It can be difficult to determine whether your windows should be repaired or replaced. While we can’t diagnose an issue or give a recommendation without examining your windows, there are a few signs your windows need to be replaced instead of repaired. The most common of these signs are:
If those issues sound familiar, schedule your free consultation to learn how replacement windows can transform your home.
Some window issues are small and can be fixed with a little elbow grease. Here are some video tutorials that will help you fix some common window problems:
This video will help you to learn more about the various features and proper operation of your new single-hung or double-hung windows.
Want to know more about the features of your new sliding window or how your new sliding window operates? Watch this video.
If your window drops after being placed in an open position, there’s an easy way to correct it. In this video, we’ll show you how.
In most cases a window that drops is due to the shoes coming off of the pivot bar. This is easily fixed following the instructions below:
NOTE: The shoe is spring loaded. Make sure to hold the shoe so that it doesn’t go all of the way up. You may need an additional person to help.
Now bring the sash down to the level of the shoe.
NOTE: Do not remove the sash unless it is absolutely necessary.
There are many several reasons why you could be having an issue with your window locks. Please review the scenarios listed below to correct your locking problem.
Household condensation, or “sweating”, on windows is a result of humidity comes in contact with a cold surface such as a mirror or glass window, it turns to water droplets and is called condensation. This is perfectly normal and all homes will occasionally have some condensation on their windows.
Keep in mind that excessive window condensation, frost, peeling paint, even moisture spots on ceilings and walls can be signs of excessive condensation and possibly damaging problems in your home. We tend to notice condensation on window and mirrors first because they are not porous and moisture cannot penetrate these surfaces. This is an indication that you may have a moisture problem that needs to be addressed.
You may be wondering why you see more moisture now that you have replaced your old, drafty windows with energy efficient ones. It’s simple really, your old windows were drafty and allowed humidity to escape. Now that your new windows create a much tighter seal, the excess moisture is unable to escape and therefore collecting on your windows. Again, windows do not cause condensation, instead they prevent humidity from escaping and provide an easy surface for condensation to collect.
There are many common things that generate indoor humidity such as your heating/air unit, humidifier, showers, etc. Everything you do in your home that involves water, like mopping the floors, contributes to the problem.
The condensation you see on your windows is more likely to occur where the outside temperature is much lower than the inside temperature. The greater the difference the greater the opportunity for condensation.
The best way to reduce condensation is to lower the humidity in your home. So, how much humidity is too much? The following table illustrates the recommended comfortable levels of indoor humidity during the winter months.
OUTSIDE TEMPERATURE | INSIDE REMITIVE HUMIDITY |
-20°F | 15 to 20% |
-10°F | 15 to 20% |
0°F | 20 to 25% |
+10°F | 20 to 30% |
+20°F | 30 to 35% |
(Indoor humidities can be measured with a humistat or psychrometer.)
Seal failure is when condensation makes it’s way between the two panes of glass. This is very rare, in fact most of the time the condensation is either on the inside or outside of the glass.
To get started, let’s confirm your windows have seal failure. Seal failure occurs when condensation gets between the two panes of glass. Luckily, this is very rare. Most of the time, condensation is either on the inside or outside of the glass. Before filling our Warranty Claim Request Form, make sure to use a cloth and clean both sides of the glass.
If you still see the condensation inside after a good cleaning, it’s time to fill out the form. You must have purchased your windows with a warranty that covers breakage & seal failure in order for replacement to be available.
If your window is broken, you will also need to fill out the form. To prevent injury, we recommend that you tape the broken window with a clear duct tape while your claim is being processed.
Glass breakage and seal failure replacement is only available if you purchased your windows with a warranty that covers breakage & seal failure. Once your claim has been filed it will take 2 or more weeks to receive a new sash. While your warranty is being processed we recommend that you tape the broken window with a clear duct tape to prevent injury. We will notify you as soon as the new sash has been received.
Window World windows carry a limited lifetime warranty. If we installed it, we’ll fix it. When those rare instances of disfunction occur, Window World of Southern California is there to take care of your needs.
If you’re having an issue with your windows that our tips didn’t fix, you can submit a warranty claim form to get expert repair from our crew.
1. Note the following stipulations of Window World’s warranty:
2. If your products do not fall into the exclusions listed above, you’re still eligible to make a warranty claim. To get started, locate the serial number on the Window World product(s) you need service on. Not sure where to find your serial number? Use the videos below to help you.
3. Make your claim. If you need immediate assistance, call us with your serial number and information about your products. For less pressing issues, you can call us or fill out our online warranty claim form.
To find the serial number label on your double-hung windows, lower the top sash. You’ll find the label inside the top of the frame.
Open the operative side sash and look at the top of the frame. You’ll find the serial number label along the inside track.
The serial number label is found along the inside track at the top of the frame, so turn the crank, open the window, and remove the screen.
Simple repairs, such as fixing a loose sash or replacing weatherstripping, can often be done yourself with the right tools and instructions. For more complex issues, we recommend contacting a professional installer.
If your windows are over 15-20 years old, have significant damage, or are not energy efficient, it may be more cost-effective to replace them. New windows can improve your home’s energy efficiency and increase its value.
Replacing all windows at once can be more cost-effective in the long run due to bulk pricing and reduced labor costs. It also ensures uniformity in appearance and performance. Learn more about our financing options to make your home improvement project more affordable.