Window Types
There are many different types of windows. Here are the most common. Single Hung, Double Hung, Casement, Sliding, Awning, Bay/Bow, Skylight, Transom Picture, Floor to ceiling, Glass Block, Arched, Jalousie, Specialty Picture and Egress Windows. They are manufactured in wood, vinyl, aluminum, fiberglass and steel. There are hundreds of window manufactures and thousands of parts used in them. We specialize in matching up the proper parts needed and finding replacements parts when many become obsolete.
Unfortunately most window manufactures change their designs and the parts used in them often, and only carry the spare parts for about 10 years. Fortunately we have access to dozens of suppliers local and abroad. We’ll do our best to repair a window before it requires replacement. This gives you an affordable approach and avoids having to replace the window and send it to a landfill. Below are just some of the parts we can repair and replace.
Window Balance Replacement
One of the most common window parts that need replacement is the Window Balance. Almost every single hung or double hung (window that moves up and down) has a balance mechanism. This part allows the window to stay up when you lift it to open. If the window doesn’t stay up, tilts to one side, is to hard to lift or close and will not move at all, it’s likely to be the balance.
Balances used in vinyl windows are a Block and Tackle or Channel Balance style, Marvin wood windows use a sash balance tube, Anderson wood windows with a Tape or Counter balance, and Constant Force Coil Balance are used by several manufactures of vinyl and aluminum windows such as Milgard, Certainteed, Jeld-Wen, Pro Via. A simple Old double hung wood window uses a Sash Rope and Pulley system with a rope which rides over a pulley and is attached to lead weights inside the window frame.
Window Part Replacement
We specialize in replacing Window Operators also known as Control Arms or Openers. They are the components at the bottom of casement or awning windows. They push and pull on the window sash when you turn the inside crank clockwise or counter clockwise. The gears in these mechanisms often strip out leaving you with a window that will not close or open completely when you turn the crank.
Another repair specialty of our is fixing sliding patio door wheels or rollers. When doors are hard to open or are making a lot of noise, it’s usually the wheels. Wheels can wear out for several reasons such as a settling or sagging track, a warping frame, a build up of dirt, sand, dog hair, carpet fiber or just due to the lack of cleaning and lubricating. Replacing the wheels is much more affordable than replacing the door but in worse case scenarios we can do that to.
If your window lock is too lose, broken or missing and needs replaceemnt give us a call. We have several parts suppliers that stock common as well as not so common or obsolete parts. We are especially good at adapting parts when the original lock, handle, strike, keeper, or slide bolt is no longer available. We can also repair the broken off or dry rotted wood frames so the hardware can be attached again.
Weather stripping wears out over time and is a critical component of keeping the hot and cola air, water and dust out of your home. Is easily forgotten when addressing ways to improve the overall efficiency of your home and one of the least expensive items to repair. Weather strip is found behind and around most operating windows and doors. It can be made of soft silicone, vinyl or brush like piling. If you can see light coming through around the edges of your window or door openings then you more than likely have missing or damaged weather-strip.
Window Glass Replacement
We wouldn’t be a skilled window and door service if we didn’t also replace glass. We do Thermal Pane Glass also known as Double Pane and Insulated Glass Units, single pane glass (one layer of glass), Triple Pane glass (three layers of glass), in all brands of doors and windows. We even replace glass (not repair glass, because you can’t repair broken glass) in some of the most difficult doors and windows to work on that most shops chose not to work on. We also replace storm window and storm door glass, Skylight glass, sunroom or solarium glass and commercial door and window glass. It doesn’t matter how it’s held on, putty glazed into wood or steel windows, vinyl snap bead and tape glazed into vinyl, wood, aluminum, fiberglass framed windows or metal boot glazed into aluminum windows, we can do it.