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When to Call in a Professional and When to Do it Yourself Window repairs can be expensive. It is important to know when to engage an expert and when you can do the job yourself. Water and dirt leaking between the panes of windows is a sign of seal failure. This can result in inefficient windows and higher bills for energy. Adhesives available in auto repair stores can be used to fix cracked or chipped glass, and sash problems. Glass that has cracked Glass can be damaged by a pebble from your lawnmower or a slammed door window handle. The good news is that broken glass that isn't broken into pieces or a double-paned window with a hole through both panes is often repaired by cleaning the area thoroughly and applying epoxy to the surface, and then waiting for it to cure. This is a time-consuming solution, but it's also the most effective. Epoxy is a thermosetting substance that will give you the most secure seal for your windows. If done correctly, it could even make a small crack disappear. Start by thoroughly cleaning your windows, and then filling in the cracks with epoxy, which could take several attempts to ensure you've covered all the surface area. upvc window repairs of epoxy you require will depend on the size and nature of the cracks. Look for a two part mixture consisting of a resin, and a hardener. These are usually packaged with a syringe which lets you regulate the flow of the resin or the hardener. However, a wooden stick can be used in this same manner. Mix the epoxy for around 20 seconds to allow it to thicken before you apply it. You only have about 5-10 minutes to apply it prior to it beginning to set. You might want to consider using glass adhesive for larger cracks instead of epoxy. You can find glass adhesive in auto repair shops that are designed to repair windshields, but can be used on home windows. The product comes with comprehensive instructions that will guide you through the application process. After the epoxy has dried, take off any excess using a razor and wipe down the window using a rag that has been soaked in Acetone. This will eliminate any epoxy that was elevated above the crack. Spray the newly-repaired window with glass cleaner and polish it using a clean rag, and your windows will look as good as new. Stress cracks can develop on any surface of glass and tend to spread over the entire window if not addressed immediately. These kinds of cracks are usually caused by temperature fluctuations between the outside and the inside of your home, but they can also be caused by the repeated slamming of your windows or using excessive force when opening them. Broken Seals If your window is triple or double pane or insulated it will be susceptible to failure of the seal over time. The window seal serves as a barrier to prevent moisture and condensation from accumulating. When the seal fails the moisture can get spread across windows, which can cause them to fog or drip. Foggy windows are not only unattractive, but they may also lead to water damage and rot in time. Fogging up windows is the primary sign of a broken window seal, but it's not a one-time event. The moisture that escapes between window panes can actually be a lot larger than just the glass, so it is crucial to recognize and address the issue as soon as it is possible. Failed seals can cause numerous issues that are more than the appearance of your window. They may also increase your energy bills, since outside air will get into your home. This is particularly true for windows that were previously insulated with inert gasses such as argon or krypton. These are used to enhance their insulating capabilities. While a broken seal isn't as urgent as a damaged window, it is still an important problem to address. If you notice signs of a faulty seal, it is best to call a local window company as soon as you can. This will prevent mold and rotting wood from occurring within your home. The most common option for fixing a damaged seal is to replace the entire insulated glass unit (IGU), but this is usually only an option if the frame of the window is not damaged or decaying, and should be handled by an expert. It is also possible to apply caulk or weatherstripping around the sash, however this is more difficult and less permanent than replacing the entire window. Finally, some companies offer an option for just replacing the IGU without having to replace the frame, but this isn't always easy and should be performed by a qualified window installer. Expansion/Contraction Between Sashes/Frames The breaking of a glass panel is a common problem for homeowners. This kind of damage, whether caused by a baseball or a storm, should be repaired as soon as is possible. Repairing a damaged window could be difficult and expensive because a new layer of glass must be made to match the frame. It is essential to determine whether the frame of the window or sash is damaged first, then figure out the best course of action. For example windows made of older wood will typically feature the “stop,” a thin strip of wood that prevents the top sash from moving but allows the bottom sash to open. If the stop is worn out or broken, it can cause a draft as air can pass through the sashes. This can be addressed with a replacement piece however, this is a situation in which it might make more sense to replace the entire window. Another sign that a window is in need of major repairs is when it lets too much noise through. If your windows let in too much street noise or traffic noise, it might be time to replace them. Many New Orleans houses have tall wooden sash windows. These windows allow air to circulate inside the house when it is hot. Lifting the bottom sash will draw hot and humid air out of the house. Lowering the top sash will ventilate the house and draw cool air from outside. If these windows are not functioning as they should it could be due to build-up of paint on the jambs, or an deterioration of the pulley mechanism and weight hidden inside the frame. Removing the built-up paint and repairing the damaged parts will generally restore the functionality of the window. Sometimes, it is best to replace the entire window to ensure its durability. This is especially true if major construction projects are planned to include windows in the near future. If the cost of repair is similar to the cost of a brand new window, a total replacement may make sense. Fog Between Panes If a double-paned glass window becomes foggy, it is usually because the seal between glass panes failed. This problem is more common in humid climates, as moisture from the wooden frame may cause it to rot. The seal could then leak air. In this case, the window should be replaced rather than repaired. Window glass that is smudges can be a frustrating problem particularly because it can be difficult to clean the moisture that has settled between the glass panes. This can affect the efficiency of your window and make it difficult to see outside. Fogging could also signal other issues, such as mold and rot on the frame or other materials. The glass's moisture is typically caused by condensation. Condensation occurs when cool surfaces absorb water vapors from the air and release it when the surface warms up. This is a normal phenomenon that can be observed on a variety of surfaces, including windows. If you can wipe the condensation off your window, then it's probably just humidity which has cooled and settled on the cooler glass. In some instances glass may become permanently fogged due to condensation or other issues that have compromised the seal between the panes. If this happens, it's crucial to contact the manufacturer of your window to determine if your windows are still in warranty. If they are replacement windows, the cost to replace windows is likely to be less expensive than fixing them. Some companies offer to repair or replace double-paned windows without removing sash. This is often done by drilling a hole between the panes, then vacuuming out the trapped moisture and then installing vents in the window to allow air ventilation. This can sometimes eliminate the fogging but it's typically not lasting long. It's also not able to repair or replace the inert gases that are between the panes. The best way to get rid of persistent fogging is by replacing the IGU. If you're not yet ready to replace your IGU (insulated glazing unit) however, you can make use of defogging products to eliminate moisture from between the panes.