Windows are great for providing light, ventilation, contact with the outside world, and a means of escape during an emergency.
While the purpose of the window can not be underestimated in the appeal and value of a house, some issues may render a window useless ultimately reducing the value of a home. A broken window will reduce the energy efficiency of your home leading to increased monthly bills.
Below are 8 common window issues and solutions. And you can get professional window repairs at plano window replacement.
Painted Shut
When you try to open your window and notice that it isn’t budging, try and examine if the paint is the culprit.
If there is paint in the crevices that should be left open for the sash to move, then you’re dealing with a window painted shut. This occurs when the window is painted and the paint dries off without them being open.
To work this off, get a putty knife and run it around the window sash to break the paint. Check if the window is mobile, if it’s, then you’ve fixed the issue.
But if not, then pry open the window stop from the side jamb. Pull out the nails by making use of a hammer. When you’re done removing one-stop, try to lift the sash again. It is still stuck, remove the opposite stop too.
When the stops are removed, carefully bring out the sash from the window frame and sand off the paint causing problems.
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Drafts
Your house windows are supposed to keep your home insulated. If you notice drafts coming from one of your windows, then there is a problem. You can fix it through one of the following.
- Caulking: if your window is not properly sealed, applying caulk over the gaps may help. Clean the window, then make use of indoor latex caulk and caulk around the window trim, over mitered joints, and between the trim and frame. Check for other possible gaps that may be causing the draft and caulk those as well.
- Install Weatherstripping: weatherstripping is used to create a solid seal around your window. Check if your window is missing weatherstripping or the existing one is damaged. Install a new one. This you can buy at your local hardware store and installation is quite easy.
- Replace Window: sometimes, the best course of action when feeling drafts is to replace the old windows. New windows are made to be more energy-efficient, when your home is properly sealed, your cooling and heating systems wouldn’t have to work much.
Water Leak
If you notice a water leak through your windows, it requires immediate attention. Water leaking into your home can cause mold or lead to rotting wood in your wall.
If you notice moisture in between your window panes, that means the insulating gas in your window that forms a seal against the outside is lost. Your best line of action is replacing the windows.
Flashing Problem
Improper flashing most often causes water to leak through a window. Flashing is a weather-resistant material that is installed around a window, underneath the siding outside your home. You may try to caulk where the flashing is located to block the leaks, but it is advisable to hire a professional to have a go at it.
Condensation
If you notice moisture in between your window panes or the windows look foggy in between the glass panes, then understand that you have a condensation issue.
This condensation can freeze in the winter, leaving an icy layer in between the panes. You can clean out the condensation by making use of a dehumidifier or a fan.
However, that is not the solution to the issue at hand, condensation is largely caused by the loss of insulating gas in the windows which helps protect your home from outdoor temperatures.
Your best bet is either to have a professional remove and reseal the window or simply replace it with a more energy-efficient one.
Noise Pollution
Windows block more than just the elements. They also block unwanted noise. Noticing more and more noise permeating inside is a sign of aging windows. You will need to replace the window.
Windows Won’t Stay Open
Whenever you try raising your window but it keeps closing, then there’s something wrong with the window. The common cause of this is balance. These hidden components on single and double-hung windows are disconnected from the sash.
If this is the problem, just reconnect the balance to the sash. Also, the issue may be broken balances. The balances are connected to the sash but the window is not staying open. You will need to fix this.
Damaged Window Screen
Glass window screens can also be replaced. If your screen is damaged, you will need the service of a professional to help his the issue. Sometimes, the screen may not be damaged, it can be reused and fitted with a new screen mesh.
