Vinyl Window Frame Repair: Common Problems & Solutions
Do you have a vinyl window that is in need of some repair? Well, there’s no need to stress about cracks, holes, chips, or broken seals. They can easily be repaired and save you hundreds of dollars compared to replacing the entire window. Vinyl windows are popular because of their superior insulation, ease of maintenance, and longevity. They are perfect for energy-efficient homes and stand up well against weather compared to wooden or fiberglass windows. It’s not often vinyl windows need repairs, but when they do there are a few common reasons why.
Common Problems
The most common issues to occur with vinyl windows are cracks, chips, dents, and seal failure. Cracks and holes tend to be more easily noticed than seal failure. A window with a damaged seal will have a layer of fog or haze on the glass. When this occurs, condensation builds between the panes of glass and will decrease your home’s energy efficiency. Small chips or cracks are generally not as big of a cause for concern. However, depending on the location and nature of the crack it can continue to grow and turn into a problem later on. If you’re unsure how the damage to your window was caused, it may be one of the following reasons.
Causes
Vinyl windows are naturally durable, so it’s not often they get damaged, but when they do it’s typically for a few common reasons. The first could be your new home settled in. New houses tend to shift or move slightly when or after being built and these small shifts usually go unnoticed. On occasion though, settling can cause an interior and/or exterior window frame to crack. Another reason for a cracked window frame could be it was struck by something. A wild pitch from a baseball or getting dented during the installation process. Finally, the weather. Depending on where you live, vinyl windows tend to be susceptible to damage from thermal expansion and contraction. This can cause seams in the window frame to split and cracks in the window frame to occur. No matter the cause, your vinyl window frame is in need of repair and now you can decide to do it yourself or hire a professional.
DIY Repair vs Professional
Depending on the severity of the crack or chip, you have the option to repair it yourself or hire a professional. There are a variety of do-it-yourself (DIY) kits you can purchase to repair your vinyl window. They typically range from $10-$25. Repair time only takes about 30 minutes and can be executed by following the instructions or following a how-to video online.
With that being said, some repairs are better left to a professional. When cracks and holes are too large, or you are not confident in your skills to properly fix the window frame yourself, it is probably the perfect time to call a professional. Companies, such as Surface Repair Service, ensure the damage is repaired properly and with professional-grade materials. Any damage to your window seal needs to be taken care of by a professional as soon as possible in order to preserve the energy efficiency of your home.