Screen Repairs
Like numerous other materials in and around your home, window and door screens have a limited lifespan.  But, a tear or hole in your screen doesn’t mean it’s time to buy a new one.  Here are some tips to easily repair damaged areas on your own:

Small Hole Screen Repair
For very small holes (size of a pencil eraser), use clear nail polish to seal the hole shut.  For larger holes (size of a half dollar), apply waterproof caulking or clear, all purpose household glue.  Apply the caulking or the glue in think layers, allowing each to dry, so they can adhere to the screen properly.

Torn Screen Repair
Use a needle and thread to easily fix a slit or tear in your screen.  Be sure to match your thread color to the color of your screen.  As you sew the hole shut, keep the thread taut enough so that the area you are repairing does not sag, but don’t pull too tight as this may cause further damage.

Large Hole Screen Repair
Use leftover screen material or purchase a patching kit from a hardware or home supply store to repair a screen with a large hole.  Make sure patching material matches your screen material, i.e. use a metal patch for metal screens, a fiberglass patch for fiberglass screens. Be sure to read the manufacturer's instructions in order to achieve the best results. Use sharp scissors to trim the ragged sides of the hole. Then, cut a patch that will completely cover the damaged area, plus extend beyond it about a quarter of an inch all the way around. Use the adhesive that's included in the kit (or some clear household glue if you're using a piece of scrap material) and secure the patch into place.

Are your screens irreparable?  Let a WindowPro professional assist you in choosing the best screens for your home, and your budget. Set an appointment now!

Replacing Broken Glass
WindowPro can assist you with replacing your broken glass.  Set an appointment now or if you prefer to do-it-yourself, here are some quick tips for replacing a broken pane of glass:

1. Tape newspaper to the opening and use an old chisel to remove the broken glass and old glazing compound.  You can soften compound with a heat gun or soak it with linseed oil, if necessary.  Also pull out glazier's points using a pair of pliers.  Clean and sand the wood, and coat it with sealant.  
2. Measure the exact size of the opening and deduct 1/8 inch in both directions when ordering a replacement.
3. Roll glazing compound between both hands to form a long, skinny snake. Run this around the perimeter of the opening and press with a putty knife to make a bed for the new pane.
4. Press the replacement glass into the compound and seat it firmly. Use a putty knife to press glazier's points into the sash every 4 to 6 inches to hold the glass.
5. Use your fingers to apply compound around the perimeter, then smooth it at an angle with the putty knife, to match other panes (wet the blade if necessary). Allow to cure about one week, then paint.

 Loose Window Sash
Windows that won’t stay up are a common problem due to wood shrinkage over time and wood wearing down from repeated use.  Replacing the parting track with a new one is often the solution.  An easier fix is to add an insulation strip to the face of the old parting strip, as it may take up just enough slack in your window, and it adds a measure of protection against the elements. Contact a WindowPro professional today and we’ll help you choose the solution that’s best for you. Set an appointment now.

Condensation and Energy Efficiency
Condensation occurs on the inside surface of glass whenever the temperature of the surface is below the dew-point temperature of the air.  Although energy efficient windows have a low occurrence of condensation because of their thermal qualities, sometimes condensation forms between panes due to broken sealing or cloaking (efficiency improvements to windows will not prevent condensation if the humidity level in your house is too high).

Reducing condensation is a significant benefit offered by energy efficient windows. Condensation can lead to the growth of mold and other harmful bacteria that can trigger allergies or asthma. Mold is both unsightly and highly toxic, but energy efficient windows actually reduce the opportunity for condensation to form and cause mold. 

Energy efficient windows stay warmer in the winter, so they are less likely to generate condensation.   Several factors contribute to this. One is the double and triple glazing, or panes, of energy efficient windows. This extra glazing provides a barrier between the outside temperature and the indoor temperature.  Another benefit of energy efficient windows is that they do not require any special maintenance. Unless a glass pane or seal breaks, your windows will remain productive throughout their lifetime. 

Let a WindowPro professional assist you in choosing the right energy efficient windows for your home, and your budget. Set an appointment now.