Windows are one of the most important value-added items on a home. In terms of renovation, new windows often give the homeowner an ROI of over 80 percent.
But it can be tricky to know where to put your money: home window repair or replacement. Whether you’re dealing with single pane or multi-pane glass, the frame’s condition and how well the seals are holding all factors into the decision.
Are you wondering which option is best for your damaged Las Vegas windows? Read on for everything you need to consider when deciding to repair or replace.
Replace a Window in These Situations
Severe window damage includes such dilemmas as rotten frames, considerable water leakage, and shattered panes. When repair doesn’t cut it, it’s wiser to spend your money on replacement windows.
Frame Failure
Your aluminum window frames have buckled. Maybe you’re experiencing a failure, such as damaged siding, wonky studs, or aging insulation, in the surrounding wall. The repair job would call for an entire window replacement and repair to the surrounding wall in these instances. Wooden window frames are the most susceptible to weather and age-related wear. If this critical supporting structure is soft and rotten, the glass pane is in danger of shifting or, worse, falling out entirely.
While it’s possible to rebuild a rotten frame–and you may want to do this if the building has historical value–in most cases, it’s far more cost-effective to install new Las Vegas glass windows.
Glass Is Cracked or Smashed
Did the neighbor’s lob a basketball through your window? Or maybe it was damaged during a severe storm. Whatever the reason for cracked glass, it’s essential to get it repaired or replaced quickly for security purposes. If you have single-pane glass, it’s a relatively easy fix–you could even DIY it. But for multi-paned glass, you’ll need to get the professionals in. And it’s often such a hassle to fix that it might be more worthwhile to replace the entire window.
Likewise, when the frame is in bad shape, it’s usually more budget-friendly to contact your local window replacement company and arrange a new install.
Out-of-Control Condensation
If your home dates from the 1980s, or you’ve had your windows replaced since that heady decade, you likely have IGU (Insulated Glass Unit) panes.
In the past, a glazier needed to set multiple panels of glass together to create double-glazed or triple-glazed windows. This meant that if a portion of the glass failed to seal and moisture got in, a professional could lift, dry, and replace a single sheet. The IGUs so popular today are permanently sealed. If your window is foggy, you will likely need to replace the entire window to fix the problem.
(There is a way to repair steamy IGUs, but it requires drilling tiny holes in the glass to remove the air then resealing them–an expensive process most repair companies aren’t willing or specialized enough to do.)
Keep in mind that most windows today come with a warranty of up to twenty years on the glass so that you may have some recourse on replacement there.
Large Pools of Water
If there is a substantial amount of water coming through your windows each time it rains, you could have a faulty exterior window casing. Water leaking into your home can cause your walls, floors, and carpets to rot and lead to health-harming mold growth.
In this case, the only solution is to make an emergency call to your trusted Las Vegas window replacement company.
Choose Home Window Repair in These Situations
You know your windows have a problem, but you’re unsure if you require professional Las Vegas glass repair or a full-blown window installation. In most cases involving minor damage, repair by the homeowner or a window repair company is possible and relatively affordable.
Water Drips
If water is dripping through your window, you might get away with a simple reseal of the panes. It’s also worth checking where the source of water is coming from. Check nearby gutters and downpipes to see if they’re leaking or re-route them away from your window. Check the drip cap at the top of your window is in good repair. If not, you can purchase a cheap aluminum drip cap from any hardware store. Nail it into place and caulk the gaps.
If neither of these DIY fixes solves the problem, get a window service professional to take a closer look.
Minor Damage to the Frame
Is the exterior casing on your window looking a bit tired? Thankfully, replacing window casings is a quick fix. If you’re renewing the outer casements, be sure to paint them right after installation since they’re not naturally weatherproof. Your windows might simply need a new lick of paint. If that’s the case, you can do it yourself to save money and time or get the best home window repair company to take a look.
Either way, before you slather on that bright new hue, check the frames carefully for holes and cracks. Fill them and let them dry thoroughly before painting over them.
Faulty Muntins and Mullions
In traditional or cottage-style windows, muntins and mullions (the vertical and horizontal bits of wood in the center of a window) hold squares of single-paned glass in place. If this rot or split, or if the putty keeping the glass in place becomes brittle, the panes are in danger of falling out.
It may be that you simply need to apply fresh putty and new glazier’s points, or it might be time to call in your home window repair service and have the muntins and mullions rebuilt.
Fix Shoddy Windows Fast
Don’t dilly-dally when it comes to home window repair or replacement. If your window must close for security purposes, place a call to your local window professionals for emergency glass repair in Las Vegas. And if you have issues like water infiltration or gaps, get them addressed before you have far more severe damage to contend with.
Are you unsure whether your windows need repair or replacement? Contact Cut Rate Glass today for a consultation.