Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas

A broken window is a serious problem that must be fixed quickly before the weather gets too cold. This is particularly true if the muntins or mullions that are used to hold the glass in place show signs of rot or are brittle and need to be rebuilt.

A simple, inexpensive fix is to apply a thin layer transparent shellac (or install nail polish) over the crack. This fixes the crack, reduces stress on it and stops air from entering through.

1. Tape

If you're in a pinch and don't have the time to wait for a professional window repair service, the quickest fix is to put several strips of tape over the crack. This will do a good job stabilizing the crack and reducing the stress on the glass, and it will also prevent cold air from entering your home through the window frame.

Another benefit of this kind of repair is that it's cheap and easy to do. If you encounter the same situation repeatedly, it could be worth investing in a quality masking tap. This tape will last longer and can withstand more abuse than the common tape that you use at home.

You can use nail polish that is clear to temporarily fix windows that have cracked in addition to masking tap. It's not as appealing as tape, but it can provide the necessary help in keeping the crack in place while you wait for a better solution. Make sure to wash the area thoroughly before applying the nail polish and you may need to apply a second coat after the initial one is dry to completely fill the area.

The entire frame of the window in self-adhesive flashing tape ($12 at The Home Depot) is another option. This product creates an completely waterproof barrier that will keep out snow, rain and wind. It also helps to keep cold air from escaping through your windows. Make sure you clean and apply some linseed prior to applying the tape. This will help it stick to the wall.

Duct tape can also be used to wrap extension cords in a "cubby" that will prevent them from rattling against inside of your windows. Wrap it in a secure manner, and assign a different color to each kind of cord. This will help you identify them prior to using them. This will prevent you from having to untangle the extension cords in the winter months.

2. Glass Repair Film

A broken window is an expensive and inconvenient issue. It can not only cause security issues by creating an entry point for burglars, but it also limits natural light and ventilation in the building. It is crucial to find an effective and quick way to fix your window particularly if it can prevent further damage to the frame or surrounding materials.

In some instances cracks on a window glass is too severe to repair with clear tape and will require a professional glazier to replace the glass pane. This is especially the case if your window is double-paned glass. A bad crack can compromise the gas between the two panes, reducing the efficiency of the window. However, in many situations a cracked window can still be repaired with simple glass repair film.

This tough and durable temporary repair film is designed to be positioned on already broken and cracked window glass to secure it temporarily. It is used in schools, hospitals and commercial buildings to make glass safe and weather proof after breakage until glass can be replaced. The film is optically clear so it doesn't hinder vision through the window and can be easily applied to flat toughened and laminated glass. It is also incredibly robust and has twice the grip of standard safety london window repairs films and can be used as a substitute to plywood or steel sheets on void properties creating a safer and more aesthetically appealing environment.

The easy-to-apply film is similar to sticky back plastic. It can be cut with a knife or razor blade and then pressed on the glass surface. The film is then covered with a layer of release liner paper which needs to be peeled back before being smoothed with a cloth. This allows the window to be immediately made safe and weatherproof, while also allowing natural sunlight to pass through.

It is a much cheaper option than hiring a glazier board up the window and can help to avoid further damage to the glass frames, or even the surrounds. It is also faster to install than traditional board up, and helps reduce OHS issues with dangerous shards of glass.

3. Epoxy

Epoxy is becoming a popular and flexible product to repair wood. More Boston Building Resources members are using it to strengthen porch columns, repair damaged window sills and door jambs, as well as other exterior wooden components that are difficult or expensive to remove or replace. It begins as a caulk-like material and is able to be worked into cookie dough, then molded into rough shapes, carved, and sanded, just like wood. It also sets hard, and unlike some exterior wood fillers, won't fall out or crack when it cures.

Epoxies, also referred to as epoxy resins or epoxy binder are a broad class of glues that require two components before they can harden. They are formed from long chemical chains, called monomers, which are bonded together by heat and pressure. They can be tinted to match a particular color, or they can be clear, and can be used on glass of all types, including plain, tempered, laminated, and mirrored.

To use epoxy, spread clean, dry cardboard on the area to work in, and work in a well-ventilated space. It takes about a minute for the epoxy to set up and set, so make sure you have the tools ready and ensure you're in the right mood for this kind of project. If you can, cut off any broken glass pieces to prevent breaking once the epoxy sets.

If you're using liquid epoxy, make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle. If the epoxy drys out too quickly you can heat it up using an iron or hair dryer. Be careful not to overheat, or it could harden and lose its capacity for shaping. The heat will also affect the strength of the bond.

After the epoxy has been smoothed and shaped then it needs to be sanded using sandpaper of 80-grit to prepare it for painting. Wear a mask of dust while sanding and sand all the wood around the epoxy to roughen it up so that paint will adhere.

Epoxy is a good choice for small cracks or chips on windows. However, it's not the best choice to repair structural joints. Instead, you should employ the wood dutchman technique either by scarf or splice. Also, if you're working on a historic structure the repair of an epoxy can be considered irreversible, and repairing the damaged part is a better option.

4. Glass Replacement

Window repairs are crucial for windows in difficult-to reach areas like dormers or upper floors require extra attention to ensure they are secure and functional. These windows, regardless of whether they have broken glass or are difficult to open and shut, can be energy-intensive and security risks.

Luckily, window repair professionals are able to handle these types of repairs as well. The windows are cleaned to remove any shards that might still be inside the frame or the mechanism. The sash (or moveable part of the window) that allows the window to be shut and open is removed from the frame. The glass pane is then removed. For this the professional will probably need to wear eye protection and gloves. The professional might also have to take off the glazing compound and points which are fasteners made of putty that keep the window in place. They will then seal the broken glass with tape to shield themselves from the razor-sharp edges.

After the glass has been removed, the window can be prepped for a new glass replacement. A utility knife can be used to scrape away any remaining glazing compound on the inside of the local window repairs frame. A wire brush can aid in removing any bits of dirt, paint or other residue that might be trapped in the smaller crevices of the window frame. This will make the sash fit more tightly and securely in the frame once it's replaced.

This window repair is much easier for single-paned windows than double glaze window repair- or triple-paned windows. The professionals will need to replace the spacers and gas as well as the panes to restore the window's original look. However, it's worth mentioning that this type of repair is still cheaper than replacing the entire window handle repair.

It is essential to keep in mind that damaged window frames and sills could cause wood damage, rot, and water leakage, which can be very expensive for homeowners to fix. If these problems are ignored, they can be transferred to other areas of the home and cause more problems. This is why it's best to identify these problems early and invest in cheap window repairs double glazed windows.