When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will stop insects, snow and double glazing Repairs gillingham rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows operating properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. If you have double glazing repairs Gillingham-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, but you must also remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between the double glazing repair Nottingham-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small portion of them, resulting in a crack in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the existing one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same function as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in all double glazing repair Nottingham-hung windows. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are located.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to insert the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too for double glazing Repairs Gillingham any damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage, it must be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.