Window Repair or Replacement? Maybe window replacement is not always in the immediate budget. How do you know if repairing your existing windows will allow more months or years of life from them? We’ll explain some of the common repair possibilities here and explain when replacing the window altogether is the better option.
Window Repair Scenarios
- Broken Windows – Single Pane: If you have broken glass in your windows, your most cost effective fix is to call a glass shop. Glass shops can cut custom glass and using window glazing skills, replace the broken glass with a new piece of glass.
- Broken Windows – Double Pane: If you have double pane windows already and have broken glass (darn lawnmower threw a rock or kids playing ball!) a good glass shop can come out and make measurements to build a new double pane insulating glass unit for your window frame. If the window is still under a manufacturers warranty, there may be a glass breakage warranty included. With the serial number of that window, a new IGU can be built for you.
- Inoperative Balance Bars/Springs: In windows with the screw type balance rod, sometimes it becomes unseated and no longer assists in the opening and closing of the window. These windows are difficult to open and sometimes won’t stay open so you can vent your home. First check for an existing warranty. Many window manufacturers have service teams. You may also contact us or another window installation company for ideas and possible inexpensive repair service options.
- Broken Locks and Tilt Latches: Some of the broken locks and tilt latches and be a do-it-yourself or handyman task. You may be able to order replacement parts from the window manufacturer.
- Drafts and Caulking Issues: If you have air and/or water leakage, maybe re-caulking is the answer. Just be sure to select a caulk appropriate to withstand the elements. A 100% silicone caulk performs well but is not paintable. However, colored silicon caulks are available as well. Polyurethane caulk is also very durable for outdoor caulking and has the added benefit of adhesion and paintability.
- Wood Framed Windows: Wood framed windows need to be replaced with dry rot or termites start to eat the wood. Spot repairs can be done with wood patch and paint but, consider the structural integrity if damage is significant.
Window Repair Or Replacement: When to Replace
One thing to keep in mind is that if your windows are single pane, It’s likely time to replace. Single pane windows are grossly ineffective at keeping solar heat gain and UV light out of your home. There just is not many effective and cost efficient ways to make single pane windows efficient. Films make great claims but, don’t live up to the hype. You’ll reduce glare and make the room darker, but won’t do much for heat gain.
So what solution fixes all the issues? Replacement Windows installed by professionals! Just a few of the brands we carry: Infinity from Marvin, Anlin, Western, Don Young, NT Windows, any many more.
How Do You Go About Replacing Your Windows?
- Do It Yourself?: For the super handy person, DIY is possible. Is it worth the hassle though? You can buy stock sized windows at the big box home improvement stores. The problem is they will be average sizes. Stock sizes require a significant amount of shimming and caulking to get the window to fit and seal properly. No matter how many windows installation videos you watch, it is still not an easy slam-dunk job. Replacement windows are heavy and require 2 or more helpers to lift and get the window square and plumb. Second or third floor…don’t try!
- Local Handyman: There are a lot of really good handymen out there. The questions to ask: Are they – Experienced, Licensed, Insured? Do they cover their helpers with Workman’s Compensation? Accidents on your property can potentially lead to loss of your property!
Ultimate Solution: Window Replacement
There are several advantages to getting your windows replaced. A reputable company like Houston Window Experts can perform expert, professional window replacement service. The advantages are:
- Selection: Houston Window Experts have evaluated and selected the best of the best in window replacement manufacturers. You’ll not only get to select from 20 or so different manufacturers of vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and aluminum clad wood frames but also from an array of colors and glass packages. See our brands here.
- Installation: Our crews are company employees covered by workers compensation and have expert training in the art of installing windows resulting in a Lifetime Leak-Free Guarantee!
- Other Window Companies: Other window companies may put unusual amounts of stress on you and your family. They will make demands of who needs to attend the appointment and use high pressure “Buy Tonight for Best Price” tactics. They will keep revising their best price and won’t leave your home without a great deal of pressure. They may also only have one brand of window. Skip the Stress!
- Houston Window Experts: Our policy is “No Sleazy Salespeople”. Just a repectful, low pressure quote process and then the decision is up to you. If you want to think about it: Fine. If you want to wait to discuss with your significant other: Fine. No Stress.
The Choice Is Yours!
Whatever you decide is best for your home and your budget is the right decision. If you can make some repairs and squeeze a few more years out of your windows, that’s okay.
If you decide to replace your windows and doors, we would be honored to make an appointment withe you and show you what we can do!
