Lifetime Windows’ 5 Steps to DIY Window Repair in Portland

Now that cooler weather is upon us, it is very important to have the best windows possible. Lifetime Windows specializes in window replacement, but here we offer you a few DIY (Do It Yourself) repair tips to fix windows- saving you money and time. When it comes to window repair in Portland, these tips might be for you:

1. Reseal- If your window treatments are loose in the wall, you need to fill those cracks. A simple caulk job might do it, or you might need something greater, for larger cracks. A foam sealant can expand to fill a large crack between your window treatment and the wall.

2. Patch- If, say, a baseball crashes through your window, you will need to immediately put a temporary patch over the window to keep from losing too much energy. One common patch is a piece of cardboard cut to fit the damaged window. You may be able to replace the window glass, but if you have double or triple-paned windows, it may be time to call a professional to replace the whole window.

3. Replace Panes- It is possible to replace a windowpane, just ask any DIY enthusiast in Portland. Be extra careful when removing the old glass. You may need a hammer to clear out the old glass, but use it with care. Gently tap the old glass and concentrate on cracking the glass as opposed to smashing it. Please wear protective gloves and eye wear when working with glass.

4. Maintain Vinyl Windows- Vinyl windows are very popular these days, and if your home was built or remodeled recently there is a good chance that vinyl windows were installed. Make sure that you lubricate the windows as a part of your seasonal cleaning. If the parts are allowed to dry out and create too much friction, they are liable to crack and wear out prematurely. A lubricating oil spray will do the job.

5. Weather Warping- During periods of high humidity, such as a Pacific Northwestern winter, wooden windows may swell and become difficult to open and close. They might also stick due to multiple layers of paint that have built up over the years. You can strip the paint down to the bare wood and then refinish or repaint. When you have stripped the paint, check on the condition of the wood. If the wood still appears healthy, this relatively minor repair/maintenance may be all that is needed. If you need to replace the windows, consider weather-resistant materials such as fiberglass.

All in all, cold air leaking from ruined windows costs you in energy- your heating bill stacks up when half of the heat is being wasted. Window repair in Portland isn’t always the best choice: replacing your windows outright is sometimes the best option. When that time comes, contact Lifetime Windows & Doors, we can install new windows or replace old ones with brands such as Milgard, Simonton, and Lincoln. Contact Us or call (503) 230-0500 today.