How to Repair a Window

Whether from kids playing baseball or the wind blowing through the night, windows are broken for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, you can get your window back in good working order by following just a few simple steps.

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

Cracked or Broken Panes

A broken or cracked glass window can cause more than just a unsightly appearance. It can also let rain, wind and insects to get into your home. double glazed window repairs-paned windows are more susceptible to damage as they can ruin the insulation created by the glass and cause your AC or furnace work more hard to maintain an ideal temperature in your home.

Cracks in your windows can occur from a number of causes, including impact and weather conditions. A fall on the glass, or even pressure changes within your home, can cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane remains intact. This type of crack, also known as a pressure fracture is recognized by its curving form that looks like an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also develop between the outside and inside layers of a double pane window. Extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during the winter months or pressure that is too high on the glass can cause cracks like these.

There are some quick solutions for broken or cracked window panes that will keep out wind, water, and bugs while you consider a long-term solution. For instance, you could apply a plastic cover to the crack in your window, such as a piece of plastic shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This isn't the most attractive solution however it will keep your home warm and dry until you are able to tackle a more permanent repair.

To make a long-lasting choice you can choose to use glass adhesive that is typically used for window repairs in vehicles, but also works in your home. You can purchase it online or at most auto repair shops and follow the manufacturer's directions for applying it to your window. This type of fix is a bit more labor intensive, but it can last for several years and stop the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the severity of your window, you might want to talk to an expert.

Water Infiltration

If a window leaks it can alter the appearance of your home and lead to mold, water stains and other damages. If you spot water spots or staining on the walls near windows, it's likely time to contact an expert to look into and fix the issue. In certain cases, it might be required that the window be replaced.

Leaks around windows are typically caused by poor installation or the use of poor quality materials, like housewrap or building paper instead of properly designed flashing. It could be that the sill on the bottom of the frame hasn't been angled downwards to let the water drain away from the home.

It is essential to check both the inside and exterior of your house when you notice the presence of a leak. Examine for decayed wood around the window, damp walls, sills and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these problems, it's likely that the leak is emanating from outside your window for some time.

A good quality caulking job can resolve many minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, but it is important to clean the area thoroughly before applying it to ensure a tight seal. In certain situations it might not be enough to stop a leakage particularly if it's a long-term issue.

Contact a reputable Dearborn company for window repair if you discover that your window leaks. They can provide a full assessment and tell you if the leak is caused by the window or is an issue that is related to the siding, roof or gutters. They will also assist you to determine if it is worthwhile to try fixing the window or if it would make more sense to replace it. Once the professionals have evaluated and made the repairs, they will be able to give you advice on how to take care of your windows in the future.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just unsightly, they can be a major energy efficiency problem. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, such as glass, and forms fog. This happens naturally when warm, moist air in the home meets cold air. When window panes become foggy the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks appearing on the window.

Install a dehumidifier near the window. This will help to remove some of that moisture from the air. This does not solve the root cause of a window seal that is broken and window repairs won't stop future fogging.

Another popular remedy is to drill holes in the window and use a drain snake encased in pantyhoses to clear the trapped condensation. This can be effective but it's costly and is merely an aesthetic fix. It doesn't replace the gas in between the panes, and it will leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.

There are a variety of reasons double-pane windows can begin to fog. The seal can be damaged by sanding the frames or pressure-washing. It is also possible that the hermetically sealed gas or air has degraded over time, especially older homes.

Many manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective windows. However it is possible that your window has been in use for ten or 20 years and is now foggy it could be too late to file claims.

The best solution to fix foggy windows is to replace them with a brand new high-quality window that does not be affected by a faulty seal. This will result in clean windows with clear glass, greater energy efficiency, and other advantages like a warmer home and lower energy bills. A window contractor with experience will ensure you get an excellent window. A reputable contractor will make sure you get the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting, reliable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows can be a serious problem that can raise your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort and health problems in your home. Window drafts result from gaps or window repairs cracks around the window panes and frame. These gaps allow cold air to enter and warm air to leave your home, which increases the need to run your air conditioner or furnace to keep the temperature comfortable.

Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame could cause drafts. This is common in older windows that have wooden casings. As time passes, wood will expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. Often, this can be corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.

A common cause of drafty windows in double or triple-paned windows is a weak seal between the layers. This lets the argon escape. This can be an expensive issue to fix, and may require the assistance of a professional window replacement service in Glenview or other nearby areas.

Using the flame from candles to pinpoint the drafty windows can help determine the location where a cold leak is coming from. Move the flame around the perimeter of the frame and note any spots where the flame is bent or flickers. This can help you identify the source of the draft.

Certain drafts in windows can be fixed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. However, more complex issues with the seals on your windows or panes may require a full replacement. Consult with an expert in window replacement to ensure your new windows are energy efficient and properly installed. This is the only way to know that you'll save on your energy bills all year round! Contact Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you an estimate at no cost! We look forward to getting in touch with you!