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Window Repair

When your window has broken glass, cracked sealant, or other problems, your first instinct may be to replace the entire window. But repairing the window instead may be a better and more cost-effective way to go. No matter the type of window, there are repair options that can fix most problems and extend the life of your window.
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Different Types of Window Repair

There are a few different types of window repair. The first type is what we’d typically consider regular maintenance, such as caulking around your windows to fix the sealant or checking the fit of your window. As with other parts of your home, regular maintenance will help you avoid larger issues and save you money in the long term. This is especially true with energy efficiency and cost - a broken window will raise your energy bill more than you’d think.

Another type of repair is when moisture gets caught between your double-pane window. This means there is a broken seal and that you’re losing energy efficiency as well as visibility. To fix it, the seal must be repaired or replaced.

Then sometimes, the window itself is broken! If you have a broken windowpane, it can often be replaced, instead of buying a whole new window. On the other hand, if you have a window that just won’t open, there could be a few different causes. Sometimes all it takes is some lubricant to get a stuck window moving again. Otherwise, you may need a professional to come and take a look. Window frames and screens are also easily repaired.

Window frames, whether they are wood or another material, can become damaged when they are not sealed. Window and sliding door screens can also get damaged or ripped and make your home look dilapidated. Depending on how severe the damage is, it may be possible to simply replace the mesh in a screen, or even mend a tear. Or you may need to replace the entire screen or screen door.

The last window repair that you may need is the window mechanisms such as locks, hinges, or cranks. If you have window hardware that isn’t working properly, that can quickly become a big safety hazard.

If you’re handy, you may be able to replace the malfunctioning part yourself. Otherwise, call a professional as soon as possible to ensure that your window is locking or opening when you need it to. If you have questions about your windows, a professional window repair professional like those at Storm Guard can assess the situation and let you know whether you need a repair or if a full window replacement is needed.

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Common Window Repair Problems and Solutions

When dealing with window repairs, there are a few problems that you are most likely to encounter. Check out these solutions to the problems you may be facing with your windows.
1
Drafts

Air coming into your home can be a frustrating and expensive issue. Drafts can really mess with your home’s energy efficiency. You can fix a drafty window by adding caulking or installing weather stripping. With both, you’ll want to make sure the window is clean before you begin to ensure the best seal. You can also upgrade your windows to insulated windows, ensuring that every part of your window is as draft-resistant as possible.

2
Water Leaks

One of the most common and urgent issues windows have are water leaks. Leaks can lead to mold and further damage if not fixed. You’ll want to check that the flashing around your window is both installed correctly and not cracked. You should also check the window sealant. A little caulk can often fix both broken flashing and sealant. If you see condensation between your windowpanes, you may have a more serious issue. A window repair service professional should be contacted.

3
Window Won't Open

Windows that won’t open are another common issue you may experience. If your window won’t stay open, you may have an issue with the sash or window balances. These help your window stay up and open and you may need to replace them. For a window that won’t open at all, it’s more than just inconvenient; it could become a safety issue. Try running a utility or putty knife along the joints. This will cut any paint that may be sealing the window shut or removing any debris. If this doesn’t work, check the sashes. Apply lubricant to help the window open easier.

4
Window Won't Close

On the other hand, perhaps you have a window that won’t close properly. If your window won’t close, you have a few options: clean the and lubricate the track, tighten the window fasteners, and straighten the window itself by pushing on the high side and pulling on the low side. If your house has settled a lot, you may need more extensive repairs to ensure your window returns to a proper fit.

5
Condensation

If your window looks foggy, whether on the inside of the window or between windowpanes, this is a condensation issue that can become a serious problem. Condensation on a single-pane window may mean that the air in your home is too humid. Using a dehumidifier may help. If you have condensation forming between panes of a double-pane window, that is usually a sign that you’ve lost the insulating gas that should be there. A professional can sometimes clean and repair a window with condensation issues, or the window may need to be replaced.

Window Repair Costs

On average, it costs about $330 to repair a window. Of course, there are a lot of factors that can affect the cost of repairs, so the average cost often ranges from $160 to $510. A sliding glass door, for example, may cost between $435 and $600 to repair, while a smaller window may be significantly less.

The cost of repairs also depends on whether you are paying a professional or fixing the window yourself. Here are some comparisons on costs for the most common window repairs. The DIY difficulty scale is out of 5:

Pane Replacement
A pane replacement typically costs between $115 and $600 for a professional to repair and between $23 and $97 to do it yourself. The DIY difficulty level is 2.
Window Replacement
To have a professional replace your window locks will usually cost you between $75 and $200. The do-it-yourself cost is between $7 and $40, and the DIY difficulty level is 1.
Window Seal Repair
Repairing a window seal on your own will typically cost between $10 and $25 with a DIY difficulty level of 3. In contrast, paying a professional will often cost between $50 and $150.
2-Pane Replacement
Replacing a 2-pane assembly is the most difficult repair to do on your own, with a DIY level of 4+. The cost to do this repair yourself averages between $225 and $485, while the professional cost is typically between $135 and $350.
Window Sash Replacement
To replace a window sash yourself, you could expect to pay between $100 and $400 and is a DIY difficulty level of 2. To pay a professional typically costs between $250 and $500.
Sash Kit Installation
Installing a sash kit may cost you between $225 and $400 if a professional does it, or between $150 and $300 to do it yourself. The DIY difficulty level is 3.

Window Repair Causes

There are many different causes of window damage. Knowing what problems can lead to needing a repair can help you avoid them.

Age is one of the most common reasons your window may break or have other issues. Older windows are more likely to have problems with sealant and weather stripping and may have warped so that they no longer fit their frames. This then often leads to moisture problems and mold, which can make a seal ineffective.

Window repair
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The weather is also a common cause of window issues and repair. Heavy rain can cause leaks as moisture seeps into the seals, or hail may crack your window. Extreme temperatures can also cause your windows to crack and the window seals to fail.

The biggest cause of window repair is perhaps a lack of maintenance. When windows are not regularly inspected, it is easy to miss small repairs that can become expensive replacements. Doing small repairs more frequently can add up to big savings over the long term.

Window Repair Near Me

If you need a window repair professional, it’s easy to find a Storm Guard Service Provider near you! You can find your closest franchise by entering your zip code into our locator. Our service professionals can then help get your windows repaired and in good condition. No matter your needs, Storm Guard is ready to offer our efficient, high-quality services.
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