Deciding whether to repair or replace your window can be a daunting task. There’s a lot you should consider. Like any other home improvement process, you must consider the costs and potential savings in both the short- and long-term periods.
Here’s some advice you can use to decide whether to repair or replace your windows:
When to Repair:
1. Cracked or Broken Glass
Many homeowners can effectively and inexpensively repair their single-pane windows without breaking a sweat. However, you may need to replace the entire window if you’ve had to fix it several times for cracks and broken glass.
2. Stuck Sashes
Many homeowners face one typical problem, especially with older windows, which is stuck upper to lower sashes. Sashes can be stuck due to several reasons. For instance, multiple layers of paint could bridge the sash and frame, holding them together. The sash can also come off the track, making it difficult to move freely.
When window sashes are challenging to raise, it’s usually because of broken cords on sash weights. Fortunately, you can fix your window sashes quickly and with little effort.
3. Rotting Drip Cap
Repairing a missing or rotting drip cap is usually a simple DIY process for most homeowners. You simply purchase new rot- and rust-free aluminum drip caps at your nearest home center, then nail it in place. Replacing a broken or missing drip cap isn’t a difficult task. But you can also hire a professional to guarantee the job is done right if you’re not up for it.
4. Broken or Rotting Muntins and Mullions
Muntins and mullions are what hold your window glass together in single-pane windows. Therefore, you cannot avoid repairing them when they get damaged. Rotting or broken muntins and mullions hold glass loosely. The glass can fall and break when you don’t fix your broken or missing muntins and mullions.
When to Replace:
1. Foggy Windows
Having foggy windows is always a sign that some water is condensing inside your window’s glass unit or paned IGU.
Most of today’s windows have self-sufficient IGUs built into them. So, their IGUs are permanent, unlike those of multi-paned windows of the past. Removing and replacing your foggy windows is always the best and only option in this case.
2. Major Water Leakage
It’s always a bad sign when too much water infiltrates your window and gets into your home or office. It could be a sign that the exterior casing of your window is compromised. This has more to do with the exterior of your window as a whole.
But when there is a significant water leak through your window, this is usually a sign to start looking around for new windows.
3. Structural Problems
You know it’s time to shop for a new window when its outer structure starts falling apart. Like the studs, siding, insulation, and house sheathing, the area around your window may be in deplorable condition, forcing you to look for a better replacement.
Window Repair or Replacement?
Ultimately, deciding whether to repair or replace your window depends on the type of problem you have with the window. A repair would be the better option in some cases, while you may need to replace your window completely in other cases.
Semper Fi Exteriors has a team of window repair and replacement experts who will help you make the right decision. Repairing or replacing a window can be an easy DIY project. But you may need a professional to help you decide which option to choose.
Drop us a line for more information regarding your windows and whether you need to repair or replace them.