Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas

A damaged window is a serious issue that requires repair quickly before the weather gets too cold. This is true especially if the muntins and mullions holding the glass in place are brittle or exhibit signs of rot.

A simple, inexpensive fix is to apply a thin layer transparent shellac (or nail polish) over the crack. This will repair the crack, decrease stress on it, and stop air from leakage out.

1. Tape

If you are in a hurry and cannot wait to get a professional window repair done it is possible to solve the issue by placing several strips of tape over the crack. This will stabilize the crack, lessen stress on the glass and block cold air from entering the window frame.

This type of quick fix is also cheap and easy to perform. If you are in this situation often, it may be worth investing in a good-quality masking tap. This tape will last longer and endure more abuse than the common tape you find in your home.

In addition to masking tape, you can also use clear nail polish to provide an interim solution to damaged windows. It's not as aesthetically pleasing as the tape, but it can perform a decent job of keeping the crack in place until you find an alternative solution. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly before applying the nail polish, and you may have to apply a second coat after the first is dry to completely fill the crack.

Another option is to wrap the entire frame of your window with self-adhering flashing tape ($12, The Home Depot). This product will create a completely waterproof barrier that can block rain and snow as well as wind, helping to keep cold air out of your home through windows. Be sure to wash the surface and apply a little of linseed oil prior to apply the tape, which will help it adhere well.

Duct tape can also be useful for wrapping extension cords to stop them from rattling the inside of windows. Wrap it in a secure manner and assign a distinct color to each type of cord. This will allow you to identify them easily prior to using them. This will save you from having to untangle the extension cords in the winter.

2. Glass Repair Film

A window that is damaged could be a major issue and costly. It could be a security risk, as it provides an entry point for criminals. It also reduces the amount of sunlight and airflow into the building. It is crucial to find a quick and speedy solution to fix your window especially if it is able to stop further damage to its frame or the materials surrounding it.

In some cases the cracking is too severe for clear tape to fix and a professional glazier may require replacing the window glass. This is especially true if the window is made of double-pane glass, as a bad crack can weaken the gas layer that connects the two panes and lower the energy efficiency of windows. In many cases, a cracked window can still be repaired with an easy glass repair film.

This heavy-duty temporary Repair Windows film is designed to be positioned on damaged and cracked window glass to secure it temporarily. The film is commonly used in schools and hospitals to make glass weatherproof and safe following breakage. The film is optically transparent, meaning that it doesn't hinder the view of the window. It can be applied easily to laminated and flat toughened glass. It is twice as strong than standard window films and can be used to create a safer and more aesthetically pleasing space.

The film can be applied using a razor blade or a knife. It is similar to sticky-back plastic and can be cut to the desired size. The film is then covered with a layer of release liner, which needs to be peeled back before being smoothed with the help of a cloth. This lets the window be immediately made safe and weather proof whilst allowing natural sunlight in.

It is a more cost-effective alternative to hiring a glazier for the job. It will also help to prevent further damage to the frame and glass, as well as the surrounds. It is also faster to put in place than traditional board-ups, and can reduce the risk of OHS issues with glass shards that can be dangerous.

3. Epoxy

Epoxy is an increasingly popular and adaptable product for fixing wood. More Boston Building Resources members are using it to reinforce porch columns, fix damaged window sills and jambs for doors, and other wooden exterior components that are expensive or difficult to replace or remove. It begins as a caulk-like material that can be shaped like cookie dough. It can also be carved and sanded like wood. It also dries hard and, unlike some wood fillers for exterior use, it won't break or crack as it cures.

Epoxies, also called epoxy resins or epoxy binder, are a broad category of glues that require two components before they are able to harden. They are composed of monomers, which are chemical chains that are bonded by pressure and heat. They can be tinted to match a particular color, or they can be clear, and can be used on all kinds of glass including plain, tempered, laminated, and mirrors.

To apply epoxy, place clean, dry cardboard on the work area and work in a well-ventilated area. The epoxy will take a couple of minutes to set, so make sure you are prepared with your tools and in the right mood. If you are able, break broken glass pieces to avoid the risk of breaking when the epoxy sets.

If you're using liquid epoxy, make sure you follow the instructions on the bottle. If the epoxy is drying too fast, you can heat it with an iron or hair dryer, but be careful not to overheat it, or it will begin to harden and lose its ability to be shaped. Heat will also affect the strength and durability of the bond.

Once the epoxy has been shaped and smoothed the epoxy should be sanded with 80-grit sandpaper to prepare it for painting. Wear a dust mask while sanding, and sand all the wood around the epoxy to roughen it up so that the paint can adhere.

Epoxy can be used for small cracks or chips on windows. However, it is not the best choice to repair structural joints. Instead, you should employ the wood dutchman technique either by scarf or splice. If you are working on an historic structure, repairs made with epoxy may be irreparable, and it's more beneficial to replace the damaged piece.

4. Glass Replacement

Window repairs are essential, but windows in hard-to reach areas like upper floors or dormers need extra attention to ensure that they are safe and functional. Whether they have broken panes or aren't easy to open and close, these repairing upvc windows could be energy wasters and repair windows security hazards.

Fortunately, window repair specialists are able to handle these types of repairs too. The windows are first cleaned to get rid of any shards that might remain in the frame or the mechanism. The sash (or moveable part of the upvc window repair) that allows the window to open and shut is then removed from the frame. The glass pane is then removed. To do this the professional will be required to wear eye protection and gloves. The professional may also need to remove the glazing compound and points, which are putty-like fasteners that keep the window in place. They will then seal the broken glass with tape to protect themselves from razor-sharp edges.

After the glass has been removed, the window is ready for a fresh glass replacement. You can use a utility knife to scrape away any remaining glazing compound inside the window frame. A wire brush can also aid in removing any bits of dirt, paint or other debris that might be trapped in the smaller crevices of the window frame. This will allow the sash windows repair to fit more tightly and securely in the frame once it's replaced.

The window repair process is a lot easier for single-pane windows compared to for triple-pane or double-pane windows, as professionals will require replacing the pane, spacers and gaskets with new ones to restore the window to its original look. It is worth noting that this kind of repair is still more affordable than replacing the entire upvc window repairs.

Be aware that damaged frames and window sills can cause rot and wood damage. Water leakage can be a major expense for homeowners. These issues can extend to other parts of the home and cause more problems if not addressed. This is why it's always better to catch these issues early and invest in affordable window repairs.