How to Repair a Window
Whether from kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows can break for a variety of reasons. You can usually restore your window by following a couple of simple steps.
The simplest solution is to use tape to cover any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair films that are similar to tape, but more durable.
Broken or cracked Panes
A broken or cracked window isn’t just ugly – it can also create an air leak in your home that allows wind, rain and bugs to get into. Double-paned windows are especially vulnerable to damage because they can ruin the insulation provided by the glass and cause your AC or furnace work more hard to maintain an ideal temperature in your home.
Cracks can appear in your windows due to a range of factors, including weather conditions and impact. A fall from an object hitting the glass, or even just pressure changes in your home can cause the outer layer of the window to break, whereas the inner pane remains in place. This kind of crack is called a pressure crack. It can be identified by a curving form, similar to an hourglass.
Stress cracks may also form between the exterior and interior layers of windows with double panes. These kinds of cracks could be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations especially in winter, or if the glass is under the pressure of a high level.
If you have a window that is cracked or broken There are a few short-term fixes to help keep water, wind and bugs out while you think of a long-term solution. You can cut a piece to the size of a shower curtain to cover the crack. This isn’t very appealing, but it will keep your home warm until you can afford the more permanent solution.
For a longer-lasting option you can choose to use glass adhesive, which is usually used for window repairs in vehicles, but also works at home. You can buy the adhesive online or at many auto repair shops. Then, follow the instructions to apply it to your window. This kind of fix is a little more labor-intensive, but it can last for many years and can stop the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the degree of the crack in your window, you may want to consult a professional.
Water Infiltration
If a window is damaged, it could ruin the appearance of your home and cause water stains, mold, and other damage. If you spot water spots or streaks of stains on the wall close to windows, it’s likely time to contact a professional to inspect and repair the problem. In certain cases, it might be necessary for the window to be replaced.
The most frequent cause of leaks around windows is improper installation or the incorrect use of certain materials like housewrap or construction paper instead of flashing that is properly designed. It could be that the sill on the bottom of the frame has not been angled downwards to drain the water away from the home.
If you find leaks, it is important to take the time to look at both the interior and exterior of your house. Look for areas of rot in the wood that surrounds the window, damp walls and Window Repairs sills and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these signs it is likely the leak originates outside your window and has been running for some time.
A well-executed caulking job will help to resolve many minor leaks that happen around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking on your own however, you’ll need to thoroughly clean the area to ensure a good seal. This may not always be enough to stop the leakage, particularly if you’ve got an issue that has been going on for a long time.
If you notice that your window is leaking then it is crucial to contact a reputable Dearborn window repair company. They will be able to provide an assessment of the entire situation and tell you if the leak is caused by the window or window repairs if it is an issue that is related to the siding, roof or gutters. They can also help you determine if it is worthwhile to try fixing the window or if it is more sensible to replace it. After the experts have evaluated and completed the repairs, they’ll be able give you suggestions on how to care for your windows in the future.
The windows are smudges. Up Windows
Foggy windows can be more than just a visual issue. They can also pose an energy efficiency issue. The cause of fog is water vapor condensing on a cold surface, such as glass. It can happen naturally when warm, moist air from the home is paired with cold air. If windows become hazy the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They are less efficient. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits and other unsightly streaks on the window.
A common solution for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier near the window, which could assist in removing some of the moisture from the air. This does not solve the underlying problem of a broken window seal and won’t prevent further fogging.
Another method is to drill holes into the window and use a drain snake wrapped in pantyhoses to clear the trapped condensation. This is a viable option but it’s costly and is merely cosmetically correct. It does not replace the inert gas between the panes, and will still leave behind stains and deposits on the window.
There are several reasons why windows that has double panes could become cloudy. The seal could be damaged by cleaning the frames with sandpaper or pressure. It is also possible that the hermetically-sealed air/gas has degraded with time, especially older homes.
A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to fix or replace damaged windows. However, if your window has been in use for more than ten years and is now hazy it may be too late to make an claim.
The best way to fix cloudy or foggy windows is to replace windows. A new, high-quality replacement window will not have issues with the seal being defective. This will result in clear, clean windows and a better energy efficiency. There are additional benefits, like warmer homes and lower energy costs. The best method to make sure you get a new, quality window is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable window contractor. A professional with experience will make sure that the measurements are accurate and install a window that is durable 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 in your home and could cause health issues. The cracks or gaps that are around the window frame and panes can cause drafts. These gaps allow cold air to pass through and warm air out of your home, which increases the need to run your furnace or air conditioner to keep the temperature comfortable.
Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame could also create drafts. This is particularly common in older windows with wooden casings. Over time, wood may expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. In most cases, this can be corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.
Another reason for drafty windows is the seal between the layers of glass in triple or double paned windows has been broken and allowed the gas argon to escape. This is an expensive issue to fix, and may require the services of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other nearby areas.
The flame of a candle can be used to locate the cold or drafty windows. The flame should be moved around the window’s frame and you should note any areas that the flame flickers or bends. This will help you identify the source of the air draft.
Re-caulking and putting in weather stripping can help reduce drafts. If your window seals are damaged or the panes have cracked, you’ll have to replace them. It’s important to consult with an expert window replacement service to ensure that the windows you choose to install are energy efficient and have been installed properly. This is the only way to be sure that you’ll save money on your energy bills all year round! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We’re happy to provide an estimate for free! We’re looking forward to hearing from you!