Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas

A window that is damaged is a serious problem that must be fixed quickly before the weather gets too cold. This is especially true if the mullions or muntins which keep glass in place have signs of rot or are brittle and need to be rebuilt.

An easy, low-cost fix is to apply a thin layer of transparent shellac (or nail polish) over the crack. This will repair the crack, reduce stress on it, and prevent air from spilling out.

1. Tape

If you're in a hurry and can't wait to get a professional window repair done, you can repair the issue by putting a few tape strips over the crack. This will stabilize the crack, lessen stress on the glass, and stop cold air from entering the window frame.

This type of quick fix is also inexpensive and simple to do. If you are in this situation often, it may be worth investing in a high-quality masking tape. This tape will last longer and can endure more abuse than the standard household tape.

You can use nail polish that is clear to temporarily fix cracked windows and also tape that is used to mask. It might not be as attractive as tape, but it will serve the purpose of holding the crack in place until you find a more permanent solution. You will need to clean the crack thoroughly before applying nail polish. A second coat may be needed after the first one has dried to fully fill the crack.

Wrapping the entire window frame in self-adhesive flashing tape ($12 at The Home Depot) is another alternative. This product will create an entirely waterproof barrier that will block out snow and rain as well as wind, helping to stop cold air from entering your home through the windows. Just be sure to clean the surface and apply a small amount of linseed oil prior you apply the tape, which will make it stick to the surface.

Duct tape is also useful for wrapping extension cords in order to stop them from rattling the windows' interiors. Make sure to wrap it securely and assign a colour to every type of cord so that you can easily identify which are which prior to using them. This will avoid the frustration of finding your extension cords tangled up in the winter when you require them.

2. Glass Repair Film

A window that is damaged is an expensive and unavoidable issue. Not only does it create a security issue as it creates an entry point for unit burglars, but it also limits natural light and ventilation in the building. It is crucial to find an effective and quick way to repair your window, especially if it will stop further damage to its frame or its surrounding materials.

In some instances cracks in window glass is too severe to fix with clear tape and will require professional glaziers to replace the glass pane. This is particularly true if your window has double-paned glass. A crack that is not repaired properly could cause gas to leak between the two panes, which can reduce the efficiency of the window. However, in many situations a cracked window can still be repaired using simple glass repair film.

This heavy-duty temporary window repair film is designed to be sprayed on damaged and cracked glass to temporarily secure it temporarily. This film is often used in hospitals and schools to make glass weatherproof and secure after a break. The film is optically transparent, meaning that it does not hinder the view through the window. It can be applied easily to flat and laminated toughened glass. It's also extremely robust with twice the holding of conventional safety window film and can be used as an alternative to plywood or steel sheets with void properties to create an aesthetically and safer pleasing environment.

The film can be easily applied with a razor blade or knife. It is similar to sticky-back plastic and can also be cut to the desired size. The film is then covered with a layer of release liner, which needs to be removed before being smoothed using an abrasive. This makes the window weatherproof and secure yet allow sunlight to pass through.

It is a much more cost-effective solution than hiring a glazier to board up the window. It will help stop further damage to the glass frames, or even the surrounds. It is also easier to install than traditional board ups and can help reduce OHS concerns with dangerous glass shards.

3. Epoxy

Epoxy is becoming a popular and adaptable product for fixing wood. More Boston Building Resources members are using it to reinforce porch columns, fix windowsills that are rotting, door jambs, and other wood components for exterior use which are costly or difficult to replace or remove. It begins as a caulk-like material that can be cut into shapes similar to cookie dough. It can be carved, sanded, and even carved like wood. It also hardens when dried, and unlike some exterior wood fillers, won't fall out or crack when it cures.

Epoxies are a broad class of glues that require two components to mix before they set and are often referred to as epoxy resins or epoxy binding agents. They are made from chemical chains called monomers that are joined by heat and pressure. 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 or tempered glass, laminated, and mirrors.

Work in a well ventilated area and lay out clean cardboard to use epoxy. The epoxy will take a few minutes to set, so be prepared with your tools and in the right mood. If you are able, break broken glass pieces to reduce the chance of breaking once the epoxy sets.

If you're using liquid epoxy, make sure you follow the directions on the bottle. If the epoxy dries too quickly, you may heat it using an iron or hair dryer, but take care not to overheat it, or it will harden and lose its ability to shape. Heating can also affect the durability and strength of the bond.

Once the epoxy has been smoothed and shaped the epoxy should be sanded using sandpaper of 80-grit to prepare it for painting. Make sure you wear a dust mask while sanding, and sand the surrounding wood as well to roughen the surface, so the paint sticks.

Epoxy is a great option for repairing small chips and cracks on windows, but it is not the best choice for fixing structural joints where the wood dutchman, unit scarf or splice method is more suitable. If you are working on a historic structure, repairs made with epoxy may be irreparable and it's better to replace the damaged piece.

4. Glass Replacement

Window repairs are essential, but windows in hard-to reach areas such as dormers or upper floors require extra attention to ensure that they are safe and functional. Windows that have broken glass or are difficult to open and shut, can be energy guzzlers and security threats.

These kinds of repairs can also be handled by window repair professionals. The windows are first cleaned to remove any shards that might remain in the frame or in the mechanism. Then, they remove the sash window repair, or the moveable part of the window which allows it to open and close from the frame. The glass pane is then removed. The professional may need to wear gloves and eye protection. The professional might also have to remove the glazing compound and points which are fasteners made of putty which hold the window lock repair in place. They will then seal the broken glass using tape to shield themselves from the razor-sharp edges.

Once the glass is removed, the window can be prepped for a new glass replacement. You can use a utility knife to scrape off any remaining glaze compound in the window frame. A wire brush can also assist in removing any paint, dirt or other residues that may be stuck into small crevices within the window frame. This will help make the sash more secure and will fit better inside the frame when it is replaced.

This window repair is much simpler for single pane windows repairing than for double- or triple-paned windows. The experts will need to replace the spacers and gas and the panes to restore the window repair company's original look. This kind of window repair is still less expensive than replacing the entire unit.

Remember that damaged frames and window sills can lead to wood decay and rot. Water leakage can also be a major expense for homeowners. These issues can spread to other areas of the house and cause more problems if neglected. Therefore, it's always better to catch these problems early and invest in some affordable window repairs.