Window Damage Repair 101: How to Spot Window Damage
Windows are an integral part of every home, and often one of the first fail points as a house ages. Anyone who owns or rents a house understands the basic function of a window. What some people may not realize is that windows are intended to be replaced. It isn't a big job or large renovation, but new windows can help keep down heating and cooling bills and maintain a level of comfort and safety in the home. Although windows should be inspected by a professional on a regular basis to ensure they are performing at peak efficiency, there are definitive signs of when a window is beyond repair and undergoing a potentially catastrophic need for replacement.
Evaluate Cosmetic Damage
Although a professional can search for more definite signs your windows need replacement, such as potential structural failure, the homeowner can easily look for obvious signs concerning cosmetic appeal which may indicate a window is not serving its intended purpose. Vinyl replacement windows, although they are in most cases virtually indestructible, ultimately have an endpoint at which time they are either unable to function properly or are no longer up to modern standards and expectations of a window. Wooden frames offer more opportunities for window repair as they age, and can be an architectural aspect of a building which may not warrant window replacement even when they no longer are providing their proper function, but typically when a window is past its useful life it is best to replace it with a new one.
Look for Structural Flaws
Structural flaws are more difficult to determine than cosmetic damage, but there are some signs which indicate window frame damage. Condensation inside the window or between the panes of glass is an absolute determination of how the window is failing. In some cases, there may be an issue with the building settling over time, and the window issue can be repaired by addressing the framework around it, but in general terms if that is the case the window is going to need replacement along with whatever is necessary to stabilize the framework around it. Each situation is a bit different and window frame repair requires the advice of a professional to determine what the best course of action may be.
Determine if the Glass is Stable
In some cases, window glass can be cracked or broken from causes like water damage, termite damage, or hail damage during a storm, and window glass repair will be needed. Any glass shop can add a new piece of glass for a fairly inexpensive price, but that doesn't compensate for the stable gas used between panes to help insulate the house. It's usually a better idea to simply replace the window. The labor cost is going to be the same to remove the window, whether a new one goes in or the old one is reinstalled, and the price of properly replacing the glass is going to be comparable to the price of a new window, so there really isn't much reason to keep the older one.
Takeaways
If your windows don’t seem to be serving their purpose, they may require window damage repair. Review a few items in order to determine how best to proceed:
- Check for cosmetic appeal and visible damage.
- Determine if there is underlying structural damage.
- Seek the advice of a professional for damaged windows.
At such a time, contact us at RWC so we can have an expert provide you with an evaluation and provide a recommendation as to what can be done to remedy the problem and which new windows may best serve the needs of the home. A professional representative will be happy to meet at your convenience to discuss our window repair in NJ!
How to Know When to Remodel Your Bathroom
More and more homeowners are looking to replace outdated bathroom decor and inefficient fixtures with stylish, state-of-the-art features that create an oasis of pleasure. But for others, the bathroom remains a functional room in the home and these homeowners may wonder how to really know the signs of when to remodel your bathroom.
Consumer Reports conducted an analysis and reported that homeowners will generally recoup 62 percent of the investment from remodeling your bathroom at the time of resale, and suggests homeowners spend no more than 5 to 10 percent of your home’s value when remodeling the master bath. But it doesn't matter if you're preparing to sell your home or if you simply want to know the obvious signs to remodel your bathroom.
Signs to Remodel Your Bathroom
For powder rooms, secondary bathrooms, and the master bath, if these spaces have a bad layout or can no longer support the needs of your family, then you will be pleasantly surprised at the changes a remodeled bathroom will make. Newer bathrooms make great use of vertical space for storage, will incorporate energy efficient showers, faucets, and toilets - and can add a sense of luxury at reasonable prices. Here are five signs that will certainly justify a bathroom remodel:
- Structural or architectural problems include floor/wall tile that is cracked, dirty and moldy grout, water that doesn't flow towards the drain, cracked tub/sink, a wet floor, discolored shower walls, insufficient lighting, or non-functioning fixtures and cabinets are all signs that the bathroom is near or at the end of its service life for either architectural materials or plumbing fixtures.
- Your bathroom no longer fits the family in size, comfort, or functionality. Maybe your family has grown in number or age, either way remodeling your bathroom to accommodate changing family needs, creating a common solution for family members that need more space or more privacy.
- Leaky fixtures and outdated sinks/tubs/toilets are quietly siphoning water that may or may not be noticed as leaks. Also, consider that toilets can account for nearly 30 percent of an average home's indoor water consumption according to the EPA. This is an important issue to fix because moisture and humidity make the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Not only that, outdated fixtures are major water wasters - especially toilets and showers.
- An ineffective layout is a great reason to remodel any bathroom as designers now use space planning software to get the most functionality out of limited spaces. A streamlined bathroom might replace a bulky cabinet/sink combo with a pedestal version and a full tub/shower with a glass-enclosed step-in shower.
- Poor lighting that increases frustration for detailed tasks such as shaving and applying makeup may not seem important, but having excellent overhead lighting along with task lighting will make these daily activities easier and more enjoyable. For your family's safety, bathrooms should be well lit with dry floors and a minimum of sharp edges.
Bathroom remodeling can range from updating surface materials such as new flooring, paint, and cabinetry to a complete demolition of all the old fixtures, components, and finishes to create a completely new bathroom style with improved functionality. Either of these two options can use the help to a professional service that specializes in both design consultation and home remodeling.
Takeaways for the Homeowner
- Plan your lighting fixtures to include task, general/ambient, and accent lighting.
- Quality materials for the floor and countertops should be a priority.
- Water efficient fixtures can save thousands on your annual utility bills.
- Expect to get a return on your bathroom remodel investment when selling the home.
- Treat your family to a luxury feature such as a body spray or rain shower head.
When you need direction on how to remodel your bathroom, contact RWC Windows, Doors, and More for expert consultation and professional installations that will turn your outdated bath in a dream spa for the family.
Are There Window Options Besides Single Hung vs Double Hung?
Homeowners are starting to consider the many window options that are available for more than energy efficiency, but also for adding historical relevance or architectural beauty to a home. With the many different types of windows available, you can add stunning visual interest, such as when a bay window or large picture window is substituted for a pair of front-facing windows - the difference to both the house's interior and exterior can be quite dramatic.
Single Hung vs Double Hung Windows
Starting with the most common replacement windows chosen by homeowners, single hung and double hung windows are a popular option when replacing older sash windows. Double hung windows are operable by vertically sliding open/closed either the top or bottom panes. A single-hung window is less expensive and will have a fixed upper pane with a bottom sash that slides up for opening.
When comparing single vs double hung windows, you’ll notice that neither are energy efficient choices, especially when you consider that "heat gain and heat loss through windows are responsible for 25%–30% of residential heating and cooling energy use. " according to Energy.gov. If you are deciding between double or single hung windows, consider the following:
- Double hung windows are easier to clean, especially on upper-level floors
- Single hung windows are less expensive, sometimes up to 20% less
- Both will feature a tilt-out mechanism for exterior cleaning
- Double hung windows offer greater ventilation to homes
When you hire a professional to remodel your home, HGTV suggests that homeowners should "...select the style that looks most authentic — and most attractive — for your architecture." When it comes to style and function, homeowners have other window options besides double hung windows. Consider the following types of windows that can update your home's appearance, add more natural lighting, or return your home to an authentic architectural style.
Types of Windows and Home Styles
If you are considering replacing residential windows for more architecturally authentic options here are some types of windows and the home styles that designers and architects will pair together.
Picture Window - is a large span, fixed window that can be either rectangular or square and can replace a set of windows to allow more light into a main living area. You will often find a picture window on coastal homes in order to have an unobstructed, scenic view - but all contemporary homes, such as a ranch style, can easily incorporate a picture window, proving that picture window options are endless!
Casement windows - swing inward on a side hinge with a crank operator and will allow the freshest air to flow into your home. Cottages, beach homes, or any home in a warmer climate that will benefit from the cool evening or morning breeze that casement windows allow.
Bay windows - are beautiful projected windows that feature a larger center window flanked by two angled, side windows to create a light-filled, open space in a living room, sunroom, bedroom, or even a kitchen. Adding a bay window is a good home improvement project that will increase your home's appeal and resale value. When you install a bay window, you can create a quiet space for reading or bird watching by adding a padded window seat.
Awning windows - are smaller single pane windows that swing in from the bottom to open and can also double as a rain shield. Awning windows are great to add light to high ceiling rooms and as another method of ventilation. But awning windows are also perfect for rooms where you desire more privacy, making them perfect for bathrooms and basements.
House Window Types Takeaways
- Create a breathtaking view by replacing sash windows with a picture window.
- Add architectural detail to your home with a bay window installation.
- Casement windows are easy to clean and offer optimum ventilation.
- Victorian style homes will often feature awning basement windows
For the largest selection of architectural windows, including Marvin Infinity Windows manufactured with fiberglass and built for beauty and longevity, visit us at RWC Windows, Doors and More for best window options for home improvement. We have been proud window installers of the popular window types mentioned above, including bay windows, single hung, and double hung windows in New Jersey since 1959!