20 Resources To Help You Become More Efficient At Window Repair
Window Repairs
Window repairs can help homeowners save money and make their homes warm. In the event of serious damages such as broken glass or a cracked frame, a window replacement could be required.
However, many other issues can be addressed to extend the life of your windows. Common issues include:
Broken or cracked panes
Whether it's an errant rock thrown by your lawnmower or a tree's branch blown by strong winds, cracked window glass is not only visually unappealing, but also can result in higher electric bills since the broken pieces allow cold air to enter your home. Fortunately, it's generally simple to repair windows with broken panes.
Start by carefully removing glass using gloves and sunglasses. You may have to employ a utility knife to break loose any remaining putty or glazing compound around the edges of the frame. Next, use
window repair or paper towel to clean the surface of both the glass and the wood of the frame.
Once the frame is clean, apply a waterproof silicone caulking to the frame's perimeter. This will prevent water from entering the frame through the cracks and result in further damage.
A serious crack in double-paned glass can affect the gas between the panes, which can make your windows less insulative. If the crack is significant enough to cause damage to the quality of the glass or the glass has an inner pane completely missing, it might be the time to call a professional.
Cracks caused by thermal stress can happen when there's a dramatic difference in temperature between the inside and outside of your home, which causes the glass to expand or contract. If this happens across two parts of a window, it's probably best to replace the glass instead of attempting to repair it.
Clear tape can be used to close cracks in windows that are not yet ready for replacement. It also keeps out cold winds and bugs. You can also cut an area of nylon stocking or tarp that's large enough to cover the crack and fix it with duct tape. This is not a permanent solution, but it's a good way to keep insects out and cold air away from your home. If you notice cracks appearing on the windows of your old ones, you should check with your local business to determine whether replacing the entire window is a better solution.
Rotten Wood
Wood rot is among the most common problems with windows. It can ruin the appearance of a house and can also be danger to your safety. However, it is possible to repair rotted wood. First, you must address the cause of the wood's decay. Check for roof leaks and other places that water may get into the wood.
Next, you will need to get rid of any rotten areas of the window frame. This can be done with an axe, a claw hammer, or rasp. After the rotten areas have been eliminated then you must replace them with new wood. It is recommended to choose treated wood for this project as it is resistant to rot. If you are unable replace the wood damaged by rot then you can use filler or wood hardener to strengthen the damaged area. This type of product will be available at a majority of hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the label of the product to get the most efficient results.
After you have repaired the damaged areas of the window sill, it's crucial to protect the area. You can do this by applying an water-resistant wood sealant. Sikkens for instance is a great one to apply.
It is also possible to use an epoxy filler with two parts to protect the wood from further damage. It is easy to apply and leaves a beautiful finish. However, it is very important that you follow the application instructions on the label. Once the epoxy filler has dried, you can smooth the wood's surface. Start with a rough sandpaper then move to more smoother grades.
You do not want to expose the damaged part to further moisture. It is therefore a good idea to cover the repaired area with an oil-based primer which will shield it from moisture. Then, you can reapply the waterproof wood sealant.
The W won't open
The reason a window won't open could be due to many reasons. The house may have settled or the wooden frames might have warped due to rainy weather. Someone might have also put them in place to protect themselves. With a little patience and the right tools you can open most stuck windows.
Accumulated debris or gunk can be a major reason of the window not opening. Acme Glass notes that dirt and grime builds up over time on hinges, sliding tracks, and locks. In addition, metal hardware can get rusty when in contact with humidity and direct sunlight. Making sure these areas are lubricated with spray grease can help to prevent corrosion and keep your window operating well.
Stuck windows may be the result of a loosening or breakage of the pulleys used to raise and lower the window. These components can lose tension and cause obstruction when they are placed higher than two floors above the ground.
If you're having trouble opening a window try using a pry bar to gently push the window open a little at a time. Put a block on the frame of the window to give the pry bar more leverage. Be careful not to harm the wood or the window. Alternately, you can run a hair dryer around the edges of the frame for several minutes to warm the wood and allow it to move more easily.

A damaged spring can be the cause of windows that don't lift or lower. You will need to consult your owner's guide for more details depending on the person who made your windows.
If you've tried cleaning and lubricating the moving parts of your windows, but they still cannot open, it's probably time to replace them. Homespire Windows & Doors offers windows that are energy efficient. Don't let the windows of your home go from being functional to useless. If a window isn't properly shut can expose your home to burglary and water damages. Contact us today for more information about our replacement windows and services!