Most homeowners would much rather repair windows, if at all possible. This is due to both cost and in some cases, an appreciation, especially if the home is old. Older windows present a charm that newer windows can fail to show, no matter how they are painted or how expensive they are. To ensure you are making the right choice, it is best to rule out repairing before making the jump to replacing them.
Wood Frames/Windows
When wood begins to decay, it is many times due to improper painting or priming, insufficient seasoning, or too much exposure to water and elements. When the frames are rotten, water and air leaks might be a problem. If the wood damage is sporadic, it can be easily repaired, but if the majority, or more than half of the wood is rotten, it should be replaced.
Broken Seals
Condensation or water droplets between dual paned glasses could be a sign of a broken window seal. Because homes expand and contract during warmer weather, gas can quickly oxidize, promoting condensation. When the seal has been broken, it is difficult to salvage the pane. Though there are many de-fogging devices promising to fix the problem, most of them do not work well and if they do, they do not work for very long. The most practical solution is to fix the sash or the pane.
Stubborn Windows
We have all had at least one window in our homes that refused to cooperate, whether through old age, or due to over-painting, sometimes windows can become stubborn. Many times, a simple cleaning of the tracks and hardware can eliminate the problem. Other times, a good scrape and sand can remove the paint and putty. Unless the parts are old, it is best to simply repair this problem. If the replacement parts are too hard to find, for instance if the window is quite old, then replacement windows would be the easier alternative. It is important to remember that windows that were installed before 1978 should be cleaned and/or replaced by professionals, as they may be painted with lead paint.
Drafts
When air flows through the window while it is closed, this could be due to cracked caulking, weather stripping that is outdated or ruined, a loose sash, or rotten wood. No matter the reason, windows are not meant to allow in air, so the problem needs to be resolved. Sealing the leaks is the most efficient way to handle this problem, whether with caulking, new sashes, or repairing any rotten wood.
Dallas, TX windows can save money in the end, if installed properly, but before making such a big investment, it is wise to make sure it is the only viable option for you and your home.
WINDOWS OF OPPORTUNITY: DIY WINDOW REPLACEMENT
Replacing old single-pane glass windows with new double-insulated windows can provide one of the greatest energy savings for your home. Modern windows feature two or three panes of glass with an insulating air space between. The higher-quality windows also have an inert gas such as argon between the glass panes, offering an even greater insulating factor. Many modern windows go one step further and have a special coating called “low-E” applied to the glass. This coating contains metallic particles that slow heat loss in the winter and reduce heat gain in the summer. When purchasing windows, look for the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) energy-efficiency label on the windows.
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