Window Won't Open or Is Stuck Shut
A window that won't open has a hardware fault, a swollen or painted-shut sash, or a frame that has shifted enough to bind the sash. For casement and awning windows, a seized operator is the most common cause. For double-hung windows, a painted-shut sash, a broken balance holding the sash down, or a warped frame are the most common causes. California's summer heat can cause frame expansion that temporarily binds windows that operate correctly in cooler months. CDW identifies the specific cause before recommending any repair.
Window Won't Stay Open — Falls Closed
A double-hung window that crashes closed when released has failed balances. The balance is the spring or block-and-tackle mechanism inside the window frame that counterbalances the sash weight and holds it in any open position. When the balance spring loses tension from fatigue or the mechanism corrodes from California's coastal humidity, the sash weight is no longer supported and the window falls. CDW replaces balances with the correct type and tension rating for the specific window's sash weight and size.
Window Won't Close or Latch
A window that won't close flush with the frame or won't latch has a sash that's swollen from humidity, a frame that's shifted out of square from seismic activity or foundation movement, or a latch keeper that's misaligned from frame movement. In California's coastal areas, wood sash swelling from marine layer humidity is a common seasonal cause of windows that suddenly won't close in late summer. CDW identifies whether the cause is seasonal swelling or a permanent frame change before trimming or adjusting anything.
Window Crank or Operator Broken
A casement or awning window crank that spins without moving the window has a failed operator mechanism. The operator translates crank rotation into the arm movement that opens and closes the sash. When the operator's internal gears strip or the mechanism seizes from corrosion, the crank continues to spin but the sash doesn't move. Coastal California's salt air is the most common driver of operator corrosion in California homes within a few miles of the ocean. CDW replaces failed operators with compatible replacements for the specific window brand and configuration.
Window Lock Won't Engage
A window lock that won't engage has a failed latch mechanism, a misaligned sash that prevents the latch from reaching the keeper, or a keeper that has shifted from frame movement. California's seismic activity is a common cause of window lock misalignment that appears without any visible damage, the frame shifts slightly and the latch and keeper are no longer aligned. CDW tests the full lock mechanism and sash alignment before recommending any lock replacement.
Window Letting in Drafts When Closed
A window that lets in drafts when closed is losing conditioned air continuously. In California's summers, that's air conditioning loss. In coastal areas, it also means salt air and moisture intrusion. The cause is almost always deteriorated weatherstripping, a frame seal gap, or a sash that's sitting slightly out of alignment. California's UV exposure degrades weatherstripping faster than most product ratings assume, particularly on south and west-facing windows. CDW inspects the weatherstripping condition, the frame seal, and the sash alignment before recommending any replacement.
Window Leaking Water Around the Frame
A window that leaks water during rain is allowing water to enter through a failed exterior seal between the window frame and the wall, a cracked or damaged frame, a failed sill, or a damaged flashing. Water intrusion at windows is particularly damaging in California's climate because the leak often goes undetected until it has produced wall and insulation damage behind the frame. CDW inspects all potential water entry points before recommending any repair.
Window Frame Rotted or Damaged
Wooden window frames in California's coastal areas and in regions with seasonal fog and marine layer exposure are susceptible to rot from sustained moisture contact. A frame that has begun to rot allows moisture to penetrate the wall structure and compromises the window's structural integrity. CDW repairs localized frame rot where the damage is contained and the frame structure is otherwise sound, and recommends frame or full window replacement where the rot has spread too far for repair.
Foggy Glass Between the Panes
A double-pane window that has gone foggy between the panes has a failed IGU seal. The fogging is moisture condensation inside the sealed glass unit, not on the surface. CDW replaces the IGU assembly in the existing frame. This is covered in detail in CDW's Window Glass Repair service, but it's also part of CDW's full window repair scope where the glass failure is one of several issues on the same window.
Window Screen Damaged or Missing
A damaged or missing window screen limits ventilation options in California's long warm season. CDW repairs damaged screen frames and mesh and replaces missing screens with correctly sized replacements for the specific window opening.