If you’ve ever had a broken window in your home, you know what a pain it can be.
It’s not just that they look bad. They also let cold air in and make your home less energy efficient.
Replacing them can be a challenge, though. If you don’t take the time to do it right, your window repair could be more trouble than it’s worth.
While hiring a professional will make all these problems go away, there are 5 residential window repair mistakes you should avoid if you want to DIY it. Read on to keep your home in tip-top shape!
1. Using the Wrong Type of Glass
When you’re making a repair, it can be tempting to grab the first piece of glass you see and get it done. But that could land you in trouble.
To begin with, there are different thicknesses of glass. The glass used at banks is not the same at airports. It’s the same with tempered, double glazing windows Bristol , hurricane-resistant, and other types of glass in your home.
Your new window glass should match or be an upgrade from what you have already. So you should try to keep the broken glass on hand until you’re sure what style of window will best suit you.
2. Repairing Window Damage on Your Own
The first thing you should know is that there are some things you can’t do on your own. Fixing a window is one of them. Windows are a pretty complicated invention, and they’ll usually require the expertise of a professional to fix correctly.
Even if you’re handy with other kinds of repairs around the house, fixing a window requires special skills and tools that most homeowners don’t have access to.
We’re not saying you have to hire a pro. After all, who knows your home better than you?
But you should know that fixing windows is a lot harder than most people think. At least have someone around to help you.
3. Failing to Fix the Cause of the Problem
Often, fixing residential windows is more than just replacing the glass itself. For example, if your home needs replacement panes for windows with wood frames that are rotting away from moisture damage, replacing those windows with new ones will only solve one issue.
During your regular window maintenance, remember that windows are only part of a system that also includes frames, caulking, and weather-stripping. When a window breaks, there’s likely something nearby that’s broken too.
4. Neglecting the Appearance of the Window
While the structural integrity of windows is important, it’s equally essential to make sure they look good. If a window is crooked or chipped, it can make your home appear unkempt and detract from its overall value.
5. Hiring a Contractor That’s Not Qualified
You want to ensure that the contractor you choose has an excellent history of getting the job done right. A contractor who has been around for at least a year and has references available is more likely to be trustworthy. If they don’t provide references, it’s probably best not to hire them.
Don’t Let Residential Window Repair Mistakes Ruin Your Home
We hope we’ve given you a clearer picture of what not to do, and that you feel ready to tackle your window project. If you can avoid these residential window repair mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to a successful restoration. For more tips on how to have a DIY job that will match the work of a professional, check out our other home maintenance articles.
