Most often, homeowners in Ottawa put off their plans for window repair. That’s the number one reason they spend thousands of dollars on replacing their home windows quickly. Did you know that you can save big if you can identify the signs that point toward the need for window repair? Yes, and you don’t need to be a wizard to realize when it’s time to call the window repair experts in Ottawa.
Here is the list of the most crucial signs that directly or indirectly tell you that your windows need immediate repair.
- Minor cracks in the glass
- Broken glass
- Caulking failure
- Ineffective weather stripping
- Broken hinges and latches
- A sudden increase in energy bills
- Fog or condensation between two or three panes
- Too much noise coming from outside
Now, let’s briefly look at these signs and their solutions.
1. Minor cracks in the glass
If the glass installed in your window has only minor cracks, you can prevent further damage for some time. In most cases, minor cracks in the glass of a window develop due to various factors, such as stress, temperature changes, pressure differentials, and less powerful impact caused by an object.
Solution:
To prevent these cracks from getting bigger, you can try the following tips:
- Apply epoxy and adhesive to the crack and spiff up the surface with a glass cleaner
- Try using masking tape on both sides of the cracks in the glass
- Apply super glue to the cracks after cleaning the glass surface with acetone
- Get the help of a professional for window glass repair in Ottawa to seek a cost-effective and long-lasting solution.
2. Broken glass
Window glass can break for many reasons, such as a sharp object or ball hitting the glass, tree branches and limbs ricocheting off the glass during a hurricane, etc. In such cases, glass either sustains major cracks or breaks down badly.
Solution:
- While you can put a plastic film or use bubble wrap to maintain the insulation, it’s only a temporary solution that won’t hold for long.
- The best solution to restore your window glass is to hire window glass replacement services in Ottawa.
3. Caulking Failure
As your window ages, it’s common for the caulk to eventually fail and fall off over time. However, sometimes, it is also caused due to negligence during caulking application. When caulking is done, the caulk is usually wet wiped to get rid of the excess part and achieve a finished look. If too much caulk is removed during the wiping process, it results in a very thin layer of caulk that will readily crack or split.
Solution:
While you might try DIY caulking, doing something other than yourself is best because an improper application will not solve the issue for a long time. So, get professional help to caulk around the windows. Professionals inspect windows, inform you of any issues your window has, and tell you if you need further window repair.
4. Ineffective weather stripping
If cold or hot air is sneaking in, it can be due to failed weather stripping (or improper caulking). If the weather stripping isn’t done efficiently or has worn out due to age, friction, or exposure, you might also experience a sudden increase in energy bills.
Solution:
Get professional help to replace your old weather stripping with:
- Adhesive-style weather stripping
- Nail-in weather stripping
5. Broken hinges and latches
Hardware problems often arise due to improper installation, corrosion, or ageing.
Solution:
Replace the old, worn-out hinges and latches with new ones that are robust, durable and of high quality.
6. A sudden increase in energy bills
When your windows have spaces, cracked glass, or any other issue that causes air to escape, it means that your heating and cooling appliances have to work hard to compensate for the temperature change caused by air leakage. So, if your electricity bill is unusually high, you should get your windows inspected instantly for energy efficiency and contact professionals for window glass repair.
Solution:
- Glass replacement if your window has broken glass
- Replacing weather stripping and caulking if these sealants have failed, leading to air leakage
- Installing solar window film that helps reject significant heat from the window
- Seal any gaps in the window, if any
7. Fog or condensation between two or three panes
If you see fogging or condensed droplets between the two or three panes of your windows, it can severely impede your ability to see outside. It not only deprives you of enjoying the rising and setting sun but also hinders your security due to reduced visibility. Besides, it also impacts the insulating property of your windows.
Solution:
Call Window Medics for foggy window glass repair in Ottawa to restore your windows’ visibility and thermal efficiency.
8. Too much noise coming from outside
If too much noise comes through your windows, you can also get the help of professionals to solve this problem. Though noise cannot be eliminated 100 per cent, soundproofing your windows will help reduce noise intensity based on what solution is used.
Solution:
- Hang sound-dampening curtains
- Use double-cell shades
- Install window inserts
- Replace the cracked or broken glass with new, high-quality glass
- Seal gaps through acoustic caulking
Other signs that also indicate that you need window repair are as follows:
- Air leakage between the panes and the window frame
- Bugs coming from outside through the windows
- Difficulty opening and closing windows
- Water leakage after rain
- Water damage marks
- Feeling drafts of hot and cold air
If you notice any of these signs, please contact Window Medics for top-notch window glass repair in Ottawa. To connect with us, call us at 613-519-1317 or email us at ottawa@windowmedics.com.
