Window Solutions – Repairing VS Replacing Windows in Flower Mound
Window damage is inevitable. After years of use, the condition of your windows is bound to deteriorate. Ultimately, a time will come when you will have no choice but invest in replacement windows. However, since windows are designed to last a long time, it can be confusing to decide whether your windows require repairing and maintenance, or is it time to replace them.
Replacing windows earlier than necessary or waiting too long to do it are the two most common mistakes that homeowners make when it comes to dealing with damaged and old windows. It is important to understand that both these situations are equally bad. If you opt for replacement windows too early, you are simply getting rid of good windows. On the other hand, if you wait for too long, you may end up with irreparable damage at your hands.
This makes it important to understand whether you can extend the life of your windows by repairing them or is it finally time to invest in replacement windows. So, how exactly are you supposed to know? Well, there are a number of factors that can help you assess the condition of your windows to determine what your next step should be. If you notice any of the following issues in your house windows, it is probably best to opt for replacement windows, rather than trying to repair them in vain.
Water Leakage
When a window starts to leak, it is probably beyond repair. Water leakage can mean a lot of things. For example, it can be indication toward a damaged frame or the window might be leaking because of something as obvious as a cracked glass panel. Another sneaky cause of window leakage is poorly draining gutters and pipelines.
Keep in mind that although window seals are designed to keep the moisture out, they are generally useless against the high-pressure water coming from the pipelines. If your windows are leaking, try to redirect your drainage system. If it makes a difference, just call in windows experts to help repair the damage caused by water leakage and you are good to go. However, re-routing the drainage system does not seem to help the situation, it might mean that the exterior window casing has gone bad. If that is the case, you may want to look into replacement windows.
Foggy Glass Panes
Light infiltration is one of the intended purposes of installing a window. However, sometimes, the glass panel of the windows can get foggy. This happens due to water condensation inside the double or triple panes of good quality windows. Most modern windows have built-in glass units. In other words, the glass is fixed and sealed; therefore, it cannot be moved. It is next to impossible to disassemble the window, clean the glass and put it right back in. Not only is it extremely difficult to do so, but it is also a waste of time and effort. For this reason, most homeowners opt for replacement windows when their current windows fog up. While it is advisable to replace the whole window unit including the frame and panels, you can also replace the sash as a temporary alternative.
Damaged Glass
In most cases, a damaged panel can be repaired without repairing the whole window unit. Although it is easy and inexpensive to repair single-paned windows, if you are dealing with double or triple pane windows, you might want to weigh your options carefully before investing in repairing your windows. If you don’t want to replace your windows just yet, your only other option is to look into sash replacement.
Whatever you decide to do, keep in mind that it is best to deal with glass panel damage as soon as possible. It is not only inconvenient to live in a house with broken or cracked windows but it is a safety hazard. It is important to understand that a damaged panel can shatter at the lightest impact, causing unfortunate accidents. Therefore, cracked or broken windowglass should be dealt with at once!
Inoperable Sashes
If you are unable to open or close your windows, examine the window sash carefully. It is a fairly common problem that usually occurs due to multiple layers of paint that bridges the sash with the frame of the window, rendering it unable to move. If this is not the case, you may find that the sash has come off the track.
For spring-type sashes, the spring may come loose and may have broken. Such problems with window sashes are generally repairable and do not require you to replace the entire window unit. However, if you find no problem with the sash, it might be something that may require you to look into replacement windows.
Broken Mullions & Muntins
Mullions and muntins are the small pieces of wood that separate the glass panes of the window. If your windows have faux muntins that are set between two glass panes, it is next to impossible to repair them. Your best choice is to replace the window. However, keep in mind that in such a case, generally these mullions and muntins are only for effect and do not affect the actual working of your window.
Seek Help from a Professional
Seeking help from a window expert is perhaps the best option to determine what your next step should be. Good window dealers and installers will be happy to perform an on-site inspection of your windows. In fact, a number of window experts who care about their clients offer a free consultation to help you assess the situation regarding your house windows. They can help you make the best decision when it comes to repairing vs. replacing the windows of your house in Flower Mound.
It is advisable to contact only the most trusted and tested window experts in your area to get the best solutions to all your window related problems. Don’t forget to contact Energy Window Solutions to get a free consultation!