window repair Archives - Window Nation
Windows and screens are much like a beekeeper’s protective gear. It only takes a single hole or tear, and you’re vulnerable to getting stung. Only, with windows and screens, that sting comes in the form of an unexpected jump in heating/cooling costs, costly water damage in your walls, and a potential pest invasion. Sometimes, that sting is actually a sting. Improper screening also allows bees, wasps, hornets and other household pests an entry point into your home. That is why it is so important to have good windows and properly maintained screens on your house.
How to fix a damaged screen:
Tools needed to fix a damaged screen: Spline roller, flat blade screwdriver, duct tape, a utility knife, scissors, window screening, and new spline (found in any hardware store.)
Lay the screen and frame flat on a hard surface.
Duct tape the four corners to the surface.
Use the flat head screwdriver to gently pry up a corner of the spline (the strip found around the edge of the screen).
Gently pull out all of the spline.
(optional) Clean the grooves around the inside of the frame.
Lay the new screen so that it leaves about 2 inches extra around the outside of the frame.
Use the convex side of your spline roller, starting at one corner, and start rolling in the new spline.
Use the flat edge screwdriver to push the spline into the corners.
Once the spline is completely in, use the concave side of the spline roller to do another pass.
Use a knife or a pair of scissors to cut off any excess spline.
Cut off any extraneous screen using your utility knife cutting at a 45 degree angle.
Install your new window screen back onto your window.
Screens also affect the curb appeal of your home. Even if you’re not currently in the market to sell, damaged screens can turn a beautiful home into an unsightly mess. If you’re out to impress, keeping your screens in great condition is a good way to start.
Stunning windows is another way to make your home stand out, and when you get new windows from Window Nation, you’ll also get durable screens with strong fiberglass mesh and heavy-duty aluminum frames for long-lasting durability and solid protection from invading pests.
When it’s time for a new window or window screen, it’s time for Window Nation.
To repair or replace windows? It’s the question that we all ask about so many other things that we own. It’s broken, do we repair it, or just replace it? We ask this about just about everything from our cars to our toasters! Well, what about the windows in our homes? When is it truly best just to pull the old ones out and start over?
Sanding and repainting the exterior of your windows is a pretty straightforward job. Even if you aren’t into DIY projects there are lots of professional painters who will gladly come and do this for you. Just make sure that the paint isn’t damaged due to cracks, holes or voids in the actual frame of your windows. If there is this type of damage to the parts then just painting over them will not fix your real problem. All this type of damage needs to be repaired before re-painting.
Dirty glass, again, is an easy fix. There are many kinds of retail window washing products to buy if you want to DIY. If not, contact a professional cleaning company to inquire if they ‘do windows’. Be sure to check and make sure that the ‘dirt’ or cloudiness that you see on your windows is truly on the exterior. If any of the cloudiness, dirt or moisture that you see is actually between the panes of glass then washing the outside of them will not solve your problem.
Condensation, dirt or cloudiness in your window is a sign that the seal that holds your actual window sash into the window frame has failed. This has allowed moisture and dirt to come between the panes of glass and has also made your window less energy efficient by allowing air to flow between the glass panes. You essentially now have the energy efficiency of a single pane of glass. This is not good. These windows definitely need to be replaced. Some window manufacturers may have a warranty to help you with this issue, but often this isn’t the case. The average window has a 10-15 year limited manufacturer’s warranty. It surely doesn’t hurt to contact them and ask.
If your window hardware is not locking securely or opening easily this also poses a security risk. Windows are an entry and exit point in your house. This is one of the reasons that it is unsafe to paint a window shut or nail it shut. In case of emergency, you or a loved one may need to open these windows to exit your home. Or, if your locks aren’t working properly then the risk of an accidental fall is at hand. Either way, any of these would be a major tragedy. Having properly working windows is very important.
This should hopefully make it easier for you to choose whether to repair or replace windows in your home. Here at Window Nation, we pride ourselves in helping our clients know when the time is right to replace their windows. We will walk you through every step of the process. If you are considering replacing one or all of the windows in your home we are the right choice for you. Learn more about our replacement windows or simply contact us for more information.