Home & Garden
Iowa Homeowners: Read This Before Fixing Your Broken Window
While some windows are easy to DIY, other installations require professional help.
Summer has landed in Iowa, but it might be a little while before we crank on the A/C. That's why now is a great time to address that cracked window pane.
But before you head to the home improvement store, it's important to know the type of window and frame you're dealing with. While some jobs are easy enough to DIY, others require professional help. Here's what you need to know.
Single Pane Windows
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A single window pane is the easiest to replace. While the process can be tedious and time consuming, it doesn’t require much carpentry or construction knowledge. Wooden frames are fairly easy to work with, aluminum is a bit more difficult and vinyl (though the most durable) will be the hardest to repair.
If you have a cracked pane, first locate the type of material and manufacturer for your window. They may be able to provide an instruction manual, or you can search online for a DIY replacement guide.
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Double Pane Windows
Replacing a double window pane is significantly more involved. Unfortunately, if one pane is cracked or broken, you’ll almost always need to replace both. If you see moisture appearing between the two panes of glass, you’ll want to replace the unit right away. This is the first sign a seal is broken.
As with single windows, you will likely be able to track down detailed replacement instructions. But in the case of double windows, it’s a difficult job that requires a large degree of finesse. If you’re pretty handy, you might consider a DIY job, but for most of us, this is a good time to call a pro.
Picture Windows
Don’t confuse picture windows with single-pane designs. These large windows can be extremely difficult to replace. Leave this delicate job to the pros. They will likely come with a small team to get it done. Materials are expensive and you’ll want it done right the first time. Don’t give it a whirl without proper training and equipment.
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