DIY Home Window Maintenance Tips for the Homeowner
Some tips and tricks for keeping your glass windows happy in Austin Texas!
Most homeowners maintain their walls and floors, while overlooking their glass windows. Windows are just as important, and by ignoring them, homeowners are unintentionally decreasing their lifespan. As with other things, a little preventative maintenance up front can prevent major repairs later on.
You might notice that the casing around some windows has water stains, peeling paint, mold, or rot. All of these indicate that you may need to replace your windows. These issues can be prevented with the proper maintenance, extending the life of your glass windows in Austin. Rather than fixing the symptoms, the root cause needs to be addressed. We’ll discuss common issues homeowners experience below, as well as how to fix them.
Condensation and Moisture in Windows
A common problem with windows in Austin TX is moisture build up. While the water droplets that make up foggy windows decrease the efficiency of heating systems, condensation inside double paned windows mean that the seal has broken and needs replacement. When condensation occurs under normal conditions, interior and exterior temperatures and ventilation all need to be considered.
Preventing moisture accumulation can sometimes be prevented simply by improving air circulation. When cleaning up flood damaged houses, contractors often fill a home with dehumidifiers and industrial fans. Homeowners can help maintain their homes by investing in consumer grade dehumidifiers and spot fans when conditions call for it. When moisture is always present, or even simply a recurring problem, it may be time for window replacement. New energy efficient windows can reduce moisture build up and prevent structural damage to the wood frame of the house in the form of rot, as well as potential health problems associated with mold and mildew.
Broken Glass Window Panes
We’ve all seen movies and heard stories that include kids with pellet guns or baseballs accidentally breaking windows on houses. Sure, it makes a house look bad, but it also impacts the heating and cooling system, leaves a house exposed to entry by unwanted visitors, and allows water and debris in. It is always wise to have a professional like our experienced repairmen here at Ace Discount Glass & Door in Austin TX handle repair and replacement. If you decide to attempt a DIY window repair, personal protective equipment should always be worn to prevent injury. Always feel free to call us for help with your glass windows in Austin!
Sticking Windows
Windows designed to open, whether by sliding or crank, eventually tend to stick. There are many things that go into the operation of even sliding windows, and any one of those things can cause a window not to operate as intended. The first thing you should do is to lubricate any hinges and inspect the sash for damage, performing any necessary repairs. For sliding windows (and doors) that stick, look for dirt and gunk in the tracks. A good method of cleaning them is to apply baking soda to the track and scrub them with vinegar that has been diluted with water. Windows that open on hinges, casement windows, should also be free of dust and rust. Any cranks should be cleaned and lubricated by removal of the arm. Wooden window frames should be inspected for warping over time, and may eventually need to be replaced with energy efficient windows utilizing more modern materials. We are happy to help you with glass window repair and replacement in Austin, and we guarantee the lowest prices in town!
Water Exposure
All windows experience friction and some degree of abuse in normal operating conditions that causes them to wear and limits their life span. Water leakage should not be one of those normal things and can rapidly decrease the life span of your windows. Usually water leakage is caused by faulty flashing because someone didn’t follow code because they were cutting cost, or in a hurry. Flashing is supposed to divert rainwater around the window and down the outside of the house. When it is incorrectly installed or worse, absent, water is allowed to run into the home where it can stay behind the window, pool on the floor, or disappear into cabinets causing mold and mildew to form. Caulking might be a temporary fix, but this may be a good time to call a professional to assess the situation and repair as necessary. This can sometimes seem costly, but repairing the window can pale in comparison to the cost of repairing damage caused by water to the home’s structure, or dealing with health complications caused by exposure to mold.
When they do their job windows allow sunlight and sometimes air flow into our homes. When they have problems, they can act as a conduit for bigger problems to work into the rest of the house. Taking care of your windows improves your home’s energy efficiency and ensures you and your family’s safety for as long as you live in your house, so it’s important to do it right.
Ace Discount Glass – best prices in Austin for quality glass!
Come and see us. We’ll make you happy! Check out our reviews and see what other customers have to say about their experience getting glass repaired in Austin here at Ace.
Give us a call at 512-345-3105
We can give you a quote right away so you know exactly how much your glass repair or replacement in Austin will cost. Rest assured your cost will be lower than anybody else in Austin, we guarantee the lowest repair cost and will beat any competitor’s price in town for new glass!
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Austin, TX Glass Installation & Repair
