How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or the wind blowing through the night, windows can break due to a variety of reasons. In most cases, you can get your window back in working order by doing a few easy steps.

Tape is the simplest method to repair any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape but is more robust.

Cracked or Broken Panes

A damaged or cracked window isn't just unsightly - it can also create air leaks in your home that allows wind, rain and bugs to get into. If the window is double-paned it can be extremely harmful as it damages the insulation the glass provides and makes your air conditioner or furnace work harder to maintain the temperature of your home.

Cracks in your windows can be caused by a variety of factors, including impact and weather conditions. A fall on the glass, or even pressure changes in your home, can cause the outer layer to break, while the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack, also referred to as a pressure crack, is identified by its curving shape that looks like an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also develop between the outside and inside layers of a double-pane sash window repair. Extreme temperature variations, particularly in winter or excessive pressure on the glass can lead to cracks like these.

There are a few quick solutions for broken or cracked windows to block rain, wind and bugs until you think of a permanent solution. You can use a piece cut to size of plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This solution is not very attractive, but will keep your home warm until you are able to afford the more permanent solution.

You can also apply glass adhesive, which is typically used to seal windows in vehicles. It will work at home as well. You can buy this online or at most auto maintenance stores, and then follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This kind of fix is a bit more labor intensive, but it will last for a few years and prevent the crack from getting worse. Depending on the severity of your window, you may want to consult an expert.

Water Infiltration

When a window leaks, it can affect the appearance of your home and lead to mold, water stains and other damages. It is time to call in an expert if you notice water spots or stains on the wall around a window. In some instances, it could be required that the window be replaced.

Leaks around windows are often due to poor installation or the use of poor quality materials like building paper or housewrap instead of properly designed flashing. It is possible that the sill on the bottom of the frame has not been angled to drain the water away from the house.

It is crucial to examine both the interior and exterior of your house when you spot the presence of a leak. Look for rotted wood around the window, damp walls, sills and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these signs, it's likely that the leak is emanating from outside your window for a long time.

A good quality caulking job can resolve many minor leaks around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking yourself, but you will need to thoroughly clean the area first to ensure that the caulking is properly sealed. In certain situations it may not suffice to stop a leakage, especially if it is a long-term issue.

Contact a reputable Dearborn company for window repair if find that your window is leaky. They will be able to complete a full evaluation and tell you whether the leak is caused by the window itself or if it's an issue with the roof, siding or gutters, or even the wall itself. They will also be able to tell you if it's worth attempting to fix the window, or if it makes more sense to replace it. After the experts have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they will provide you with advice on how to keep your windows in good condition.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just an unsightly problem. They could also be an energy efficiency issue. Fog is caused by condensation of water vapor on a cold, hard surface like glass. This happens naturally when warm, humid 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 lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits and other unsightly streaks on the window.

One common remedy for foggy windows is to place a dehumidifier close to the window, which will aid in eliminating some of the moisture that is in the air. It does not solve the underlying problem of a window seal that is broken and won't stop future fogging.

Another option is to drill holes into the window and use a drain snake encased in a pantyhose to remove the condensate that is trapped. This is a viable option, but it is expensive and only an aesthetic fix. It won't replace the inert gas between the panes and will leave behind deposits and stains on the window.

There are a variety of reasons why windows with double panes may fog. The seal may be damaged by cleaning the frames with sandpaper or pressure. It is also possible that the hermetically-sealed gas or air has deteriorated over time, particularly in older homes.

A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective windows. However the window that you have been in use for more than ten or twenty years and is now foggy it may be too late for a claim.

The best solution to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a brand new, high-quality window that will not have any problems with the seal being damaged. This will give clean windows with clear glass, contractor greater energy efficiency, and many other advantages such as a more comfortable home and lower utility bills. Working with a window contractor who is experienced will ensure that you receive the best window. The right contractor will ensure the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting and reliable window.

Drafty windows repair

Drafty windows are a serious problem that can increase your heating bills in winter, and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort and health problems in your home. The gaps or cracks that surround the window frame and panes could cause drafts. These gaps allow warm air to escape from your home, while allowing cold air to be able to enter, causing the need for your furnace or AC to perform harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame may also cause a draft. This is common in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. This is usually fixed by re-caulking the seals or re-caulking them.

Another reason for drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in triple or double paned windows has been broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This is a costly issue to fix, and may require the help of a professional window replacement service in Glenview or other nearby areas.

Utilizing the flame of candle to locate the drafty windows can help in determining where a cold air leak originates from. Move the flame around the perimeter of the window frame and note any spots where the flame is bent or flickers. This will help you identify the source of the air draft.

Certain drafts in windows could be fixed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. If the seals in your windows are damaged or the panes have cracked, you will need to replace them. Get in touch with an expert in window replacement to ensure your new windows are energy efficient and correctly installed. This is the only way to know that you'll save money on your energy bills throughout the year! Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you an estimate for free! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!