from the frame. You'll need a contractor with experience in the process and the correct window in stock before you begin work. A qualified contractor will remove and replace the old IGU. They will also rebuild the window sash and replace the casing.

If you are replacing just one window pane, the initial step is to remove all shards of glass from the area around the broken piece. It is also necessary to remove the glazing compound as well as metal glazing points that kept the old pane in place. Wear safety glasses and gloves when doing this. Small glass chips could cause permanent eye damage. The use of heat guns is to soften the old putty to the point that it is possible to scrape it away with an utility knife.

After removing the old piece of glass Measure the opening, then transfer the measurements to the new window. Make sure you subtract 1/8 inch from the width and height of the old frame to allow for expansion and contraction. You can use traditional glazing putty or silicone caulk to seal the new window.


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 inserting the sash to the frame and nailing it into the frame. Paint the frame to hide the nails and give it a finished and clean appearance. If you need help replacing a window pane, contact a local glass business for a price. A skilled, certified professional can safely complete the task and ensure that your windows are safe from the elements.

Broken Seals

A window seal creates an air barrier that keeps your home's air warm and helps reduce the transfer of energy. Unfortunately, these seals can get damaged over time due to issues like fluctuating temperatures and humidity. If you notice a buildup or fogginess on the inside or outside your windows, this could be a sign that your seals are failing.

Window seals can be fixed with relatively little effort by a professional window company. In reality the window repair service will typically complete the task in about an hour. To fix a broken window seal, your window contractor will defog the windows, fill the void with an insulating gas like Krypton or argon and then reseal the glass unit around it without allowing gas to escape.

After the windows have been sealed, they will continue to provide the same insulation as they did before they became foggy. However, you will likely observe that your windows are slightly more difficult to open and close than they used to be. This may seem like something minor, but it could be a sign that your window's sash is in need to be repaired or replaced.

If your windows are under warranty, it is always advisable to contact the manufacturer to see whether they can offer an exchange. You could be eligible for a no-cost IGU (insulated-glass unit) in accordance with the quality of your window.

If you aren't sure whether to replace or repair windows due to the fact that window seals have failed, it is best to replace them. This will stop the issue from occurring again in the future, which will save you money and time on costly repairs in the long run. In addition upgrading your windows with triple or double pane windows can significantly improve the efficiency of insulation in your home. Moreover, these newer windows are much more environmentally green than the older single pane windows.

Rotting Wood

Wood rot in the frame, sill or the mullions of old windows is not just unsightly, but it can also cause structural damage. It is, however, possible to repair rotting wood, and a professional carpenter can do it quickly and efficiently. The most important task is to find and eliminate the cause of moisture.

This could require you to inspect the exterior of your house. Examine the wood for signs that it is in contact with dirt, masonry or drip caps. Examine for signs of excess moisture, like blistering or peeling paint, a darkened look and green algae growing on the surface of the wood. Examine floors, 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 isn't as destructive as wet rot, it can still cause serious problems. upvc window repair can also cause a lot of harm and weaken other materials that come into contact with the affected wood including plaster, mortar and concrete.

Fortunately, Dry Rot is treatable with an epoxy resin that can make the affected wood robust and more durable than initially. The product comes in two forms, penetrants or fillers. The penetrants are high-strength adhesive putty that is no-shrink that can be used to strengthen and repair severely damaged wood and other materials used in structures like walls, floors, furniture, sculptures, columns and more. It is a hard solid material that is not affected by water or insects.

Fillers are strong adhesive pastes that do not shrink. They can be used to fill gaps or holes. They are simple to use, but neatness is crucial. It is essential to scrape the surface clean prior to applying the epoxy in order to get rid of any splinters and small pieces of decayed wood. Apply primer to the area following application to ensure that the epoxy adheres properly.

In some cases, a large area of wood that is rotten is so extensive that it's necessary to replace the window. A professional can evaluate the situation and provide advice.

Refusal to Open

A window that won't open can be an incredibly difficult issue. It's not just annoying, but it can also be dangerous if someone needs to escape from a burning building or just need to get some fresh air. Most windows that are difficult or impossible to open can be fixed by following a few troubleshooting techniques.

Examine for dirt and grime if your single-hung or double-hung windows won't open or close. Over time dust and dirt will build up in the window frame, and cause friction, which could make it difficult to move the sash. Cleaning the windows and spraying them with a oil-based lubricant can often solve this issue.

Another reason that can cause sticking windows is moisture. Wood absorbs moisture over time, which causes it to swell. This can lead to cracking or rotting and even warping. Moisture damage can also cause paint to peel, which can cause the frame's alignment to shift. This could cause the window channels to not line up with the window, making it impossible to completely open or close the window.

If lubricating hinges, and replacing the broken screws doesn't solve the issue, you might require the help of a professional to repair your window. This can be an even more complex process and may require the removal of the window sash. This is typically only recommended for people who are accustomed to working with power tools. If the window is broken it might need to be replaced completely. Based on the extent of damage and the type of window you may need to replace all the windows in your home. A professional can help you determine what option is best for your home.