How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or the wind blowing through the night, windows can break due to a variety of reasons. You can usually get your window working again by following a few simple steps.

The most straightforward solution is to use tape to cover any cracks. Alternatively, you can purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape but is more durable.

Cracked or Broken Panes

A damaged or cracked glass window can result in more than just a unsightly appearance. It can also let rain, wind and insects to get into your home. If your window is double-paned this can be especially harmful as it damages the insulation the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain an ideal temperature inside your home.

Cracks in your windows can result from a variety of reasons, including impacts and weather conditions. A fall on the glass, or pressure changes within your home, could cause the outer layer to break while the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack is called a pressure crack and can be identified by a curving shape similar to an hourglass.

Stress cracks may also form between the exterior and interior layers of windows with double glazing repairs near me panes. Extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during winter or excessive pressure on the glass can lead to cracks like these.

There are several quick fixes for broken or cracked window panes that will keep out rain, wind, and bugs while you plan a permanent solution. For example, you can apply a plastic covering to the window's crack, such as a shower curtain or a tarp made of plastic cut to size. This method isn't pretty, but it will help keep your home warm and dry until you are able to tackle a more permanent repair.

You can also apply glass adhesive, which is usually used to seal windows on vehicles. It works at home as well. You can buy this online or at most auto maintenance stores and follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This kind of repair will require more effort, but can last several years and keep the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the severity of your window, you might want to speak with a professional.

Water Infiltration

When a window leaks, it can ruin the appearance of your home, window repair and also cause mold, water stains and other damage. It is time to call an expert if you notice water stains or spots on the wall around a window. In some instances it could be necessary to replace the window completely.

The most frequent cause of leaks around windows is a poor installation or improper use of materials like housewrap or construction paper instead of flashing that is properly designed. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame isn't inclined downwards to drain water away from the home.

It is crucial to examine both the interior and the exterior of your house if you discover the presence of a leak. Look for rotted wood around the window, damp walls, sills and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that the leak is originating from outside your window and has been running for some time.

A good quality caulking job can help resolve several minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, but it is essential to wash the area thoroughly to ensure that the caulking is sealed. It may not be enough to stop the leak, particularly if you've got a problem that has been going on for a long time.

Contact a reliable Dearborn firm for window repair if you find that your window is leaky. They'll be able to complete a full evaluation and let you know if the leak is caused by the window itself or if it's a problem with the roof, siding or gutters, or even the wall itself. They can also advise you whether it's worth trying to fix the window or if it's better sense to replace it. After the experts have evaluated and made the repairs, they'll be able provide suggestions on how to take care of your windows in the future.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are not just ugly, they can be a serious energy efficiency problem. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, like glass, to form fog. This can happen naturally when cold air meets warm, moist indoor air, particularly in a home where humidity is high. When windows become cloudy, the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They are less efficient. Foggy windows may also cause streaks and calcium deposits on the glass.

A common solution for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window, which will aid in eliminating some of the moisture in the air. However, this does not address the underlying issue of a broken seal, and it will not prevent further window fogging.

Another popular remedy is to drill holes in the window and then use the drain snake that is wrapped in pantyhoses to clear the condensate that is trapped. It is an expensive cosmetic solution that is effective. It is not a replacement for the inert gases between the panes, and can leave behind stains and deposits.

There are many reasons why windows with double panes can start to fog. Damage to the seal caused by the frames being sanded or pressure washing may cause the window to break, and it is possible that the gas/air seal has simply degraded over time, especially in older homes.

A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace damaged thermal windows. However, when the window has been in your house for ten or twenty-five years and is now foggy, it's likely to be beyond the point of an insurance claim.

The most effective way to fix foggy or cloudy windows is to replace them. A new, top-quality replacement window will not suffer from problems with a faulty sealing. This will result in clean, clear windows and better energy efficiency. There are other benefits, such as an insulated home and lower cost of energy. A window contractor who is skilled will ensure you get the best window. The right contractor will ensure the proper measurements and install for a long-lasting, dependable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows of your home can cause major problems, such as higher heating costs in winter and more expensive cooling costs during summer. They can also cause discomfort in your home and even health issues. The gaps or cracks that surround the window repair frame as well as panes can cause drafts. These cracks let warm air escape your home and cold air to be able to enter, causing the need for your AC or furnace to perform more efficiently to keep your home at a temperature that is comfortable.

A draft in a window could also be caused by problems with the seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is common in older windows that have wooden casings. As time passes, the wood can expand and contract, causing seals to break down. Often, this can be corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.

Another reason for drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in double or triple paned windows is broken, allowing the argon gas to escape. This is a costly issue to fix and could require the services of a professional window replacement company in Glenview or other local areas.

The flame of a candle could be used to identify the cold or drafty windows. The flame should be moved around the frame of the window and you should note any places where the flame flickers or bends. This can help you pinpoint the source of the draft.

Certain drafts in windows can be fixed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. If your window seals are damaged or the panes have damaged, you'll have to replace them. Consult with an expert in window replacement to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and window repair properly installed. This is the only way to ensure that you'll save money on your energy bills all year round! Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window installation and replacement services. We're happy for you to get an estimate at no cost! We're looking forward to hearing from you!