How to Repair a Window
Windows can break for a variety of reasons, like the wind or children playing baseball. Often you can get your window back in working order by doing a few easy steps.
The easiest fix is to use tape to cover any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair films that are similar to tape, but are more durable.
Cracked or broken Panes
A cracked or broken glass window can cause more than just a unsightly appearance. It could also allow wind, rain and insects to get into your home. If your window is double-paned, it can be extremely detrimental as it destroys the insulation that the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain a an ideal temperature inside your home.
Cracks in your windows can occur from a number of reasons, including impacts and weather conditions. A fall on the glass, or even pressure changes inside your home, may cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane is not damaged. 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 form between the exterior and interior layers of a double-pane windows. These types of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature differences, particularly during the winter months, or when the glass is placed under excessive pressure.
If you have a window that is cracked or broken, there are some short-term solutions to keep water, wind and insects out while you work on a longer-term solution. You can use a piece cut to size of plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This method isn't pretty, but it will help keep your home dry and warm until you are able to make a permanent repair.
For a longer-lasting option you can choose to use glass adhesive which is normally used for windows in vehicles but also works at home. You can purchase it online or at most auto maintenance stores and follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This type of fix is a little more labor intensive, but it can last for several years and will keep the crack from getting worse. Depending on the degree of the crack in your window, you might want to talk to a professional.
Water Infiltration
When windows leak, it can ruin the look of your home and can lead to water stains, mold and other damages. If you notice water spots or stains on the wall near windows, it's likely time to contact a professional to inspect and fix the issue. In certain cases, it might be required that the window be replaced.
Leaks around windows are typically due to poor installation or the use of inferior materials, such as housewrap or building paper instead of properly designed flashing. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame isn't sloped downwards to allow water to drain away from the home.
It is essential to check both the inside and exterior of your house if you spot the presence of a leak. Check for rot-prone areas in the wood around the window as well as damp walls and sills as well as paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you spot any of these issues it's likely that the leak is coming from outside your window for a while.
A quality caulking job can resolve many minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, but it is crucial to clean the area thoroughly to ensure a seal. In some cases it might not suffice to stop leaks especially if it's a long-term issue.
Contact a reliable Dearborn business to repair your window if you discover that your window leaks. They will be able to provide a full assessment and tell you if the leak is due to the window or if it is a problem with the roof, siding or gutters. They can also tell you if it's worth attempting to fix the window, or if it's more sense to replace it. Once the professionals have assessed and made the repairs, they'll be able to provide you with suggestions on how you can take care of your windows in the future.
The windows are smudges. Up Windows
Foggy windows are not just unsightly, they can be a major energy efficiency problem. Fog is caused by water vapor condensing on a cold surface, like glass. window repairs can occur naturally when warm, moist air in the home meets cold air. When windows become cloudy 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 near the window. This will remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this does not address the underlying problem of a window seal that is broken and won't prevent further fogging.
Another method is to drill holes into the window and use a drain snake wrapped in a pantyhose to remove the condensate that is trapped. It's a costly cosmetic fix that is effective. It does not replace the gas in between the panes, and it will still leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.
There are a variety of reasons windows with double panes can begin to get a little cloudy. Damage to the seal from the frames being sanded, or pressure washing may cause the break, and it is possible that the gas/air hermetically sealed has deteriorated over time, especially in older homes.
A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to replace or repair defective thermal windows. However, in the event that the window has been in your house for ten or twenty-five years and has become foggy you're probably beyond the scope of an insurance claim.
The best solution to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a new, high-quality window that will not be affected by an ineffective seal. This will result in clean, clear windows and better energy efficiency. It also has other advantages, including warmer homes and lower cost of energy. Working with a window contractor who is experienced will ensure that you get a quality window. 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 issues, including the increase in heating costs during winter and increased cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort within your home, and may cause health issues. Window drafts are caused by gaps or cracks around the window panes and frame. These gaps let cold air in and warm air to exit your home, causing you to have to run your furnace or air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame can also cause a draft. This is most common with older windows with wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. This can often be fixed by re-caulking the seals or by replacing them.
Another reason that can cause drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in triple or double paned windows is broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This can be an expensive issue to fix, and may require the services of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other nearby areas.
The flame of a candle could be used to identify a drafty or cold window. Move the flame around the edges of the window frame and note any spots where the flame bends or flickers. This will help you identify the source of the air draft.
Certain drafts in windows can be addressed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. If the seals on your windows are damaged or the panes have cracked, you'll need to replace them. It's important to consult with an expert window replacement service to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and fitted properly. This is the only way to be sure that you'll save on your energy bills all year round! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you a an estimate for free! We look forward hearing from you!