How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or the wind blowing through the night, windows break for a variety of reasons. Often, you can get your window back into good working order by following some simple steps.

The simplest solution is to apply tape to cover any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust.

Cracked or Broken Panes

A broken or cracked window isn't just ugly it can also cause air leaks in your home, allowing bugs, rain and wind to enter. Double-paned windows are particularly susceptible to damage because they can ruin the insulation provided by the glass and make your AC or furnace have to work harder to maintain a comfortable home temperature.

Cracks in your windows could occur from a number of factors, including impact and weather conditions. A fall that hits the glass, or pressure changes in your home, could cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane remains intact. This type of crack, also known as a pressure fracture, can be identified by its curved shape that looks like an hourglass.

Stress cracks may also form between the outside and inside layers of windows with double panes. These kinds of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature variations especially in winter, or if the glass is subject to an excess amount of pressure.

If you have a window that is cracked or broken, there are some short-term solutions to keep water, wind and insects out while you think of a long-term solution. For instance, you could apply a plastic covering to the window's crack for example, an insulated shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This isn't the most attractive solution but it can help keep your home dry and warm until you're able to make a permanent repair.

You can also use the glass adhesive, which is commonly used to seal windows on vehicles. It will work at home too. You can purchase this adhesive online or in many auto repair shops. Then, follow the instructions to apply it to your window. This type of fix is more labor intensive, but it will last for a few years and prevent the crack from getting worse. It is recommended to speak with a professional, based on the severity of the crack in your window.

Water Infiltration

When windows leak, it can affect the appearance of your home and lead to mold, water stains and other damage. It is time to call in a professional if you notice water stains or spots on the wall surrounding the window. In certain cases it could be necessary to replace the window entirely.

Leaks around windows are often caused by poor installation or the use of inferior materials like construction 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.

It is crucial to examine both the interior and the exterior of your home if you notice an issue with water. Check for rot-prone areas in the wood that surrounds the window or sills, damp walls and walls, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you spot any of these issues, it's likely that the leak has been coming from outside your window for a long time.

A quality caulking job can help resolve several minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, however it is crucial to clean the area thoroughly to ensure a tight seal. It may not be enough to stop the leak, particularly if you've got a problem that has been brewing for a while.

If you find that your window is leaked then it is crucial to call a trustworthy Dearborn window repair service. They'll be able to complete a full evaluation and inform you if the leak is due to the window or if it's an issue with the siding, roof, gutters or wall itself. They can also tell you if it's worth trying to fix the window or if it's more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they'll give you advice about how to maintain your windows.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are not just ugly, they can be a major energy efficiency issue. Water evaporates on a cool surface, such as glass, to form fog. This can happen naturally when cold air collides with humid, warm indoor air, especially in homes where humidity is high. If windows become hazy the hermetically sealed insulation gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows can also lead to streaks and calcium deposits on the glass.

Install a dehumidifier near the window. This will help to remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this does not solve the root issue of a damaged seal and it will not prevent further window fogging.

Another popular remedy is to make holes in the window and then use a drain snake encased in pantyhose to clean out the trapped condensation. It's a costly cosmetic fix that can be effective. It won't replace the inert gas between the panes and will leave behind stains and deposits on the window.

There are a variety of reasons windows with double panes can start to fog. The seal may be damaged by either sanding or pressure-washing the frames. It is possible that the hermetically sealed gas or air has deteriorated over time, especially older homes.

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

The best option to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a new high-quality, durable window that will not have any problems with a faulty seal. This will result in clean, clear windows repairs, better energy efficiency, as well as other advantages like a warmer home and lower energy costs. The best way to make sure you have an excellent window is to work with an experienced window contractor. A professional with experience will be able to provide the proper measurements and install for a long-lasting, dependable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows of your home can cause major problems, like higher heating costs in winter and more expensive cooling costs in the summer. They can also cause discomfort in your home and could cause health issues. The cracks or gaps that are around the emergency window repair frame and panes could cause drafts. These cracks let warm air escape your home, and cold air to be able to enter, causing the need for your AC or furnace to perform harder to keep your home at a temperature that is comfortable.

A draft in a windows can be caused by issues with the seals, or weather stripping around the frame. This is typical in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. This can often be repaired by re-caulking the seals or by replacing them.

A common cause of drafty windows in double- or triple-paned windows is a weak seal between the layers. This allows argon to escape. This could be a costly issue to fix and may require the assistance of a professional window replacement company in Glenview or other nearby areas.

The flame of a candle can be used to locate a drafty or cold window. The flame should be moved around the window's frame 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 Contractor adding weather stripping can help remove drafts. If the seals in your windows are damaged or the panes have cracked, you will need to replace them. It's important to consult with an experienced window replacement company to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and installed correctly. This is the only way to be sure that you'll be saving money on your energy bills all year long! Contact Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you a a free estimate! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!