Are your windows foggy, leaky, cold, cracked, or simply not functioning properly? If the problem has become too serious to ignore, then you should start thinking about fixing it.
The choice of whether to go for repair or replacement is not easy as it concerns the cost of the service. If all factors were equal, anyone would go for replacement over repair. But cost is a factor that shouldn’t be ignored, especially if you’re on a budget. With new windows costing between $300 and $2,100, an entire house of replaced windows can cost you several thousand dollars.
A repair can help you in most cases, except that most modern windows aren’t always fixable. Older, single-pane windows, however, are simple to fix but double- and triple-pane sealed windows can be more difficult to repair.
In many situations homeowners aren’t sure whether they need their window repaired or replaced. We’re going to answer this and many other questions here.
When to Repair Your Window
Cracked or Broken Glass
Safety and clear vision are important factors when deciding to replace a window and the glass has gone bad. Single-pane windows can be repaired affordably by the homeowner or glazier.
When a multi-panel glass is cracked or broken, though, you should consider sash replacement. If you’ve been struggling with window problems for a long time, that alone can be a good excuse to replace the whole window.
Broken Muntins or Mullions
Split or rotting muntins and mullions that hold glass in single-pane windows should be rebuilt. Those with missing or brittle putty holding the glass panes in place can be easily fixed. After removing the glass and scraping the area clean, you must apply fresh putty and then secure the glass with new glazier’s points.
Balky or Stuck Sashes
A common problem that occurs with older windows is upper and lower sashes that are unable to move. This can be caused by multiple layers of paint bridging the sash and frame, holding the two together. Another reason can be if your sash has come off track.
When sashes are hard to raise, it is usually broken cords on sash weights that cause it. If you have spring-type sashes, the spring may have failed to come loose. This type of problem can be fixed, of course.
Missing or Rotting Drip Cap
The drip cap is the exterior shield at the top of the window. This is an easy thing to repair that most do-it-yourselfers can perform. Rot-free, rust-free aluminum drip caps can be purchased at almost any home center. Then you’d just have to nail the drip caps into place and caulk them.
Poor Exterior Window Casing
Loose, cracked, rotting, or missing exterior casing is not eye-pleasing and can lead to window damage. Damaged casing alone does not require window replacement.
Minor Water Leakage
When interior water can be observed near the window area, oftentimes it is coming from around the window, not through the window.
Poorly draining gutters and drainpipes can force water towards windows. The role of the window seals is to hold back water, but not of such great force. In this case, you should re-route your drainage system and see if it makes a difference.
When to Replace Your Window
Foggy Windows
The reason behind foggy windows is the water condensing inside of your window’s double-paned or triple-paned insulated glass unit.
Nowadays, windows have self-sufficient IGUs built into them. This means unlike multi-panel windows of the past, which had the glass set into place by a glazier, IGUs here are sealed and permanent. Neither a home enthusiast nor a competent window technician can’t disassemble an IGU and rebuild it. The only option here is removal and replacement.
Structural Failure
If the outer structure of the window is failing, then it’s time for a new window. In some cases, the area around the window may be damaged, too, including the studs, house sheathing, siding, and insulation.
This calls for window replacement as well as rebuilding parts of the wall.
Major Water Leakage
Extra water that infiltrates around the window can mean that your exterior window casing is bad. This isn’t a window issue but more of an issue that concerns your exterior as a whole. If water does come through the window, though, it’s certainly time to start shopping for new windows.
Get All Your Window Issues Fixed Efficiently
Whether it’s a window repair or replacement you need to get done, there’s always a solution to a problem.
In some cases, a repair would sort out the issue, but more often than not, window replacement is the best long-term option. Windows have a lifespan of 15-20 years, so if yours are coming to an end, then it’s best to consider replacement, otherwise, your problems could continue to worsen.
With Your Home Fix, you can get all your home-related problems fixed. If you’ve decided to make a change in your house, we’d be happy to get you in touch with professionals who will help you make the best to satisfy your budget as well as your needs.
Ready for more ways to upgrade your home and increase its resale value? Keep reading our blog for more informative tips and tricks on doors and windows. Discover the benefits of replacing your windows now!
