Do you have a broken window in your home? If so, doing something about it ASAP is going to be of the utmost importance!
If a window breaks and you don’t repair or replace it immediately, it could make your home less energy-efficient than you want it to be. It could also serve as a big security risk.
To avoid having these things happen, you should spring into action right away and do either window repair or window replacement. It’ll stop a broken window from taking a huge toll on your home in a short period of time.
Today, we’re going to lay out the 10 specific steps that you should take when replacing windows in your home. Take a look at them below and put them to good use at the very first sign of trouble with a window.
1. Stop Using a Window When You Notice It’s Broken
When a window breaks, it might be impossible to continue using it. You won’t have any other choice but to steer clear of trying to open or close it.
But if a window only has, say, a window crack as opposed to completely broken glass, you might be tempted to keep on using it. You shouldn’t do this under any circumstances!
If you don’t stop using a window after it breaks, there is a decent chance that it’s going to break even more in the near future. And it could cost you more to fix and put you in harm’s way if you’re not careful. It’s why you should stop using a broken window altogether.
2. Inspect the Window to See What Might Be Wrong With It
If you suspect that a window is broken, you should always make an effort to get to the bottom of what’s wrong with it. It’ll bring you one step close to deciding whether you need to do window repair or window replacement.
In some instances, it won’t be hard at all to figure out what’s wrong with a window. It’ll have a big crack in it or the lock on it will be broken off.
But in other cases, it might not be that obvious. You might have to tinker around with a window to see which mechanisms in it aren’t working in the way they’re supposed to.
3. Find Out If the Window Can Be Repaired
Once you figure out what’s wrong with a window, you can choose to either have it repaired or replaced. You should always try to fix a window rather than replacing it at first.
Replacement windows are going to cost you anywhere from $300 to $700 on average. So you should see if you can get around paying that kind of money for a new window by repairing your old one instead.
You should be especially diligent about trying to repair a window that isn’t that old yet. You should be able to breathe some life back into a broken window that is still on the newer side.
4. Hire the Right Window Repair Company to Fix the Window
Unless you have experience when it comes to repairing windows, you shouldn’t try to fix a window on your own. You should reach out to a window repair company that can lend a hand to you.
It shouldn’t be too tough to find one. There are upwards of 25,000 window companies scattered throughout the country as of right now.
Google “Window replacement near me” to see which companies operate in your area. Then, do your homework on each of them so that you’re able to choose the one that looks like your best option.
If a window breaks and it can be fixed, this company should be cut out to fix it for you without a problem. They can help you save some money in the process.
5. Consider Replacing a Window When It Breaks
Fixing a window as opposed to doing window replacement is going to be a great option in many cases. But there will be some times when you’ll want to do window replacement instead of repairing a window.
You should consider replacing a window when:
- It’s seemingly broken beyond repair
- It’s going to cost almost as much to repair it as it would to replace it
- It’s very old and on its last legs
You’re likely going to be wasting your money if you repair a window when it falls into any of these categories. Replacing it is going to be your best bet.
6. Search for a Replacement Window Company You Know You Can Trust
If you’re going to replace a window, the next step you’ll want to take is tracking down a window replacement company. You can take the same approach that you would take to trying to find a window repair company when looking for this company.
Simply Google “window replacement services near me” and see who might be able to help. By doing a little bit of research on your local window replacement companies, you should be able to narrow down your options to just one.
Just be sure that you end up working with a full service window replacement company. They’ll do the best job while working on replacing a window for you.
7. Come Up With a Budget for Replacing a Window
A good window replacement company is going to be able to show you a wide range of windows. They’ll all come with wildly different price tags on them.
To ensure that you don’t spend more than you can afford to on a new window, you should create a budget for yourself from the beginning. You should also let your window replacement company know what your budget is so that they can help you stick to it.
As we alluded to earlier, certain windows can get to be very pricy. Your budget will guarantee that you don’t get out of hand and buy a window that is out of your price range.
8. Pick Out the Right Replacement Window for Your Home
What kind of window would you like for your home? Do you want one made out of:
- Vinyl?
- Wood?
- Fiberglass?
- Aluminum?
Also, would you like a:
- Single-hung or double-hung window?
- Sliding window?
- Awning window?
- Casement window?
- Bay window?
There will be lots and lots (and lots!) of different types of windows that you can choose from when you’re in the market for one. Your window replacement company can walk you through them and help you decide which one you should go with.
9. Leave the Window Replacement Process Up to the Professionals
In an effort to save a few bucks while installing a new window in your home, you might make the decision to try and install it yourself. This is almost always a very, very bad decision!
If you have experience installing replacement windows, you might be able to get away with doing it. But otherwise, it’s a job that you should leave up to the professionals.
If you attempt to install a window on your own and you don’t know what you’re doing, you might accidentally break it and cost yourself a lot of money. You might also void the warranty on your window.
You’re better off letting a window replacement company assume all the risk while installing a new window in your home. They’ll make sure that it gets done right so that you don’t have to worry about a thing once it’s in place.
10. Avoid Breaking Your New Window Once It’s Been Installed
After a window breaks and you have it repaired or replaced, the last thing that you want to have to do is go through these ten steps again! It’s why you should go above and beyond to avoid breaking your new window once it’s installed.
You can steer clear of breaking a window by keeping pets and kids away from it. You can also keep it intact by being extra careful when you open and close it.
You should also prepare to clean and maintain your new window over time. It should keep your window in great shape and prevent you from even having to think about repairing or replacing it anytime soon.
Take These Ten Steps as Soon as a Window Breaks
A broken window isn’t something that you should take lightly. You’ll be asking for trouble if a window breaks and you fail to react to it.
Start with step one on the list that we’ve provided for you here and go from there. It should put you in the perfect position to either repair or replace your window in no time at all. It’ll also help you avoid having to deal with more window-related problems down the line.
Would you like to lock down some more useful tips and tricks that will allow you to take better care of your home? Search for them by sifting through the other articles that we’ve posted on our blog.
