Roofs will leak, finishes fade, and concrete will crack. Home repairs are an inevitable part of owning a home. Thankfully, a simple repair can often suffice when something isn’t working properly. Periodic maintenance is far less expensive than a replacing something. Learning when you should repair or replace your house windows will save you time and money.
Window Repair Troubleshooting Tips
WINDOW IS NOT OPENING OR CLOSING:
When your windows don’t open or close easily (or at all) it’s time to address it. Window styles open and close using different methods.
- Slider windows open by sliding the windows along a track, so it could be as easy as removing. debris in the track.
Click here to learn how to disassemble a Jantek Slider Window (button with link) Slider disassemble
- Casement windows open out, along the horizonal line of the window. Check the hinges on these; it could be that a hinge has become loose, causing the window to be misaligned.
Double Hung windows are a bit more complex. These windows open and close with counterbalance systems, which have evolved over the years. How to fix or replace it depends on the system used. Read our blog on counterbalance systems for more information.
WINDOW WILL NOT TILT IN:
Modern Double Hung windows are designed to tilt in for easy cleaning and maintenance. When your window won’t tilt in, it may be the window’s pivot bar has become damaged. The pivot bar is located at the bottom of the window sash, and it easily replaced. Click here to learn how to replace a Jantek pivot bar.
WATER POOLING IN THE WINDOWSILL:
While slope sill windows do not require weep holes, other window models use weep holes to allow moisture to flow away from the window. When water pools in the window frame, it be as simple as replacing a clogged weep hole cover.
While it is possible to clear them, we recommend replacing them. This quick, inexpensive repair assures that the cover is entirely clear and will operate as intended.
Click here to learn how to replace a Jantek weep hole cover.
Jantek parts can be ordered via our service portal. You’ll need your windows model number, which is located the window frame’s sticker. Look for, and note, the number found under the barcode.
BROKEN GLASS:
If the glass in your window becomes broken, you could attempt to replace it yourself. While the process itself is not overly complicated, you may want to leave it to a professional if you have multiple panes or specialty glass.
Are My Windows Worth Investing In?
Like it not, your windows will all have to be replaced at some time. The average age of a window depends on a few factors; the material of the windows and the quality of the manufacturing.
For an in-depth explanation visit Comparing Vinyl, Wood, Aluminum and Composite Windows visit:
WOOD
While beautiful, wooden windows require routine care and will become permanently damaged without it. Because wood is an organic material, they are susceptible to warping, rot, and termite infestation. It doesn’t take an expert to see when these present. Replacing the windows or repairing them depends on the extent of the damage. Preserving wooden windows is sometimes done for historic reasons but, expect to pay expert prices if you want it done correctly.
VINYL
Vinyl windows are the most popular type selected for residential replacement projects. They are low maintenance, low cost, and highly energy efficient. The downside is, they are subject to size limitations beyond which the rigidity of wood or aluminum frames are better suited. Virgin vinyl fusion welded windows are far superior to those that use cheap, recycled vinyl to lower the cost of the windows.
Windows constructed with recycled vinyl will likely break and degrade much sooner. Frames and sashes that are mechanically fastened (screwed together at the joints) are prone to leaking, as the joints and sealant separate over time. Fusion welded windows are much better at retaining their shape because the joints are melted together during manufacturing.
ALUMINUM
If you have aluminum windows from the 60s or 70s, then spending any more time or money on them is not worth it. These older aluminum windows were often single pane, so they not energy efficient. Back then, they were installed without coating, which makes them susceptible to corrosion and a conductor of heat and cold. Because most home repair centers stopped selling parts for them years ago, getting parts for older aluminum windows will take some time. You may end up having to make the needed part or parts.
We Measure, Manufacture, and Install replacement windows and patio doors, in weeks, not months. Skip the sales visit and get an accurate, secure project quote today.
