How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows can break for a variety of reasons. It is possible to repair your window by following a few simple steps.

Tape is the easiest way to fix any cracks. Alternatively, you can purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust.

Cracked or broken panes

A damaged or cracked glass window can result in more than just an unsightly appearance. It can also let rain, wind and insects to get into your home. Double-paned windows are especially vulnerable to damage, as they can ruin the insulation created by the glass, and make your AC or furnace have to work harder to maintain an ideal temperature in your home.

Cracks in your windows can result from a variety of causes, including impact and weather conditions. A fall or a falling object hitting the glass, or even just pressure changes in your home could cause the outer layer of the window to break while the inner pane remains intact. This type of crack is called a pressure crack and is identified by a curved shape, similar to an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also form between the exterior and interior layers of double pane windows. These kinds of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature variations particularly in winter months, or when the glass is under excessive pressure.

If you have a window pane that has cracked or broken there are a few quick solutions to keep water, wind and bugs out while you work on a longer-term solution. For example, you can apply a plastic sheet to the window's crack like a piece of plastic shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This solution doesn't look great, but it will help keep your home warm and dry until you can afford to tackle a more permanent repair.

If you want a more durable option you can opt for glass adhesive, which is usually used for windows in vehicles but also works at home. You can buy this online or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the manufacturer's directions for applying it to your window. This kind of repair is more labor-intensive, however it can last for many years and will prevent the crack from getting worse. It is recommended to speak with a professional, based on the extent of the crack on your window.

Water Infiltration

When a window leaks it could ruin the appearance of your home and can cause water stains, mold, and other damage. It is time to contact a professional if you notice water stains or spots on the walls around a window. In some cases it may be necessary for the window to be replaced.

Leaks around windows are usually 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 is not sloped downwards to allow water to drain away from the house.

If you spot leaks, it's important to take the time to look at both the interior and exterior of your house. Check for decayed wood around the window, damp walls, sills and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you spot any of these problems, it's likely that the leak is coming from outside your window for some time.

A well-executed caulking job will help to resolve many minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, however it is important to clean the area thoroughly before applying it to ensure a tight seal. This may not always be enough to stop the leak, especially if you have a problem that has been brewing for a long time.

If you discover that your window is leaked, it is important to contact a reputable Dearborn window repair service. They can provide a full assessment and let you know whether the leak is due to the window or is a problem with the roof, siding or gutters. They can also advise you whether it's worth trying to repair the window or if it's better sense to replace it. Once the professionals have evaluated and made the repairs, they will be able to give you suggestions on how to care for your windows in the future.

The windows are smudges. Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just ugly, they can be a major energy efficiency problem. Fog is caused by condensation of water vapor on a cold surface, like glass. It can happen naturally when warm, moist air from the home is paired with cold air. When windows repair become foggy, they lose their hermetically sealed insulating gas (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows can also result in calcium deposits and other unsightly streaks appearing on the window.

Install a dehumidifier next to the window. This will remove some of that moisture from the air. It does not solve the root cause of a window seal that is broken and will not prevent future fogging.

Another popular remedy is to wrap a drain-snake in pantyhose and drill holes in your window to eliminate the condensate that is trapped. It is an expensive cosmetic fix that is effective. It does not 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 begin to fog. Damage to the seal caused by the frames being sanded, or pressure washing can cause the crack, and it is possible that the hermetically sealed air/gas has degraded over time, especially in older homes.

A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective windows. However the window that you have been in use for more than ten or twenty years and is now foggy it could be too late to make an claim.

The best solution to fix foggy windows is to replace them with a new, installer high-quality window that will not have any problems with the seal being damaged. This will result in clear, clean windows as well as a higher energy efficiency. It also has additional benefits, like a warm home and lower energy bills. The best way to be sure you get the best quality windows is to hire an experienced window installer. A professional with experience will be able to provide the proper measurements and will install for a long-lasting, reliable window.

Drafty Windows

Drafty windows can cause serious problems, such as higher heating costs in winter and increased cooling costs in the summer. They can also cause discomfort and health issues in your home. The gaps or cracks that are around the window frame and panes can create drafts. These gaps allow warm air to escape your home, and cold air to infiltrate, making it more necessary for your furnace or AC to perform harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Problems with the weather stripping or seals around the frame may also cause a draft. This is common in older windows with wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. Most of the time, this is remedied by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.

Another reason that can cause drafty windows is the seal between the layers of glass in double or triple paned windows has broken and allowed the gas argon to escape. This can be a costly issue to fix and may require the assistance of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other nearby areas.

The flame of a candle could be used to find the cold or drafty windows. Move the flame around the perimeter of the frame, and note any areas where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you identify the source of the draft.

Re-caulking and adding weather stripping can help to eliminate some drafts. If the seals in your windows are damaged or the panes have cracked, you will need to replace them. Talk to a window replacement expert to ensure your new windows are energy efficient and correctly installed. This is the only way to know that you'll be saving money on your energy bills all year round! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to provide a free estimate! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!