How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows can break due to a variety of reasons. You can usually get your window working again by following a few simple steps.

Tape is the simplest method to repair any cracks. Alternatively, you can purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more durable.

Cracked or Broken Panes

A broken or cracked window isn't just unattractive it can also cause air leaks in your home, allowing bugs, rain and wind to get into. If the window is double-paned this could be particularly harmful as it damages the insulation the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain a an ideal temperature inside your home.

Cracks can form in your windows due to a variety of reasons, including the weather and impacts. A fall hitting the glass, or pressure changes within your home, may cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane is not damaged. This kind of crack is called a pressure crack and can be identified by a curving shape similar to an hourglass.

Stress cracks may also form between the outside and inside layers of double pane windows. Extreme temperature differences, especially in winter, or excessive pressure on the glass may cause these types of cracks.

There are a few quick fixes for broken or cracked window panes to keep out wind, water, and bugs while you plan a permanent solution. You can use a piece cut to the size of a shower curtain to cover the crack. This isn't very attractive, but will keep your home warm until you are able to afford an even more permanent fix.

You can also apply the glass adhesive, which is usually used to seal windows in vehicles. It can be used at home too. You can buy this online or at most auto repair shops and follow the manufacturer's directions for applying it to your window. This type of fix is a little more labor-intensive, but it can last for many years and prevent the crack from getting worse. You might want to consult with a professional based on the severity of the crack in your window.

Water Infiltration

When a window leaks it can damage the appearance of your home and cause mold, water stains and other damages. If you notice water spots or staining on the walls near the window, it's likely that you should call an expert to look into and repair the problem. In certain cases, it may be necessary to replace the window entirely.

Leaks around windows are usually caused by poor installation or the use of poor quality materials, healthndream.com like building paper or housewrap instead of properly designed flashing. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame is not inclined downwards to drain water away from the house.

If you spot a leak, it is essential to examine both the interior and exterior of your house. Examine for decayed wood around the window or sills, damp walls, and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these issues it is likely the leak originates outside your window and has been leaking for some time.

A good caulking job can assist in repairing minor leaks that happen around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking on your own however, you'll have to thoroughly clean the area to ensure that the caulking is properly sealed. In certain situations it may not be enough to stop a leak especially if it's an ongoing issue.

Contact a reliable Dearborn company for window repair if find that your window is leaky. They will be able complete an assessment of the entire situation and let you know whether the leak is due to the window or is an issue that is with the roof, siding or gutters. They can also help you determine if it is worth attempting to repair the window or if it would make more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and evaluated the damage, they will provide advice on how to care for your windows.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just ugly, they can be a serious energy efficiency issue. Water evaporates on a cool surface, such as glass, forming fog. This can occur naturally when warm, moist air in the home meets cold air. When window panes become foggy the hermetically sealed insulation gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows may also cause calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks appearing on the window repairs Hillingdon.

One common remedy for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window, which could assist in removing some of the moisture that is in the air. However, this does not solve the root issue of a damaged seal and won't stop future window fogging.

Another popular remedy is to make holes in the window and use a drain snake encased in pantyhoses to clear the condensate that is trapped. It's a costly cosmetic fix that is effective. It does not replace the gas in between the panes and will leave behind deposits and stains on the window.

There are many reasons why windows with double panes can begin to fog. Damage to the seal due to the frames being sanded or pressure washing can cause the break, and it is possible that the gas/air hermetically sealed has deteriorated over time, especially in older homes.

Many manufacturers offer a warranty to fix or replace damaged windows. However the window that you have been in place for ten or 20 years and has become hazy, it might be too late to make claims.

The best option to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a new, high-quality window that will not have any problems with a faulty seal. This will result in clean, clear windows and a better energy efficiency. There are other advantages, including warmer homes and lower cost of energy. Working with a window contractor with experience will ensure you get a quality window. A professional with experience will make sure that the measurements are correct and will install a window that is long-lasting and reliable.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows can be a serious problem that can raise your heating bills in winter, and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort within your home, and may cause health issues. Window drafts result from cracks or gaps in the frame and window panes. These cracks allow warm air to escape your home and cold air to enter, increasing the need for your furnace or AC to perform more efficiently to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Problems with the weather stripping or seals around the frame could cause drafts. This is common in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. Most of the time, this is corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.

Another reason that can cause drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in double or triple paned windows has been broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This could be an expensive issue to fix and could require the services of a professional window replacement service in Glenview or other areas in the area.

The flame of a candle can be used to locate a drafty or cold window. Move the flame around the edges of the window frame and note any spots where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you determine the source of the draft.

Re-caulking and adding weather stripping can help to reduce drafts. However, more complex issues with the seals on your windows or panes may require a full replacement. Consult with a window replacement expert to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and properly installed. This is the only way to know that you'll save money on your energy bills all year round! Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window installation and replacement services. We're happy to give you a a free estimate! We look forward hearing from you!