When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

A quick fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but doable crack is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window repair near me appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between the double-paned window repair near me and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying components.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower section of the upvc window repairs near me frame. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first go. Allow the paint to fully dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must seek help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window repair near me is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double glazed window repairs Near me-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

After you've removed the sash, be sure to examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine your window frame for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you find any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your upvc window repair near me frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.