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Knowing when to replace or repair a window can be tricky, especially if you’re trying to cut costs or maintain the style of your home. However, knowing when to replace or repair your windows is an important safety practice and can help you save money over time.
To help you decide whether to repair or replace your windows, Euroseal has created this guide on what to consider when deciding if your windows are salvageable or not.
While it might be a difficult decision to get rid of your existing windows, it’s an important one. Luckily, it’s very easy to spot whether your windows require total replacement as there are many signs that windows are non-functional. Here’s a guide to some of the signs you may notice if your windows need replacing:
The window balance is a hidden part of your window and helps to bear most of the weight of the window sash. They’re found in both single and double-hung windows that are very heavy to open and close. Window balances support the top sash of double-hung windows while the window is closed. As these components are inside the window frame, you’ll need to replace the entire window to fix this issue.
Water damage isn’t something anyone wants to deal with, and can lead to several problems such as moulding and excess dampness in the home. If you have water leakage, your exterior window casing is likely faulty. As this is an exterior and a window issue, you’ll need a new window to find a water-tight seal!
Major structural issues cause huge problems for insulation and protection against the outside elements, so you’ll need a new window to combat this. When looking for structural damage, make sure your sheathing, siding and home insulation are functional, as you might need to conduct both a repair and a replacement for structural damage.
The glass seal on your window is a rubber strip that fits between the glass and the window pane. This rubber seal maintains an air-tight gap between the panes. The air-tight gap stops drafts and water from getting in your window and letting it fog.
If you notice that your window is beginning to fog, this means that condensation is forming inside your window and the glass seal is faulty. Unfortunately, removing the window and replacing it is the only option.
If your window is letting in drafts or is rattling, your window pane or window frame is probably loose. This is a big issue as this allows warm air to escape your home and cold air to come through. This can also lead to water leaks and dampness. It’s advisable to start shopping for new windows if you notice this issue.
Despite many reasons why you should replace windows, some problems don’t require a total replacement. Here’s a guide to some of the signs that you should repair your window instead of replacing it:
While paint chipping off the exterior of your window is an eye-sore, it doesn’t require total replacement. You can simply paint over the chips or enlist the help of a qualified painter or decorator who can restore your windows to their former glory!
Due to dust and dirt in the air and rainwater, window panes become dirty quite quickly. Thankfully, this is a simple fix that only requires some window cleaner and warm water. Consider adding some vinegar into the solution to cut through grease and grime if your window is in the kitchen and has splashes of oil on the panes.
Damaged and cracked glass is typically what we first envision when we think of a broken window, but cracked glass isn’t usually a sign that you should start adding windows to your shopping cart. Usually, a glazier can help you replace a damaged single pane window for a reasonable price.
Window security is very important, so you’ll need to ensure that your window locks are functional at all times. This is also important as you’ll need to open your windows to let air into your home. A common problem that some homeowners face is sticky window locks. Thanks to oil-based spray lubricants, you can quickly free this. Try not to use solvent-based sprays like WD40® as this may harm the window over time.
Are you in the Greater Toronto Area and looking to replace or conduct a repair on your windows? Contact Euroseal today! We provide comprehensive window services with exemplary customer service and are proud to supply customers with a large range of windows. Contact us today so we can help you find your perfect windows!
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