|
Windows and Doors |
||
If you can feel a draft of cold air around your windows in the winter you can be sure that you are losing heat in the winter and air conditioned air in the summer costing you plenty of money. The glass in your windows should be re-glazed and the seal between the sash and the frame may need to be caulked. Before replacing windows you should take several things into consideration. 1. The age of the building and the age of the windows should always be a factor in replacing your old windows. If the structure is old enough that it could be considered historic then you might want to look for an alternative to replacement. The original historic windows will add a lot to the value of your property. Instead of replacing the windows see what other options you might have to keep your energy cost down. 2. If you feel that the windows are old enough that the cost of replacement would not out weigh the losses you are having from heat escaping then you might want to think about replacing them. New windows are an investment. You should buy very good quality windows that contain all of the latest in energy saving features. Make sure that your new windows will last you a long time. 3. Make sure that the casement and sash are in good shape and that water has not gotten into this area and rotted the wood. If it has replace rotten wood before you do anything else. 4, If your windows are relatively new and still performing well then a little glazing and caulking should be all you need to keep you warm and cozy this winter and cool in the summer. ---------------------------------------------------- If the problem is that you simply don’t like the windows then take a good look at them to see what it is that you don’t like about them. If the paint is old or doesn’t match the rest of the house a simple coat of paint will help. If you want a more elegant look to your house be sure to consult an expert before putting a lot of money into new windows. A fancy arched window might not look wonderful on a ranch house…..or it might. Get another opinion before you put a lot of money into a simple make over. Remember that wood frame windows have to be painted occasionally, but wood does not conduct cold and heat like aluminum does. ----------------------------------------------------- At one time or another we have all struggled with a stuck window. Check to see if it is simply a matter of the hardware having broken. If so, a simple replacement of the broken piece is all you need. If the window was painted shut the solution isn’t so easy. Take a putty knife and work it around the edge of the window at the top, sides and the bottom on both interior and exterior sides of the window. Time and patience are needed here. You are trying to break the seal between the sash and the frame. If a putty knife does not work then try a small crowbar. Carefully try to pry the window open. If that does not help then you may have to disassemble the window and sand and repaint it. Let the paint dry thoroughly before reassembling. In any case, once you find the trouble spot it is a good idea to sand down the area to prevent the window from sticking again. --------------------------------------------------- In older homes with double hung windows the raising and lowering of the windows is controlled by weights hung from cotton rope. After a while, the rope will wear and break leaving the weights lying at the bottom of the window and the window won’t stay open any longer. Remove the exterior trim and expose the fallen weight. Replace the rope and weight and test the window to be sure that it will operate properly. Now replace the trim and touch up the paint, if necessary. Newer double hung windows feature a balancer. Check with the manufacturer to see how to replace a broken balancer and where to get the parts. ------------------------------------------------- Windows that are hard to open and close may simply need a little cleaning and lubricating of the operating hardware. Use a light oil or silicone spray. Do not use lubricants or harsh abrasive cleaners. They will cause more harm then good. If this does not work you may have a warped frame and sash. Remove the window and reframe the opening. Replace the window and seal the edges with caulk. ------------------------------------------------- In some areas there may be a problem with your ability to clean your windows. The environment is usually the cause. If you live in an area where there is heavy industry, air-borne particles from that industry may be sticking to your windows making it hard to clean them. If you live near the ocean, salt in the air and other particles can be causing you headaches. The best solution is frequent washing to prevent a build up of the particles. There are windows available that are made to discourage particles from adhering to your windows as well as tilt-in windows that can be cleaned from within your house. ------------------------------------------------ When a window or patio door is beyond repair then you must think about replacing it. Take your time and be sure that the windows or door that you buy is the best for your house. Take a look at all the newest features and see what works best for you. You may not need all the latest technology and that might save you money on your purchase and instillation. On the other hand the latest technology might save you money on your heating and cooling bill. Balance the two to see what is the right choice for your situation. -------------------------------------------------- If condensation is collecting on your windows or the window frames you have a potentially serious problem. If unchecked it can cause the frames of your windows to rot leaving you with costly repairs or replacement. However, condensation is usually caused by poor ventilation. You can usually limit this problem by controlling the humidity in your house. A dehumidifier can help as can a well place fan for circulating the air. ---------------------------------------------------
|
||