Tips For Effective Window Repair

Over time, your window seals may deteriorate, causing drafts and moisture to enter your home. Addressing these issues promptly can help reduce energy bills and extend the lifespan of your windows.

Apply a bead of expanding foam to larger gaps and cracks around the window. Make sure the area is clean and free of debris for proper adhesion. Call us for a professional Window Repair Naperville service.

Check the Frame

If you have wooden window frames, you need to check for any signs of rot regularly. If you spot rot, it’s best to remove the affected wood and replace it. Leaving rotting wooden window frames untreated can lead to more serious problems, including leaks.

You should also regularly examine your metal window frames for signs of corrosion. If you find any rust or corrosion, you should repaint the window frame to prevent further damage. It’s important to use a paint that’s compatible with your window frames.

A regular painting schedule can help preserve your window frames and keep them looking good. It can also prevent moisture from permeating the wood, which could lead to rot.

In addition to examining the window frames, it’s also important to examine the caulking around your windows regularly. If the caulking is cracked or broken, it can lead to water leaks. This can cause major problems with your home’s insulation and lead to high energy bills.

You should also check the locks and latches on your windows to make sure they’re functioning properly. If the lock or latch is stuck or difficult to operate, this may be a sign that it’s time to replace it.

If you’re planning on replacing your windows, you should measure the window opening with a tape measure regularly to ensure that the new window will fit correctly. Start by measuring the width of the window opening at the top, middle, and bottom of the frame. Then, measure the height of the window opening on both the left and right sides. Note down the smallest measurement for both measurements and use this as your window width and height.

Check the Glass

Window glass and frames not only enhance the appearance of living space but also improve energy efficiency by helping to keep indoor temperatures stable. However, these components can deteriorate over time due to wear and tear or unfavorable weather conditions. Fortunately, these issues are easy to spot with regular inspections and timely repairs.

Visual signs of window glass damage include cracks, chips, and stains. Although these imperfections may seem minor, they can significantly reduce the durability of a window. They can also obstruct your view and lead to safety hazards. Consequently, prompt repair is critical for maintaining the functionality and aesthetics of your windows.

In addition, you should always look for gaps and crevices around your windows. Even small gaps can cause a significant amount of energy loss and drafts that strain your heating and cooling system. Additionally, outdoor air can seep in, leading to mildew and mold build-up.

Window tracks, sills, and frames should be cleared of dirt and dust regularly. Using a brush or vacuum with a soft attachment can help prevent the build-up of grime that can make a window difficult to open and close. You should also use a general non-detergent lubricant on the moving parts of your windows to ensure that they open and close smoothly.

A frequent problem that occurs with older windows is a loose or cracked frame. In most cases, this can be fixed by simply securing the frames with a caulking kit. But if the frames are severely damaged, it is likely time to replace them. Also, be sure to check the locks and latches to ensure that they are secure. This is essential, as a broken lock can leave your home vulnerable to intrusions.

Check the Seals

A broken window seal can have several impacts on the window and your home. The most obvious is a noticeable increase in your energy bills; as the insulated glass unit (IGU) loses its ability to keep your indoor temperature stable, it requires more power to keep the room warm during winter and cool during summer.

The first indication that a window seal has failed is moisture on the inside of your glass, often appearing as beads of water. Visible condensation between your window panes can also appear as a permanent haze that interferes with your view of the outdoors. This is the result of a breakdown of the insulative properties of the window seal, and it typically occurs due to fluctuations in humidity levels and temperatures indoors and outdoors.

Fortunately, it is possible to repair cracked or damaged window seals with minimal effort and expense. One option is to apply silicone caulking, which can be purchased at most home improvement stores. Thoroughly clean the affected area with a putty knife and rubbing alcohol, then apply a thin bead of caulking along the crack or gap. Smooth out the caulking with your finger or a damp cloth for a neat finish, and allow the window to dry completely before closing it or using it.

Another effective way to repair cracks or gaps in the sealant is with weatherstripping, a material specifically designed for this purpose. Start by measuring the length of the gap, then choose a weatherstripping that matches the size and shape of your window frame. Clean the area, then apply a strong adhesive designed specifically for window seals to the back of the weatherstripping, pressing firmly into place along the length of the gap.

Check the Hardware

A cracked window pane or shattered glass is bad news, but there are plenty of lesser damages that can be addressed before they become more serious. For instance, if you see signs of wood rot on your windows, it’s time to repaint the frame as soon as possible. This will protect the wood from moisture and make it easier to maintain a good window fit.

In addition, paint offers protection against the elements and prevents moisture from permeating the wooden material. If you don’t repaint your windows regularly, they can start to deteriorate, leading to rot, mold, or insect damage.

You should also regularly check the sealant, caulking, and weather stripping to ensure that they’re in good shape. These materials tend to degrade over time, especially in high-traffic areas like the bottom corners of your windows and between them. Cracked or missing sealant can allow air into your home, which will increase your energy bills and lead to water damage. For this reason, it’s important to check the caulking at least twice a year.

You should also regularly clean your window tracks to ensure that they open and close smoothly. These tend to be magnets for dirt and grime, and they can become clogged with dust. Wipe the tracks down with a dry cloth or vacuum cleaner after every washing to avoid problems with the opening and closing of your windows. Lastly, you should use an oil-free lubricant such as Teflon dry lubricant to keep the moving parts of your window functioning properly. You can purchase this type of lubricant at most home improvement stores.

Check the Screens

Window screens aren’t just for looks, they also help keep out bugs that can damage your plants and cause health risks with their bites. Regular screening is a great way to protect your home while saving money on pest sprays and other chemicals that can be harmful to children and pets.

If your window screens are damaged or torn, the good news is that they’re easy to replace. All you need is to know the size of your window, and most home centers sell screen rolls pre-measured to fit any opening. If you’re unsure what size your windows are, find a picture of them and bring it to the hardware store with you so they can use it to build the screen. They can also provide you with the dimensions of your window from an etching or an inscription on the operating sash (the part that opens).

Once you’ve figured out the measurements for your new screen, measure for it using the larger measurement and subtract 1/8 inch. This will ensure that the screen will snap into place, as opposed to falling out of the frame due to an improper fit.

If you live near the ocean, it’s important to check the screens regularly because salt spray can quickly corrode aluminum window frames. If you do notice any signs of corrosion, schedule a window maintenance visit with a professional to get them fixed and prevent further problems down the road.

The most important tip for effective window repair is to perform regular maintenance and inspections. It’s not hard to do and will help your windows last longer and prevent expensive repairs down the road.