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When to Call in a Professional and When to Do it Yourself Window repairs can be expensive. But, it's important to know when to hire a professional and when you are able to do the work yourself. Water and dirt leaking between window panes is an indication of a seal failing. This can result in poor performance of windows and higher energy bills. Cracked or chipped glass and problems with sash can be fixed with adhesives that are sold in auto maintenance stores. Cracked glass Glass can break due to the smallest of pebbles from your lawnmowers or a slammed door or window handle. It's a good thing that you can fix damaged glass that hasn't been broken into pieces or a double-paned window with a hole in both panes, by cleaning it thoroughly before applying epoxy. This is a time-consuming solution, but it's also the most efficient. Epoxy, which is a thermosetting plastic, gives your windows the strongest seal and may even make a crack disappear if it's done correctly. After cleaning the windows, fill in the cracks using the epoxy. It could take a few attempts to cover the entire area. The type of epoxy you need will vary depending on the size and type of the cracks. Choose a two-part mixture consisting of resin and hardener. The majority of these products include a syringe to regulate the flow of the resin and the hardener, however you can also make use of a wooden rod for this purpose. Mix the epoxy for approximately 20 seconds to allow it to get thicker before applying it. It takes between 5 and 10 minutes to wait for it to begin to set. For larger cracks, consider using a glass adhesive instead of epoxy. Glass adhesive is available in auto repair shops that is designed to repair windshields, but is equally effective on windows at home. The product comes complete with detailed instructions that will guide you through the application process. After the epoxy has set and dried, scrape off any excess with a sharp blade and clean the window using a clean rag soaked with acetone to remove any excess epoxy that has risen above the crack. Spray the newly repaired window with glass cleaner, and polish it with another clean rag. Now your windows will be as good as new. Stress cracks, which can appear on any glass surface, can be spread throughout the entire window if they are not dealt with early. upvc window repairs are often caused by temperature variations between your home and the outside. However, they can also result from closing your windows or using excessive force to open them. Broken Seals If your window is triple or double pane, insulated or not the window will be susceptible to failure of the seal over time. The window seal acts as an air gap between two areas of different temperatures—in other words outside air and inside air—which can stop the build-up of moisture and condensation. When the seal fails, moisture can spread between windows, which can cause them to fog or drip. Foggy windows are not only ugly, but they could cause the development of rot and water damage over time. The main sign of a leaky seal is that the windows are getting fogged up and not just in one spot. The moisture that escapes between window panes could be a lot larger than the glass, which is why it is important to identify and fix this issue as soon as possible. The failure of seals can lead to a number of problems that go beyond the appearance of your window. They can also add to the cost of energy, as the outside air can enter your home. This is especially true of windows that were previously insulated with inert gasses such as argon or krypton. These are used to boost their insulating capabilities. A damaged seal might not be as urgent as a crack in a window but it's still an issue that must be addressed. A damaged seal could result in moisture entering the walls of your home, rotting wood and even mold, so it's recommended to consult a window company close to you immediately you detect any signs of a damaged seal. The most commonly used method for fixing a broken seal is to replace the entire insulated glass unit (IGU) however this is typically only an option if the frame of the window isn't damaged or decaying, and should only be performed by an experienced professional. Another option is to put caulk or weatherstripping to the sash of the window, but this can sometimes be difficult and is less permanent than replacing the entire window. Some companies also offer an option for just replacing the IGU without having to replace the frame, but this isn't always easy and should be done by a professional window installer. Expansion/Contraction Between Sashes/Frames The breaking of a glass panel is a common problem for homeowners. This type of damage, whether caused by a baseball or a storm, should be repaired as soon as possible. Repairing the damage can be difficult and costly since a new glass panel has to be designed to match the window frame. The first step is to determine if the window frame or sash have been damaged. This will help you determine the best method of repair. For instance, older wood windows will typically have the “stop,” a thin strip of wood that stops the top sash from moving, and allows the bottom sash to open. If the stop is worn out or damaged, it could create a draft because air can get in between the sashes. This can be fixed by replacing the stop however, this is a case where it makes more sense to replace the entire window. A window that allows in too much noise is another indication that it requires extensive repairs. The job of a window is to insulate the home, so if the windows are allowing in too much traffic noise or other noises from the streets, it may be time for replacement. Many New Orleans homes have tall double-hung wooden sash windows. They allow breezes to flow through the home in hot temperatures. Lowering the top sash ventilates the home and lets cool air in from outside and raising the bottom sash pushes humid and hot air out of the house. If the windows aren't working as they should, it could be due to built-up paint on the jambs or deterioration in the weight and pulley system concealed within the frame. Removal of the paint build-up and fixing these parts can usually restore the functionality of the window. However, there are times when it is more sense to replace the window completely to ensure its durability. This is especially true when major construction projects are planned to include windows in the near future. If repairs cost similar to the cost of a new replacement window, then a complete replacement may make sense. Fog Between Panes If a double-paned window is prone to fog, it is usually because the seal between glass panes has failed. This problem is more common in humid climates, where moisture from the wooden frame can cause it to rot. The seal will then leak air. In this scenario windows should be replaced rather than repaired. Windows that are smudge-prone can be a frustrating problem particularly because it isn't easy to remove the water that has settled between the glass panes. This can reduce the efficiency of your window and make it difficult to enjoy a clear view of the outside. Fogging can also indicate other problems such as mold and rot on the frame or on the materials surrounding it. Condensation is the most common reason for the presence of moisture between glass. Condensation occurs when cool surfaces absorb water vapor from the air, and release it when the surface warms up. This is a common natural phenomenon which can occur on various surfaces including windows. If you're able wipe the condensation off your window, it's likely simply humidity that has cooled off and then settled onto the glass that was cooler. In certain cases, the glass can become permanently fogged due to condensation or other issues which have weakened the seal between the panes. When this happens, it's crucial to contact the manufacturer of your window to find out if the windows are still covered by warranty. If so, replacing them could be less expensive than fixing them. Some companies will repair or replace double-pane windows without taking out the sash. This is done by drilling small holes between the panes and vacuuming out any moisture that is trapped. Then vents are added to the window to allow air flow. This can sometimes remove the fogginess but it is usually short-lived and does not replace the inert gas between the panes or improve the insulation value of your window. The best method to stop persistent fogging is by replacing the IGU. If you are not ready to replace the IGU (insulated glazing unit), you can still use defogging products to remove moisture from between the panes.