How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows break for 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. You can also purchase glass repair films that are similar to tape, but are more durable.

Broken or cracked panes

A cracked or broken glass window can cause more than just an unsightly appearance. It could also allow wind, rain and insects to get into your home. If your window is double-paned this can be especially damaging as it ruins the insulation that the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain an ideal temperature inside your home.

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

Stress cracks may also form between the inside and outside layers of a double pane window. These types of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature differences, particularly during the winter, or if the glass is under an excess amount of pressure.

There are several quick solutions for broken or cracked window panes to keep out wind, water and insects while you consider a long-term solution. You could cut a piece to the size of a plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This method isn't pretty however it will keep your home warm and dry until you're able to make a permanent repair.

To make a long-lasting choice you can opt for glass adhesive, which is usually used for window repairs in vehicles, but also works in your home. You can purchase this on the internet or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the manufacturer's directions for applying it to your window. This kind of repair requires more work but it can last for years and prevent the crack from getting any worse. Depending on the degree of the crack in your window, you may want to consult an expert.

Water Infiltration

When a window leaks, it can alter the appearance of your home and lead to water stains, mold and other damages. It is time to call in a professional if you notice spots or water stains on the wall around the window. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the window completely.

Leaks around windows are often due to 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 home.

If you find leaks, window repairs it's crucial to take the time to examine 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 find any of these signs it's likely that the leak has been coming from outside your window for a while.

A quality caulking job can help resolve several minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, however it is crucial to clean the area thoroughly first to ensure a tight seal. In certain situations it might not suffice to stop leaks particularly if it's an ongoing issue.

Contact a trustworthy Dearborn business for window repair if find that your window is leaking. They can provide a full assessment and inform you if the leak is due to the window or if it is a problem with the roof, siding or gutters. They will also assist you to determine if it's worth attempting to repair the window or if it's better to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they will provide advice on how to maintain your windows.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just a visual issue. They can also create an energy efficiency issue. The cause of fog is condensation of water vapor on a cold surface such as glass. This can happen naturally when cold air collides with warm, moist indoor air, particularly in a house where humidity is high. If windows become hazy, the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They are less efficient. Foggy windows may also cause calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks on windows.

Install a dehumidifier next to the window. This will help remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this doesn't address the underlying issue of a broken seal, and it won't prevent future window fogging.

Another method is to drill holes in the window and then use the drain snake that is wrapped in pantyhoses to clear the condensation that has been trapped. This can be effective but it's costly and is only an aesthetic fix. It won't replace the inert gas between the panes, and it will leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.

There are several reasons why a double-pane window may start to fog. Damage to the seal caused by the frames being sanded, or pressure washing could cause the window to break, and it is possible that the hermetically sealed air/gas has simply degraded over time, particularly in older homes.

Many manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective windows. However the window that you have been in place for more than ten or twenty years and has become hazy, it may be too late to make claims.

The best way to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a brand new, high-quality window that will not have any problems with a faulty seal. This will result in clear, clean windows as well as a higher energy efficiency. It also has other advantages, including warmer homes and lower cost of energy. The best method to make sure you get a new, window repairs quality window repair near me is to hire an experienced window contractor. A professional with experience will be able to provide the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting, reliable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows of your home can cause major problems, like increased heating costs in winter and higher cooling costs during summer. They can also cause discomfort in your home and even health issues. The gaps or cracks that are around the window frame and panes can create drafts. These gaps let warm air 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 could also create drafts. This is most common with older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood may expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. Often, this can be corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.

Another common reason for drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in double or triple paned windows has been broken, allowing the argon gas to escape. This is costly to fix, and may require the help of a professional window replacement company in Glenview or other nearby areas.

Utilizing the flame of a candle to locate drafty windows can help in determining the location where a cold leak originates from. Move the flame around the edges of the window frame and note any places where the flame is bent or flickers. This will help you determine the source of the draft.

Certain drafts in windows could be fixed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. If your window seals are damaged or the panes are cracked, you'll have to replace them. It is essential to consult an expert window replacement service to ensure that the windows you choose to install are energy efficient and have been installed properly. This is the only way to know that you'll save money on your energy bills all year round! Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We are happy to provide an estimate for free! We're looking forward to hearing from you!