Sagging windows are a common issue in homes with vinyl windows. So, what can you do about it? In this blog post, we’ll explain what causes windows to sag and offer some basic DIY fixes for sagging windows before you call a professional.

What Causes Windows To Sag?

Here are the most common causes of sagging windows:

• Improper installation: If even one corner is no longer at 90 degrees, the frame may be out of square. We often see improper installation with vinyl windows, which gradually leads to sagging.
• The sash is out of square: An older sash could be the culprit for this one. Proper glass blocking is essential for holding the sash rigid with 90-degree corners.
• The sash isn’t held square in the frame: This issue typically occurs with bow, bay and casement windows, since the hinges are on one side. The window may be impossible to mount perfectly square in the frame if the top and bottom hinges aren’t precisely located.
• The sash is settling: Every now and then, a homeowner experiences sash settling with their windows. Though it’s most prevalent with casement windows, sash settling can occur with other window types.

Best Ways To Fix Sagging Windows

Consider these quick fixes for sagging windows:

• Reset the windows: You’ll locate and remove the sash, find the balance shoe, locate the tilt pin and unlock the balance shoe. Next, reset the pin and adjust the lower sash to reset the window. As long as your window stays in place after moving it up and down, you should be set.
• Replace the balance shoe: An old or broken balance shoe can also cause sagging windows. You may need to replace it to restore proper functionality.
• Use L–brackets: One of the most effective temporary fixes is to add support to your sagging windows with L-brackets.

While these tips may seem straightforward, we always recommend calling a professional for assistance.

DIY window repairs can easily result in further damage. If you want normal operation and higher energy efficiency with your windows, play it safe and contact an expert for window replacement or repair.

Trust Us for Window Repair & Replacement in Indianapolis & Muncie

At Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we’re more than just another home service company. Our skilled team has you covered with garage door service, window and door installation, insulation and commercial services. You can count on us for unmatched integrity and expertise every time.

We proudly specialize in window replacement. We’ll inspect your sagging windows to determine if a replacement is necessary. If it is, we’ll discuss all your options, including the best windows from American Window and Great Lakes Window.

Call 317-842-7444 for window replacement in Indianapolis or 317-842-7444 to schedule window replacement in Muncie.

New windows can be a great upgrade for any central Indiana home, but they’re also an investment that should be carefully considered. The types of windows you choose, their size, their features and the materials they’re made from can all affect their final cost.

To stay within your budget, it’s important to know the factors that determine the cost of windows and where you may be able to trim the costs.

Window Styles

The types of windows you choose can significantly affect the cost. From a distance, single-hung and double-hung windows can look similar, but because double-hung windows have more moving parts, they can cost more.

Garden, casement, bay and bow windows all have features that, while attractive and desirable, can drive up costs. Fixed windows cost a bit less than operable windows, so they can be a bargain in areas that only need a bit of natural light.

Window Size

Smaller windows use less material and will be less expensive than larger windows. The costs increase significantly as you move from single-and double-hung windows to picture windows, bay windows and bow windows.

Frame Material

While the looks of real wood windows may be attractive, their costs and longevity compared to other materials can make them a less desirable option. Vinyl and fiberglass tend to be less expensive and more durable. Aluminum costs less than all three, but it may not have the aesthetic appeal of other materials.

Glass Options for Windows

Single-pane windows are the least costly option, but they can waste a lot of energy over the window’s life span. Double-pane windows, triple-pane windows, insulated glass, argon-filled glass and low-E coatings all add to the initial cost, but they can help save money and energy throughout the window’s service life.

Window Structure

A standard fixed, single-hung or double-hung window will be simple and easy to install, with minimal material and labor costs. But once you start upgrading to garden, bow or bay windows, you’ll need to consider the structure of both the window and the surrounding wall; some homes will need additional labor to support the weight of the window, which can add to the price.

Other Factors That Affect Window Costs

Other things that can increase the costs of your windows include custom materials or finishes, structural changes that require framing or insulation and installing new construction windows in an existing home.

Request a Quote for Replacement Windows in Indianapolis or Muncie

When you want high-quality replacement windows at competitive prices, turn to our team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie.

We feature top-quality replacement windows in various styles, including single-hung, double-hung, casement, sliding, bay and bow windows and more. All our windows include professional installation to provide the best performance and efficiency. Our company has been in business since 1921, proudly serving Indianapolis, Muncie and the surrounding communities.

Would you like an accurate estimate for your replacement window costs?

Call our experts at 317-842-7444 in Indianapolis, 317-842-7444 in Muncie or contact us online to request a quote today!

If your home has drafty windows, you could be paying more to heat and cool your home than necessary. Bitter breezes and hot air can also make some rooms very uncomfortable. The first step to getting rid of drafty windows is to figure out the cause. Here are some possibilities as well as viable fixes.

Factors that Cause Drafty Windows

• Warping: Windows lose their shape over time, especially those made of wood. Warping weakens the connection between the window and its frame, allowing air to seep through and create the drafts you feel.

• Single-pane glass: Advanced window technology today includes double- and even triple-pane windows filled with insulating gases and coated with special films. Insulated frames and expert installation all contribute to today’s high-efficiency windows. Unfortunately, older single-pane windows lack these features and are very poor insulators, causing air to transfer more readily through the glass and frame.

• Incorrect installation: Getting new windows in place is a delicate process you should leave to a professional. Attempting a DIY installation could result in drafty windows from day one.

How to Fix Drafty Windows

• Caulk and weatherstripping: These quick fixes are great for sealing gaps and cracks around warping windows. Caulk fills stationary cracks while weatherstripping helps the window close more tightly. You can install these inexpensive solutions without help from a professional.

• Storm windows or plastic films: To help keep out drafts in the winter, you have the option to install storm windows. This adds an extra pane of glass to help insulate against drafts. A less expensive alternative is to apply a plastic film to the inside of your window. The problem with this option is that you can’t operate the window until the film is removed in the spring.

• Replacement windows: Quick fixes and temporary solutions only work for so long. When you’re ready to do away with drafty windows once and for all, look into replacing them with energy-efficient windows! The upgrade pays for itself over time through lower energy bills and increased home value. New windows also make your home more comfortable, secure and soundproof.

To learn more about replacing your old, drafty windows in your central Indiana home, contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie today. We have a wide selection of multi-pane vinyl windows for you to choose from.

Window technology has come a long way in the past 100 years. Double- and even triple-pane windows filled with insulating gas improve home efficiency and help prevent condensation and ice from forming on the glass. However, if you live in an older home and still have single-pane windows, you could still experience ice on windows following a particularly bitter cold night.

Why Does Ice Form on Windows?

Glass is a cold surface that makes the air around it chilly. During the winter, warm indoor air has more moisture in it than cold outdoor air. Since cold air can’t hold as much water vapor, droplets condense on the window pane as the air around it cools. This is the same reason water droplets form on the outside of your lemonade glass on a hot summer day.

If outdoor temperatures get low enough and your windows allow enough of that cold air to pass through them, the condensation can freeze. This is how ice can form on the inside of your windows.

What’s the Problem with Ice on Windows?

Frosty glass is beautiful, but you shouldn’t welcome it. After all, when the ice melts as temperatures warms up outside, it drips down the glass and onto the sill. Water can rot wood windowsills or seep down into the wall, promoting mold and mildew that can rot away the structural integrity of your home.

How to Help Prevent Ice Buildup on Windows

Clearly, you don’t want ice on your windows. Here’s how to help prevent it:

• Weatherize your windows: Every fall, install storm windows to give your home an extra buffer against freezing outside air. Caulk any leaks that could allow cold air to enter.

• Run exhaust fans: Additional moisture in indoor air increases the likelihood of condensation and ice on windows. To remove excess moisture, run the kitchen and bathroom exhaust fan when you cook and shower.

• Keep the interior warm enough: Air near the windows won’t get cold enough for ice to form if you keep the thermostat turned up. If one room has a particular problem with ice forming on windows, run a space heater on cold nights to hopefully solve the problem.

• Replace your windows: If your efforts don’t pan out, or you simply want to improve your home’s energy efficiency, consider upgrading to double-pane windows.

To learn more about quality window replacement, please contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie! We offer a variety of double-pane windows from top manufacturers.

Double-hung windows are among the most common type of window installed in older homes. They have a rich history and remain viable windows to this day. Double-hung windows provide the convenience of opening either the top or bottom sash, making them great for ventilating children’s bedrooms, kitchens, living rooms and other areas.

Unfortunately, as with any type, double-hung windows sometimes succumb to certain problems.

Experiencing one of these problems?

Here are the signs you may need window repair or replacement.

• Broken balance springs: Because of their vertical operation, each double-hung window sash requires two balance springs to support their weight when open. A sash with a broken spring might be difficult to open, or the window may slide closed on its own. To allow the breeze back into your home without the need to prop open the window with a block of wood, seek double-hung window repair if you notice this problem.

• Swollen wood frame: If you have wood double-hung windows, the frame can swell when the air is more humid than usual. A visually undetectable amount of swelling can make it difficult to open and close the window. Even if operation returns to normal when the humidity level drops, you want your windows to function under any condition. A repair ensures you get your wish.

• Sticky sliding track: A double-hung window may become stuck simply because the sliding track needs lubrication. Add silicon or another lubricant to make the window open and close with greater ease. Remember to clean the sliding track before adding lubrication for the best results.

• Fogging: Windows of all kinds with two panes of glass, including double-hung windows, may experience fogging if the seal between the window panes fails. Moisture gets in between the glass and fogs up the windows from the inside so you can’t simply wipe them dry. A repair is often adequate to de-fog the windows without needing to have them replaced.

• Moisture problems: If a double-hung window leaks, moisture could slowly make its way inside, causing the frame to rot. Even if you have a rot-resistant window frame, the moisture could make its way to the wall and damage building materials there. If you find this happening, have the rotted sections of the frame replaced and the leaky portions of the window repaired.

If you determine you need double-hung window repair or replacement, contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie to schedule service from a professional.

Do some of the windows in your home “sweat?” This phenomenon occurs when condensation forms on the glass. Learn common causes for sweaty windows and how to prevent the problem.

Why Do My Windows Sweat?

• Condensation on the outside: Indianapolis summers get quite hot and humid. To stay comfortable, you probably blast the A/C, which removes heat and humidity from the air. The windows in your home are cooled by this air, and when hot, humid outdoor air comes in contact with it, the sudden change in temperature makes water vapor condense on the glass. This forms condensation on the outside of the glass.

• Condensation on the inside: Dropping temperatures and dry air that come with winter have you running the furnace and humidifier all day and night. Higher indoor relative humidity causes water is to condense on cold surfaces, including the interior of your windows. In fact, window sweating on the inside of the glass can occur anytime indoor relative humidity gets too high.

• Condensation between the panes of glass: Fogging and condensation occur between insulated window panes when the seal breaks. This is most likely to occur in older windows installed on the south or west sides of your home, since heat from direct sunlight often accelerates window seal failure.

Why Does It Matter?

Now that you know why windows sweat, you might wonder why it matters. Condensation on glass doesn’t do any harm (unless it’s constant and excessive), but when the moisture drips down onto the windowsill or seeps into the wall, that’s when you face trouble. Standing water can damage window frames, especially those made of wood. Even if you have rot-resistant windows, water can still dampen building materials in the wall, allowing mold and mildew to grow.

How to Stop Windows from Sweating

The key is to keep humidity levels fairly consistent between the inside and outside. To reduce indoor humidity in the summer, you can do things like run exhaust fans when cooking and cleaning, ventilate the attic, and avoid hanging laundry inside to dry. To reduce the impact of your humidifier in the winter, keep indoor relative humidity below 50% and cover your windows with curtains to reduce their contact with the warm, moist air. If your windows are always sweating and the condensation is excessive, you may need repair or replacement.

If your window frames have been damaged by condensation or you determine the window seals have broken, contact the team at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie!

The official start of winter (December 21^st, 2015) is over a month away—but the temperatures are starting to drop and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Winter is unofficially here, and it’s a good time to start thinking about saving! Then again, when is it not a good time to think about saving?

Many homeowners replace their windows around this time of year, before the temperatures drop too much and we start experiencing more extreme weather. But how should you go about the replacement process? Which products are best? How can you save money by installing new windows?

Tips for Saving Money on Windows

Whether you need to replace a broken window or are remodeling and installing multiple new windows, consider the following:

Keep Style & Material in Mind

Although saving money can be important, we don’t recommend price shopping for windows. Windows should be high quality, and it’s worth the bigger price tag. On average, single-hung windows tend to be less expensive than other types, but other styles—such as casement and awning—are more energy-efficient and can help you save in the long run. It’s the same case with materials, where some are more energy-efficient than others. Vinyl gets high marks in this category.

Always In: Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency isn’t a fad—it will always be a top priority for homeowners. Higher energy efficiency means higher long-term savings. There are many ways to ensure you’re installing energy-efficient windows. We highly recommend looking for:

• The blue ENERGY STAR® label
• U-factor and other ratings on the NFRC label
• Double-pane windows

You can save up to $465 a year when replacing single-pane windows and up to $111 when replacing double-pane windows (learn more).

Installation Is Important

Initial installation should not be underestimated or understated. If your windows are installed improperly, they not only can cost you money and compromise your home’s comfort but can also potentially cause structural integrity problems. It’s worth it to take the time and hire experienced installers rather than going for the lowest price. You’ll get what you pay for!

Not Every Option Is Necessary

We want to share one more tip from Consumer Reports that we think is worthwhile. Keep in mind that not every single option adds value and is right for your replacement project. Some options—like two panes and low-E glass—can be extremely beneficial and save you money, but triple glazing, for example, probably isn’t necessary unless you live in an extremely cold climate.

Window Replacement in Indianapolis

Here at Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie, we install ENERGY STAR qualified vinyl windows from leading manufacturers in a variety of styles, from double-hung to casement to bay. Contact us today to learn more about our products and get the ball rolling on your replacement!

You may also be interested in reading:

• ENERGY STAR® Windows
• NFRC Window Ratings & Energy Efficiency
• What Makes Windows Energy-Efficient?

When it comes to replacement windows, vinyl windows are some of the most desirable types available. This material is low-maintenance, efficient, resistant to rotting, and often one of the most affordable choices around.

But what if you choose one color today and change your mind down the road? What if you repaint your home’s exterior? Can vinyl windows be painted, or will you be stuck with window frames that clash with the new house color?

The answer depends on who you talk to. Painting contractors will likely say yes, you can paint vinyl windows, while window manufacturers are more likely to tell you no. The decision is ultimately up to you, but use caution and take the right approach.

 Considerations to Make Before Painting Vinyl Windows

Before you make your final decision about painting your vinyl windows, consider these points:

• Unless specifically stated otherwise, painting the window can void the manufacturer’s warranty.

• Color is more important than just creating a new aesthetic. Painting vinyl windows a dark color could cause irreparable damage to the material because it will absorb more heat from the sun. That’s why vinyl windows are most often available in white.

• If you attempt the job yourself and accidentally paint the weatherstripping, screen channels or jamb liners, window efficiency and operation could suffer.

Tips for Painting Vinyl Windows

If you decide you still want to paint your vinyl windows, it’s recommended to follow these guidelines to help prevent the paint from peeling:

• Thoroughly clean the vinyl surface of dirt and debris with water and soap.

• Apply an alkyd-based primer to the vinyl to help the paint bond to the rigid surface. Applying paint directly to the vinyl can cause the frames to flake and peel off pretty quickly since vinyl isn’t an ideal surface for painting.

• Choose a paint specifically designed for PVC. Stick to a relatively light color to prevent the material from overheating in the sun.

• Unless you’re sure about your paint choice, send a color chip to the manufacturer for an opinion. Keeping open communication could help preserve your warranty and give you peace of mind that you’re doing the job right. At the very least, take your question to a local painting contractor for their professional opinion.

For more tips about vinyl window replacements or taking care of vinyl windows, please contact Overhead Door Co. of Indianapolis & Muncie today.