Window Replacement Ellicott City, MD is necessary when existing windows are outdated, inefficient, or showing signs of wear and tear. A quality contractor will perform a thorough inspection to determine whether you need simple repair or a full replacement.
Contractors should carefully remove your old windows without damaging the surrounding wall and frame. They will then remeasure your window opening and order the proper size. Shims should be loosely added around the new window to prevent it from bowing or pulling away from the casing.
A fresh coat of paint can brighten the appearance of your window frames and improve their appearance with your home. However, a painted window can be damaged by a variety of factors. These problems include:
Wood rot and other damage: Moisture can quickly penetrate the wood around windows, particularly on the sills and caulking. This creates pressure that can cause paint to blister and peel. If you notice this type of damage, have the area repaired as soon as possible to prevent the problem from getting worse.
The wrong paint: Using a chemical solution that isn’t designed for use on windows can scratch the surface of your window glass. This will not only leave the glass discolored, but it can also lead to permanent damage to the glass itself.
Choosing the right paint: Vinyl-safe paints are available in cans, spray paint, and even in reflective polyurethane enamel. If you’re planning to do your own painting, choose a vinyl-safe primer and paint that is intended for windows.
Improper application: Applying too much paint or scrubbing too vigorously can scratch the surface of the glass. You should only use a plastic scraper or putty knife when doing this, and be sure to use caution to avoid scratching the frame itself.
Paint stains: Paint stains on window glass can be hard to remove. You should always start by moistening the paint and then using a plastic scraper to soften it. If the paint isn’t coming off easily, you can try a razor blade scraper, but be careful not to scratch the window.
Once the paint is softened, you can use a paper towel or cloth to wipe it off the surface of the glass. You should also rinse the window and dry it to ensure that there is no cleaner or residue left on the glass.
Depending on the severity of the stain, you may need to repeat this process a few times before you can get the window glass looking completely clear again. After the window is clean and free of paint, it’s a good idea to wipe it down with a glass cleaner to prevent water spots or streaks from forming.
Water Damage
Water damage caused by windows is not only unsightly, but it can lead to rot and even structural damage to the wall. Whether it’s a minor problem like leaking or a more severe issue such as a structural leak, it’s important to address the issue quickly to minimize damage and prevent it from getting worse.
Oftentimes, you’ll notice a brown stain around the window sill or bottom frame. This is caused by compromised caulking that allows water to get in. Replacing the caulking is a simple, inexpensive fix that can significantly reduce the risk of water penetration.
If the problem is more serious, or the water damage extends to other parts of the house, you may need to call a professional. They’ll be able to complete a full evaluation and let you know if the water is coming from the window or another part of the home. They can also recommend the best course of action depending on the severity of the water damage and your specific needs.
In some cases, a window replacement may be the best solution, especially if the wood frames are extensively rotted or soft to the touch. To repair rotting wood, start by removing as much of the damaged board as possible. If the rot extends past the edge of the window, use a pry bar or claw hammer to carefully pry up the rotting portion. Then, cut away any remaining rotting boards and sand the affected area to smooth it.
When repairing wooden windows, it’s also important to take into account the condition of the muntins or mullions. These pieces of wood sit in between the window panes, either for decorative purposes or to support them. If they’re swollen or stuck, rubbing candle wax along the surface can help them open more easily.
For a more permanent fix, replace the old wood with new lumber. If the existing sash is still intact, re-lubricate it to make sure it’s moving freely and not stuck. You’ll also want to clean the drainage channels and ensure that dirt and debris aren’t clogging them.
Sealing
Window seals are an important part of your home’s insulating system and contribute to a comfortable, energy-efficient living environment. However, they can easily fail if not maintained properly. Fortunately, there are several options for managing window seal failure. The best is to hire a professional to reseal your windows, and you can also do it yourself with proper tools and techniques.
Typically, window seals fail because of wear and tear or because of external factors like dirt and grime. They may also get damaged during window painting by heat guns used by house painters. The first signs of seal failure are visible cracks and gaps. If these cracks aren’t repaired, moisture can enter your home and cause problems such as condensation, mold, and fungus.
Other common signs of window seal failure are a fog or haze that forms between the panes of glass. When this happens, the insulating value of your window is significantly reduced, and you will feel a draft from outside your home coming in through your windows.
There are some DIY defogging kits on the market, but these often don’t work as well as they claim to do. Moreover, they don’t restore the insulating value of a double or triple-pane window and aren’t as easy to use.
A professional can re-seal your windows for a fraction of the cost of a new window, resulting in a much more comfortable living environment and improved energy efficiency in your home. This process requires careful attention to detail, but it is well worth the effort.
Resealing your windows includes cleaning the exterior surfaces and removing any existing caulk or sealant. After the surface is clean, a new layer of silicone or acrylic caulk can be applied, following the product’s instructions. It is also a good idea to insert insulation strips or fiberglass into any larger gaps around the frame to prevent heat loss and improve your home’s insulating value.
When the resealing process is complete, it’s important to perform a visual inspection of your windows from both the interior and exterior perspectives. This will help you catch any issues before they become worse, and ensure that your windows are providing the maximum level of comfort and energy efficiency.
Replacement
Windows are a critical component of your home’s appearance and energy efficiency. Regular cleaning, tightening loose components and replacing worn weather stripping can improve the performance of your windows and prevent future damage. If your windows are starting to show signs of deterioration, however, it may be time to replace them. In some cases, replacement is a more cost-effective choice than repair and can help you save on energy costs.
The type of window you choose will play a major role in your budget, and there are many options to consider. For example, double hung windows are a popular choice because they can be opened and closed easily from inside your home and require no ladders or stools to reach. These windows are available in a range of colors, styles and grid patterns to suit your home’s design. Other popular choices include sliding windows, bay and bow windows and awning windows.
Another factor that affects window cost is the number of panes you select. Multi-pane windows require more materials and glass than single-pane windows, so they will generally be more expensive to purchase and install. Additionally, you may want to add additional features like low-e coatings and argon gas fills, which can further increase your window’s energy efficiency.
The type of frame you select can also have a significant impact on your cost. If you are installing a new window in an existing frame, it’s best to choose “insert” windows, which fit within the old frame and only remove the old sash, hardware and covers. This is a less costly option than full frame replacement or “new construction” windows, which replace the entire window and sill.
Your installation crew should complete a final walkthrough with you to ensure that your windows are a perfect fit and working correctly. They should also haul away and dispose of the old windows and all debris from your home.