It’s the worst possible scenario – it’s January and temperatures are dropping below freezing the day your window breaks. Sure, you can tape it up, but that isn’t going to do much to keep your home warm for long. The problem is that, depending on the severity of the situation, repairing windows takes time – a full home replacement typically takes six to eight weeks from measuring to completion. You need a temporary fix.
Until you can get the pros from Siding & Windows Group in to deal with the situation, there are a few steps you can take to keep warm and protect your home from the elements. Here are our expert recommendations.
Assess The Damage
The first thing you need to do when your window breaks is determine the severity of the problem. For example, if you just have a broken window pane, that’s a much simpler problem to fix than if there’s damage to the frame of the window. In fact, you can even install a new pane of glass yourself, as this is often quicker than waiting for a repair service to be available and doesn’t require significant expertise.
If you have custom windows or an unusual pane sizing, you likely won’t be able to find what you need in stores, so in that case, you’ll likely need to call a professional who can measure and order or cut glass to size for your window. This can take a few days, so you should board up the window for the time being to keep out the cold.
Finally, if the problem is with your window frame, you’ll absolutely need to call in a professional. Wooden windows, for example, are prone to rotting over time or may be subject to termites. Even the sun can cause wood casings to crack. If this is the problem, or if you have damage to a window frame made from a different material, you’ll likely need a complete replacement. This is why it’s important to paint wooden windows every few years – the paint helps to preserve the wood – but be sure not to accidentally seal up your windows with extra paint in the process.
Consider The Context
Another factor that will impact the length of time it takes to get your window repaired or a new window installed is the kind of siding your home has. It takes longer to install a new window in brick- or stucco-sided homes than it is to install one in a home featuring vinyl or James Hardie siding, simply because the former materials are more difficult to manipulate.
When replacing a complete window frame, you’ll also want to consider whether or not the windows in your home will match when the replacement is complete. Winter is a less than ideal time to do a full replacement job, but you may want to consult with your repair professionals about ordering a complete set so that all your windows match and you don’t encounter any further window problems in the near future. You can wait to complete the installation until it gets warmer – you don’t want to be tearing out all your windows in below freezing weather.
Warm It Up
Once you’ve determined the extent of the damage and called a professional, you’ll need some stopgap measures to keep your house warm until your window can be replaced. One of the best ways to do this is by hanging some heavy insulating curtains.
If you don’t already own insulating curtains, you may not want to invest in one (or more) just for the brief period that you have a broken window; but luckily, you can probably make your own from things you have around the house. First, make sure your broken window is well sealed up so you aren’t letting in any more of a draft than is necessary. From there you have a few choices.
For those with no sewing skills, you can cover the inside of the window with a tarp and then hang a spare comforter or several heavy towels over it and secure them around the window. This will help your home retain a surprising amount of warmth.
Those who are more DIY-inclined have a few more options. One is to make a Kume curtain, an incredible four-layer window covering that will require a few inexpensive supplies, such as polar fleece, and wooden battens – and there’s no sewing involved. You can also sew a simple curtain using plain fabric and quilt batting for warmth.
Does your Chicago area home have damaged windows that need to be replaced? Unsure of where to start?
Click here to see our “Replacement Windows Buying Guide” to get started.
Block It Off
Finally, while you await a repair, you may want to block your window so no one gets hurt on it, especially if you have children in the house. Put a multi-sided baby gate around it or block it off with furniture. In fact, putting a high-backed chair, shelf, or another large piece of furniture in front of a broken window can also help keep the cold out, in the same way that blocking your heating vent will prevent your home from warming up.
Bring In The Pros
While dealing with your broken window, your window installation professionals from Siding & Windows Group will likely be in and out of your home, assessing the situation, measuring the window, and helping you determine the course of your repair. But don’t worry – we want to get things fixed as quickly as you do! By putting your home in the hands of experienced professionals, you ensure that the job will be done properly, with high-quality materials, and that you’ll receive the superior service you deserve.
If you’re having an emergency window problem or trying to ward one off at the pass, contact Siding & Windows Group today. We can provide a quote for the job, as well as our best estimate on a timeline for repairs. And with over three decades of experience, we have a deep understanding of the ins and outs of every type of repair job.
This winter, don’t trust some spring chicken with your window repairs – turn to the name you can trust with Siding & Windows Group. Calling on experience is always the right decision.