How to Repair a Window

From kids playing baseball or wind at night, windows break for a variety of reasons. You can usually get your window working again by following a few simple steps.

The easiest fix is to use tape to cover any cracks. Alternately, you can buy glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust.

Cracked or Broken Panes

A cracked or broken window isn't just unattractive but it could also cause an air leak in your home, allowing bugs, rain, and wind to get into. If your window is double-paned, this could be particularly detrimental as it destroys the insulation provided by the glass and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain the temperature of your home.

Cracks in your windows can be caused by a variety of reasons, including impacts and weather conditions. An impact from a fallen object hitting the glass, or simply pressure changes in your home could cause the exterior layer of the window to break, while the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack, also referred to as a pressure fracture, window repair can be recognized by its curving form that is similar to an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also develop between the outside and inside layers of a double-pane window. These kinds of cracks could be caused by extreme temperature variations especially in winter months, or when the glass is placed under excessive pressure.

If you have a window that has cracked or broken There are a few short-term fixes to help keep wind, water and insects out while you plan a more permanent solution. You can cut a piece to the size of a shower curtain to cover the crack. This method isn't particularly appealing, but it will keep your home warm until you are able to afford the more permanent solution.

If you want a more durable option you can choose to use glass adhesive, which is usually used for vehicle windows but can also be used in your home. You can purchase it online or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This kind of repair will require more effort but it can last for years and prevent the crack from getting more severe. Depending on the severity of your window, you might want to speak with an expert.

Water Infiltration

When windows leak, it can ruin the look of your home. It can also lead to mold, water stains and other damage. If you spot water spots or stains on the wall near windows, it's probably time to call an expert to look into and fix the issue. In some instances it could be necessary to replace the window completely.

The most frequent reason for leaks around windows is improper installation or improper use of materials like building paper or housewrap instead of properly designed flashing. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame isn't sloped downwards to allow water to drain away from the house.

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

A good quality caulking job will help to fix many minor leaks around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking on your own however you'll need to thoroughly clean the area first in order to ensure a good seal. In some cases it may not be enough to stop leaks especially if it's a long-term issue.

Contact a reputable Dearborn firm for window repair if discover that your window leaks. They will be able complete an assessment of the entire situation and tell you if the leak is caused by the window or is an issue that is with the roof, siding or gutters. They will also be able to tell you if it's worth trying to repair the window or if it's more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and evaluated the damage, they'll give you advice about how to maintain your windows.

The windows are smudges. Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just unsightly, they can be a serious energy efficiency problem. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, such as glass, to form fog. This can happen naturally when cold air meets warm, moist indoor air, particularly in homes where humidity is high. When windows become foggy they lose their hermetically sealed gas that insulates (often Argon or Krypton) and lose their efficiency. Foggy windows can also cause streaks and calcium deposits on the glass.

One common remedy for foggy windows is to put a dehumidifier near the window, which could aid in eliminating some of the moisture from the air. However, this doesn't address the underlying issue of a leaky seal and won't stop future window repairs fogging.

Another option is to use a drain snake wrapped in pantyhose and make holes in your window to remove the condensate that is trapped. This is a viable option, but it is expensive and is merely an aesthetic fix. It won't replace the gas in between the panes, and will still leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.

There are several reasons why double-pane windows can begin to fog. Damage to the seal caused by sanding around the frames or pressure washing may cause the window to break, and it is possible that the gas/air hermetically sealed has degraded over time, particularly in older homes.

Many manufacturers offer a warranty to replace or repair defective thermal windows. However, if the window has been in your house for more than ten or twenty years and is now hazy, it's likely past the point of an insurance claim.

The best way to fix foggy or cloudy windows is to replace windows. A brand new, high-quality replacement window will not have problems due to faulty sealing. This will give clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, and many other benefits such as a warmer home and lower energy costs. The best way to make sure you have a new, quality window is to partner with an experienced and knowledgeable window contractor. A professional with experience will be able to provide the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting, reliable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows can be a serious problem that can increase your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort in your home and even health issues. The gaps or cracks that surround the window frame as well as panes can create drafts. These gaps allow cold air to enter and warm air to leave your home, increasing the need to run your air conditioner or furnace to keep the temperature comfortable.

A draft in a windows can also be caused by problems with seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is common in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. This can often be corrected by re-caulking seals or re-caulking them.

Another reason that can cause drafty windows is the seal between the layers of glass in double or triple paned windows has been broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This is a costly problem and could require a professional window company in Glenview, or other local areas.

Using the flame from candle to locate drafty windows can help in determining the source of a cold air leak originates from. The flame should be moved around the frame of the window and you should note any areas that the flame flickers or bends. This can help you find the source of the air draft.

Re-caulking and installing weather stripping may help reduce drafts. If the seals on your windows are damaged or the panes have damaged, you'll require replacement. It's important to consult with an expert window replacement service to ensure that the windows you choose to install are energy efficient and fitted correctly. You can only reduce your energy bill if contact an expert window replacement service. Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you a no-cost estimates! We're looking forward getting in touch with you!