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Watch Out: How Window Repair Is Taking Over And What Can We Do About It Window Repairs Window repairs can save homeowners money and make their homes comfortable. In the event of severe damage, such as broken glass or a shattered frame, window replacement may be required. Many other issues are fixable to extend the longevity of windows. The most frequent issues are: Broken or cracked panes Glass that is cracked could be caused by a lawnmowers that throws rocks in the wrong direction or a tree branch being blown by strong winds. It's not just visually terrible, but it could also lead to more energy costs because broken glass lets cold air into your house. It's fairly simple to repair windows with damaged panes. Begin by carefully removing window repair using gloves and sunglasses. You may have to use an utility knife to remove old glazing compound or putty around the frame's edges. Then, clean the glass's surface and the frame's wood with a soft cloth or paper towel. After the area is cleaned, 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. If you have double-paned glass, cracks that are severe could damage the gas layer between the panes, making your windows less efficient in insulating. If the crack is serious enough to cause damage to the integrity of the glass or in the case of an inner pane completely missing, it might be time to contact an expert. Cracks in the glass caused by thermal stress may occur when there's an extreme temperature difference both inside and outside your home. This causes the glass to expand and shrink. If this happens to two windows, it's probably best to simply replace the pane rather than trying to repair it. For windows that have cracked but aren't yet ready to be replaced clear tape can do a great job of stabilizing the crack and preventing bugs from entering cold air. You can cut an area of nylon stocking or tarp sufficient to cover the crack and fix it with duct tape. This isn't a long-term solution, but it works well in a pinch and keeps cold air and insects out of your home. If you notice cracks on the windows of your old ones You should consult the local company to determine if replacing the whole window is a better solution. Rotten Wood Wood rot is a frequent problem with windows. It can alter the appearance of a house and it can also pose danger to your safety. However, it is possible to repair wood that has rot. It is first necessary to address the cause of the wood's rot. This can be done by examining for leaks in the roof and gutters that aren't functioning, cracked caulking and any other areas which allow water to penetrate the wood. The next step is to remove the rotten parts of the window frame. This can be done with the claw hammer, chisel or a rasp. Once the rotten areas have been cleared then you must replace them with new wood. It is recommended to make use of pre-treated wood for this project as it is more resistant to rot. If you are unable replace the rotted wood then you can use wood filler or hardener to help strengthen the damaged area. This kind of product can be found in a lot of hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the label of the product to ensure the most effective results. After you have repaired the damaged areas of the window sill, it is important that you protect the area. You can do this by applying an water-resistant wood sealant. Sikkens, for example, is a great product to apply. Use a two-part epoxy in order to safeguard the wood from further damage. It is easy to apply and provides an excellent finish. It is crucial to follow the instructions on the label. After the epoxy filler dries it is possible to sand the wood's surface. It is recommended to begin with a rough piece of sandpaper and then move to a smoother grade. The final thing you want to do is make the area that has been damaged by exposed to more water. Therefore, it is recommended to cover the repaired area with an oil-based primer that will shield it from moisture. After that, you can apply waterproof wood sealant. It won't open There are a variety of reasons windows won't open. The house may have settled or the wooden frames might have warped due to wet weather. Somebody may have nailed them shut for security. However, with a bit of patience and the right tools, many windows that are stuck can be opened. One of the most frequent causes of a window that isn't opening is the accumulation of debris or gunk on its moving parts. Acme Glass notes that dirt and grime build up over time on the sliding tracks, hinges and locks. Metal hardware can also rust when it comes in contact with humidity and direct sunlight. Maintaining these areas lubricated by spray grease will help prevent the oxidation process and ensure that your window is working well. Stuck windows could also be the result of the breaking or loosening of the pulleys that are used to raise and lower the window. These components can lose tension and cause obstruction when they are situated higher than two floors higher than the ground. If you have difficulty opening a door, use a pry-bar to gently open the door. Put a block on the frame of the window to give the pry bar more leverage. Be careful not to scratch the wood or the window. Alternatively, try running a hair dryer across the edges of the frame for a few minutes to warm the wood and help it to move more easily. A faulty spring can also be the reason for a window that won't raise or lower. You'll need to check your owner's guide for more details based on the manufacturer of your windows. If you've tried cleaning and lubricating the moving parts on your windows, but they aren't opening, it may be time to replace them. Homespire Windows & Doors offers windows that are energy efficient. Don't let your windows slide from functional to unusable since a window that isn't properly closed can expose your home to water damage and burglary. Contact our team today to learn more about our replacement windows and services!