How to Repair a Window

Windows can break due to a variety of reasons, including wind or kids playing baseball. You can often repair your window by following a few simple steps.

Tape is the easiest way to fix any cracks. You can also buy glass repair films that are similar to tape, but are more durable.

Cracked or broken panes

A damaged or cracked glass window can result in more than just an unsightly appearance. It can also allow wind, rain and insects to enter your home. Double-paned windows are especially vulnerable to damage because they can destroy the insulation provided by the glass and make your furnace or AC work more hard to maintain a comfortable home temperature.

Cracks can form in your windows due to a range of factors, including weather conditions and impact. An impact from a fallen object striking the glass or simply pressure changes in your home could cause the outer layer of your window to break, whereas the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack is known as a pressure crack and can be identified by a curving shape similar to an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also develop between the exterior and interior layers of windows with double panes. These kinds of cracks could be caused by extreme temperature variations especially in winter months, or when the glass is placed under excessive pressure.

There are some quick fixes for broken or cracked window panes to keep out wind, water and insects while you think of a permanent solution. For instance, you can apply a plastic sheet to the crack in your window, such as a shower curtain or a tarp made of plastic cut to size. This method isn't pretty however it will keep your home dry and warm until you can afford to tackle a more permanent repair.

If you want a more durable option, you can use glass adhesive, which is usually used for window upvc repairs in vehicles, but also works at home. You can purchase it online or at many auto maintenance stores, and then follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This type of fix requires more work but it can last for years and prevent the crack from getting any more severe. You may want to consult with a professional depending on the severity of the crack in your window.

Water Infiltration

When windows leak, it can alter the appearance of your home. It can also lead to water stains, mold and other damage. It is time to call in an expert if you notice water spots or stains on the walls around a window. In some instances, it could be required that the window be replaced.

Leaks around windows are often due to poor installation or the use of poor quality materials like housewrap or building paper instead of properly designed flashing. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame is not inclined downwards to drain water away from the home.

If you do spot leaks, it's essential to examine both the interior and exterior of your house. Look for rotted wood around the window and sills, damp walls and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you spot any of these signs, it is likely that the leak originates outside your window and has been running for some time.

A high-quality caulking job will help to fix many minor leaks around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking yourself however you'll have to thoroughly clean the area first to ensure a good seal. This might not be enough to stop the leakage, particularly if you've got a problem that's been brewing for a long time.

Contact a trustworthy Dearborn firm for window repair if you find that your window is leaking. They will be able complete a full assessment and inform you if the leak is due to the window or is a problem related to the siding, roof or gutters. They can also help you determine if it is worth attempting to repair the window or if it would make more sense to replace it. After the experts have evaluated and completed the repairs, they'll be able provide tips on how to take care of your windows in the future.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows aren't simply ugly, they could be a serious energy efficiency problem. The cause of fog is condensation of water vapor on a cold surface, like glass. This can happen naturally when cold air meets warm, moist indoor air, especially in a home where humidity is high. When window panes become foggy, the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows can also cause streaks and calcium deposits on the glass.

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

Another method is to drill holes into the window and use a drain snake wrapped in pantyhose to clean out the condensation that has been trapped. This is a viable option but it's costly and is only an aesthetic fix. It doesn't replace the gas in between the panes, and will leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.

There are several reasons why double-pane windows can start 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.

A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective thermal windows, but if the window has been in your home for ten or twenty-five years and is now hazy, it's likely past the point of a warranty claim.

The best solution to fix cloudy or foggy windows is to replace windows. A new, high-quality replacement window will not suffer from problems with a faulty sealing. This will give clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, and many other advantages like a warmer home and lower utility bills. A window contractor who is experienced will ensure that you receive a quality window. A professional with experience will be able to provide the proper measurements and install for a long-lasting and reliable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows can be a serious problem that can increase your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can cause discomfort, and even health issues within your home. The gaps or cracks that are around the window frame and panes could cause drafts. These cracks allow cold air to enter and warm air out of your home, which increases the need to use your air conditioner or furnace to keep the temperature comfortable.

A draft in a windows can 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 may expand and contract, which causes the seals to fail. Most of the time, Window Doctor this is 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 allows the argon to escape. This could be an expensive issue to fix and could require the help of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other areas in the area.

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

Certain drafts in windows can be addressed by re-caulking the window or adding weather stripping. However, more complex problems with your window seals or panes may need a complete replacement. It's important to consult with an expert window replacement service to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and fitted correctly. This is the only way to be sure that you'll be saving money on your energy bills all year long! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window Doctor replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you a an estimate for free! We're looking forward to hearing from you!