Replacing your windows can be costly and time-consuming with window replacements being small and intricate in nature. Due to this it is necessary to evaluate the situation fully before beginning.
Firstly, you should check each window in the house carefully and take accurate stock of the condition. Note any defect you should encounter, some of the most common are;
- Damaged weather stripping
- Obvious pores or cracks in window panes
- Obvious blemishes in the glazing
- Any warpage
The majority of the above defects can be fixed easily and without the need to place the old casement. A good example of this principle can be seen in fixing loose joins. In order to fix loose joins, corner brackets are used. These brackets tend to work themselves loose over time.
Replacing these brackets would be impractical with an L-Shaped bracket, steel in design, being a better solution. This steel corner bracket would strengthen joins and save money in the long-term.
Another example can be seen in weatherstripping. This refers to a gasket situated in the window, between fixed parts and operable window components. The gaskets main function is to prevent air from leaking out.
Over time, weatherstripping does wear out, mainly due to using the window, and if the gasket isn’t replaced when it wears out, air filtration results. This is a common cause of heat loss.
Make sure you opt for top quality weatherstripping, paying a little extra now could save you hundreds later on! Pores and cracks or crevices in window panes can reduce energy efficiency.
Use some tracing paper or the smoke from an incense stick to detect the tiny irregularities and mark their location on the window casement. They should be sealed up using caulking.
Before exterior caulking can take place, all cracks and pores on the inside of the transom have to be sealed. If the external caulking is done prior to this moist air can become trapped, causing extensive wall damage. If you need to repair any damaged window glazing then you’d better be prepared for a long and drawn-out procedure. You need plenty of time for this job.
Firstly, remove the window putty using a heating rod, chisel and knife. Remember to protect your eyes and hands, wear your safety gloves and glasses. Then take out the glazing points attaching the glass to the frame of the window.
Finally, remove the window pane that is damaged or blemished. Before you install the new window glass, sand the area lightly and use a primer. Using glazing points and window pane putty fix the windowpane in place. In cases where glazing cannot be repaired, a window replacement seems best.
Warpage of a window pane can cause damage that cannot be fixed and is a real problem. The one thing you can do is take out the old window and put in a brand new one. When you’re buying your new casement, remember to consider the following:
- U-value
- Visual transmittance (VT)
- Condensation resistance (CR)
- Air leakage score (AL)
- Solar hear gain coefficient (SHGC)
These factors each play an important role in high performance window production.