Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas

A window that is damaged is a serious problem that requires repair immediately before the weather becomes too cold. This is true especially when the mullions and muntins holding the glass are cracked or have indications of rot.

An easy, low-cost fix is to apply a thin layer transparent shellac (or nail polish) over the crack. This repairs the crack, reduces the stress on it, and prevents air from getting through.

1. Tape

If you're in a bind and don't have the time to wait for a professional window repair a window service, the most efficient solution is to simply place several strips of tape on the crack. This will do an excellent job stabilizing the crack and lessening the strain on the glass, and it will also prevent cold air from getting into your home through the window frame.

Another benefit to this kind of repair is that it's inexpensive and easy to do. If you find yourself in this situation often, it could be worth investing in some good-quality masking tape. This tape will last longer and can endure more abuse than the typical household tape.

You can use clear nail polish to temporarily fix cracked windows and also the masking tap. It's not as appealing as the tape, but it can perform a decent job of holding the crack in place until you find a better solution. It is necessary to clean the crack thoroughly before applying nail polish. A second coat may be required after the first coat has dried to 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 completely waterproof barrier that can keep out snow, rain and wind. It will also help to stop cold air from escaping through your windows. Make sure you clean and apply Linseed prior to putting on the tape. This will allow it to stick to the wall.

Duct tape is also useful for wrapping extension cords to stop them from rattling the inside of windows. Just be sure to wrap it securely and assign a color for each type of cord, so you are able to easily determine which ones are which, before you use them. This will prevent you from having to untangle the extension cords in the winter months.

2. Glass Repair Film

A broken window could be a major issue and costly. It can not only cause security issues by providing an entry point for burglars, but it also reduces the amount of natural light and airflow in the building. This is why it is crucial to find a quick and effective solution to fix the window, particularly if you want to prevent further damage to the frame or its surrounding materials.

In some cases, the crack is too severe for a clear tape fix and a professional glazier may require replacing the window glass. This is especially true when the window has double-pane glass because a serious crack will compromise the gas layer that connects the two panes and lower the energy efficiency of windows. However, in many situations a cracked window can still be repaired using an easy glass repair film.

This durable, temporary repair film is designed to be placed on already broken and cracked window glass to secure it temporarily. The film is commonly used in hospitals and schools to make glass weatherproof and safe following breakage. The film is optically clear so it doesn't block the view through the window and can be applied to flat toughened and laminated glass. It's also extremely durable, with twice the hold of the standard safety window film and can be used as an alternative to steel sheets or plywood with void properties to create an aesthetically and safer pleasing environment.

The film that is easy to apply is similar to sticky back plastic and can be cut to size with a knife or razor blade and then pressed onto the glass surface. The film is then encased with a layer of release liner that has to be peeled off before it can be smoothed using a cloth. This allows the window to be immediately made safe and weatherproof, while also allowing natural sunlight in.

It's a cheaper alternative than hiring a glazier board up the window and can stop further damage to the glass, frames or surrounds. It is also faster to put in place than traditional board ups, and can help reduce OHS concerns with glass shards that can be dangerous.

3. Epoxy

Epoxy is a wildly popular and flexible product to repair wood. More Boston Building Resources members are using it to strengthen porch columns, repair windowsills that are rotting, windowrepair, visit, door jambs, windowrepair and other wooden exterior components that are expensive or difficult to remove or replace. It starts out as a caulk-like substance and is able to be worked into cookie dough, then molded into rough shapes, carved, and sanded, just like wood. It also drys quickly and, unlike some wood fillers used for exterior use, which can fall out or crack it won't break or fall out.

Epoxies, also known as epoxy resins or epoxy binder are a broad category of glues that require two parts before they are able to harden. They are made from long chemical chains, called monomers, which are bonded to each other by pressure and heat. They can be tinted a specific color or are clear and are used on all types of glass, including plain, laminated, tempered and mirrored.

Work in a well ventilated area and lay clean cardboard for epoxy. The epoxy will take a few minutes to set, so be prepared with your tools and in the right mood. If you can, cut off any glass pieces that have broken to prevent them from breaking again when the epoxy sets.

If you're using liquid epoxy, be sure to follow the directions on the bottle. If the epoxy is drying out too quickly you can heat it up with an iron or a hair dryer. Be careful not to overheat the epoxy, otherwise it will begin to harden and lose its ability for shaping. Heat will also affect the strength and durability of the bond.

Once the epoxy has been smoothed and shaped the epoxy should be sanded with sandpaper 80-grit to prepare it for painting. Be sure to wear a mask while sanding, and sand the surrounding wood as well, to roughen the surface so the paint will stick.

Epoxy is a good choice for small cracks or chips on windows. However, it is not the best choice to repair structural joints. Instead, you should use the wood dutchman method either by scarf or splice. If you are working on an older structure, epoxy repairs may be irreparable, and it's better to replace the damaged part.

4. Glass Replacement

Window repairs are a thing, but windows located in difficult-to-access areas such as dormers or on upper floors need extra care and effort to make sure they're secure and working properly. These windows, regardless of whether they have broken glass or are difficult to open or shut, can be energy drainers and security hazards.

These types of repairs can also be handled by window repair double glazing windows professionals. First cleaning the windows is done to ensure there aren't any lingering fragments of glass in the frame or mechanism. The sash (or the part that moves in the window) that allows the window to shut and open is removed from the frame. The glass pane is then removed. For this the professional will probably be required to wear eye protection and gloves. The professional will also need to take off any glazing compound or points, which are like putty fasteners to hold the window panes together. They will then seal the shattered glass with tape in order to shield themselves from the razor-sharp edges.

Once the glass is removed, the window is prepped for a new glass replacement. A utility knife can be used to scrape away any remaining glazing compound on the inside of the window frame. A wire brush may also assist in removing any paint, dirt or other debris that might be clinging to the crevices that are smaller in the window frame. This will make the sash more secure and fit better within the frame when it's replaced.

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

Be aware that damaged window sills and frames can cause wood rot and damage. Water leakage can be a costly issue for homeowners. These issues can spread to other parts of the house and cause more problems if not addressed. Therefore, it's always better to catch these problems early and invest in some affordable window repairs.