Can this be repaired ???
by
Heather B
+24
See pictures - Rotted area - had someone try to "fix" with wood putty - then when rain came covered it with duck tape.... What a mess! Now what?
25 answers
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Heather, Looks like the simple solution is to just replace the windows, sorry. Duct tape?
Courtier Construction
on Sep 18, 2011
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Why is replacing the simple solution? Not being flippant - just seems costly and wastful
Heather B
on Sep 18, 2011
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I'd say replace them also. They are in pretty bad shape. New windows (oops) AREN"T as expensive as you my think. But, I understand your plight. I have a friend who helps me with my DIY projects, so I just buy the items that I need. But. I know you may not have that luxury.
Stephanie P
on Sep 18, 2011
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Looks like you have builder grade windows....wooden ones that were never caulked and painted properly. I can't really tell from the pics but it looks like the small strip that has rotted and been puttied (looks like someone used bondo on it) can be repaired...just cut a new strip and piece it in...caulk & paint. If the rot has continued down into the sash...the main part of the wood around the window glass...you'll have to replace it. If that's the case...you might try Plantation Millworks in Lilburn...they've made tons of replacement windows for me. If you think it can be repaired...we can take a look at it for you. I'll be in Suwanee this weekend to look at some work for a client who just bought a house where we did the inspection repairs for the buyer.....all the best!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Sep 19, 2011
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I sent and email to you - I want to take you up on your offer to come take a look. Thx
Heather B
on Sep 20, 2011
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Sure Heather...I will be over that way this weekend meeting the buyers on a house we did repairs on....people tend to pass us around!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Sep 21, 2011
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The sash (sliding part) has the issue not the whole window. Since the '80's we have had problems with this particular design. The little wood strip holding the glass is too small to be stable. It moves, breaking the seal with the glass and allows water inside the sash. It looks like your sash is salvageable with a new strip (I have seen these made from PVC). Best, Charles
Peace Painting Co., Inc.
on Sep 21, 2011
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wow what a mess is correct ,,,,,,replace ,,to ensure ,,weatherproof,,and efficiency,,,,,,,
Wally Daly ,,Mastercarpenter,artist
on Sep 24, 2011
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I actually took a look at this window and it can be repaired....so we'll go ahead and repair and save the owners some money. It looks ugly but the rot is limited to the mullion/trim piece that holds the thermopane insert in place. A good learning curve for homeowners to have someone interested in saving you some money....more someone who can partner with you like HandyANDY...take a look first and see if we can't repair instead of replace. We're more on the handyman repair and small improvement side of things so keep us in mind for those!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Sep 25, 2011
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Anything can be repaired, but at what cost and how much time... Your better served putting in a new window.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 26, 2011
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Not at all....we will repair it for $100. For us, the repair makes sense and a bunch of the neighbors will end up using us as well. Alot of times you are right Woodbridge...but too often contractors go for the larger ticker sale or lack the skills to make the repair (not saying you are - that's just what happens in Atlanta alot). If it makes sense to, we'll offer it to the client both ways and let them choose.
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Sep 26, 2011
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I would agree with you on this HandyANDY but I guess what really determines if it should be fixed or not is what the area overhead is for a company. In the northeast I cannot send out anyone for less then $75 per hour because of my fixed overhead costs, insurance, phone, truck, etc. And even with the best of luck by time you repair the trim again assuming you can, were looking at at least two hours, plus material to fix something that may not be worth fixing. However for the one or two man operation that specializes in the small job market, then that would make sense both on cost and possible future work it generates.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 26, 2011
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This just explains why I and many others have been so apprehensive about contractors - and why this forum has been helpful. I want a solution that is best for me and my situation. If the right solution isn't right for the contractor, I rather they let me know know and not sell me something I don't need. That is just wasteful of both time and materials. If you give me good advise, I am more likely to refer you or use you on another job. Thx
Heather B
on Sep 26, 2011
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this was a fascinating exchange and i think what this site is all about
Chezwhick
on Sep 26, 2011
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from marietta to suwanee,,,
Wally Daly ,,Mastercarpenter,artist
on Sep 26, 2011
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Wow - so missing the point, not proving a point
Heather B
on Sep 26, 2011
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What I think Wally, and he can correct me if I am wrong, was saying was that for a company such as his as well as many others, fixing something such as your window would not only would become way to expensive for them to do, just because of time travel and to look at the job and not even begin to work up price etc. This is why companies such as HandyAndy can develop a good business as they are set up to do this type of work, oftentimes right on the spot and with lower overhead then some of us slightly bigger guys. While you seem to understand this concept well, many customers just do not understand that it costs us as contractors to travel, keep the lights on, pay payroll, insurance etc, and then provide price quotes without even the slightest chance of getting the job as we cannot compete against those who just do the smaller projects. And even those guys rely on steady work to pay their bills. If they miss a few days it hurts them fast. And with economy these days, it does not take to long for them to go out of business. This oftentimes is why some contractors never call back, they simply cannot afford to tie up their time with these types of projects, even if it means that they could get more work from neighbors out of it. It simply does not fit their type of business profile or way they do work. I know as a contractor I too end up spending way to much time on talking just to explain to people why I cannot do their job for them. And for some companies the difference of helping people out and doing a larger job can make them or break them quite fast.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Sep 26, 2011
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Then I will leave you with this - don't underestimate the common sense of the person asking the question. No one is asking for someone to do work for nothing or at a loss. If a question leads to someone getting a job, that's great. Remember the question was "can this be repaired" not can you do this for X $. Hopefully I will have results to share with others - good or bad, using a contractor or not.
Heather B
on Sep 26, 2011
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This forum is a wonderful exchange of ideas and provides insight back & forth into the mindsets of potential clients and contractors. Woodbridge is correct...for me to send a crew/handman over to Suwanee for this...I'd be losing about $200 on the transaction but my mindset is different and this potential client is a great example. I sent myself and I'll make the piece I need at home for the next trip out. Many potential clients are apprehensive of even talking to contractors based on their own experiences. They've all been robbed at some level, handled poorly, had a project bungled and God knows what else...all the hands of someone claiming to be a contractor. In a hot economy, the losers among us can stay in business....these days many will manage to survive but only the strong, smart, value-oriented and client-oriented will grow. We can all learn one from the other here....that's why I put the time into this outlet. My business is different than many of yours....but some of the points Woodbridge raises are valid and should be well taken by contractors doing as I do....as for most of you, it's a recipe to go out of business. For any of us to be successful, we need to balance profit & loss and direct time & energies towards activities which further the business. I view contracting as more of a consulting & counseling business. I genuinely love houses and helping people so it's a good fit for me. I work with realtors all over metro Atlanta, not just because they like me but because HandyANDY has proven itself good for their business. I have not always been focused on the dollar and still am not. But many times, even people who know of HandyANDY, potential clients are auditioning us with some small repair that no one else wants...to see how we do and then ask about the basement, kitchen, deck or bathroom. It's a test guys and a smart one. I often now add video and pictures for the clients to review themselves or with other contractors...all free of charge. If we're the best fit, then we will get the job. More importantly, almost every single person I interact with...refers HandyANDY to someone else. I'm very proud of HandyANDY and what we have tried to accomplish here and I am not the least bit slighted by what anyone has to write. I'm here to learn and no better than most of you. HandyANDY was never about making me rich...I've had that and it's not all that it is made out to be...I wanted to feel fulfilled and to create a company where workers and clients felt valued. In understanding me, remember at some level I am a modern day Don Quiote. I am foolish at times, no doubt from a strictly business perspective...and that's okay. It's all about perspective though....most of us are trying to generate business right now. If you can't make money on the small repairs...send them to guys like me...I want those. Find your "sweet" spot..what you are good at, have a passion for and build your business around that. Don't try to chase dollars but build something you and others can believe in. I'm a 4th generation contractor and still learning something new every single day. I love this business and it's challenges and will be doing it for as long as I can. I think it is a privilege for me to help homeowners like Heather...while some of you may think it a privilege for them to have you. Final thought....we're talking dollars now. Many of you pay money for leads...right? How much is that cost? Now you bought the lead, still have to drive out & look, still have to compete and still probably wasted your time..at least on that job. I drive somewhere...chances are I have something else going on in the area. I was already working a few miles from Heather's house on Saturday. At least 100 people saw my HandyANDY truck in the neighborhood....another neighbor took my card and another stopped me on the street to ask if I could look at something else. An old client saw the truck and it reminded her to call me. Others saw me walking the roof....and are now waiting to see how the work goes. Tell me the dollar value there? You can't...but I bet you over time HandyANDY will see $1,000s in income just from that one visit. In the end, some of us may not be as different as you think.....just going about it differently....seize the day!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Sep 27, 2011
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I'm curious Heather, did you get your window reapired? Or did you end up replacing? Post pictures for us. Thanks, Jason
Rivermoore Partners, Inc.
on Feb 21, 2012
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Nope...not yet but we're supposed to be doing the repairs in the next couple of weeks!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Feb 22, 2012
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We did get it repaired last year and do several sash repairs like this every month...in metro Atlanta I'm pretty sure we are the only firm that makes these types of repairs. Everyone else just wants to replace the windows. You'll see the repaired window 4 minute mark in the video!
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Mar 25, 2013
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ML2Nth5uzUE&feature=share&list=UUtrS3hv_g68T2ER-uZaNdAg
HandyANDY - Handyman & All Repairs, LLC
on Mar 25, 2013
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how long is the repair warranted versus a new window being installed? Being from the freezing thawing part of the country, "repairs" tend to be bandaids that last a year of two. Almost like a piece of 15# felt over an 8 inch hole in the roof wood be.
Bob Staley
on Dec 29, 2013
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The first step is to correct why the rain is hitting the window. What is above the window? Are the gutters clean? Instead of replacing the whole window take measurements and look for someone getting rid of their old windows. Just replace the pane.
Irish53
on Nov 16, 2014
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