How to Repair a Window
Windows can break for many reasons, such as children playing baseball or wind. Often you can get your window back into functioning condition by following a few easy steps.
Tape is the easiest way to repair any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair films that are similar to tape, but more durable.
Broken or cracked Panes
A damaged or cracked window isn't just unattractive it can also cause an air leak in your home that allows wind, rain and bugs to get into. Double-paned windows are more susceptible to damage because they can ruin the insulation offered 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 variety of reasons, including the weather and impacts. A fall hitting the glass, or pressure changes inside your home, may cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane remains intact. This type of crack, also known as a pressure fracture, can be recognized by its curving form that resembles an hourglass.
Stress cracks can also develop between the exterior and interior layers of a double pane window. Extreme temperature variations, particularly in winter or pressure that is too high on the glass may cause cracks of this kind.
If you have a window that is cracked or broken, there are some short-term solutions to keep wind, water and insects out while you work on a longer-term solution. For instance, you could apply a plastic cover to the crack in your window like a piece of plastic shower curtain or a tarp of plastic cut to size. This solution is not very appealing, but it will keep your home warm until you can afford a more permanent fix.
You can also use the glass adhesive, which is commonly used to seal windows in vehicles. It can be used at home as well. You can purchase it online or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying it to your window. This type of repair requires more work however it can last for several years and stop the crack from getting worse. Depending on the severity of your window, you might want to talk to an expert.
Water Infiltration
When windows leak, it can affect the appearance of your home. It can also lead to mold, water stains and other damage. It is time to call in a professional if you notice water stains or spots on the walls around a window. In some instances it might be necessary to replace the window completely.
The most frequent cause of leaks around windows is a poor installation or the incorrect use of certain materials like housewrap or building paper instead of flashing that is properly designed. It is possible that the sill on the bottom of the frame hasn't been angled to allow the water to drain away from the home.
It is essential to check both the interior and exterior of your home if you notice a leak. Check for decayed wood around the window or sills, damp walls, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you spot any of these problems it's likely that the leak is emanating from outside your window for a while.
A quality caulking job will help to fix numerous small leaks around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking on your own, but you will need to thoroughly clean the area in order to ensure a good seal. This may not always be enough to stop the leakage, especially if you have a problem that has been going on for a long time.
If you find that your window is leaky, it is important to contact a trustworthy Dearborn window repair company. They'll perform a thorough evaluation and let you know whether the leak is caused by the window or if it's a problem with the roof, siding, gutters or wall itself. They can also help you decide if it is worth attempting to repair the window or whether it would make more sense to replace it. Once the professionals have evaluated and completed the repairs they will be able to provide advice on how to care for your windows in the future.
Fogged Up Windows
Foggy windows can be more than just an unsightly problem. They can also pose a serious energy efficiency issue. Water evaporates on a cool surface, such as glass, and forms fog. It can happen naturally when warm, humid air inside the home comes in contact with cold air. When window panes get foggy, they lose their hermetically sealed insulating gas (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows can also lead to streaks and calcium deposits on the glass.
Place a dehumidifier close to the window. This will help to remove some of that moisture from the air. It does not solve the underlying problem of a window seal that is broken and won't prevent further fogging.
Another popular remedy is to use a drain-snake wrapped in a pantyhose and then drill holes into your window to remove the trapped condensation. It's a costly cosmetic fix that is efficient. It doesn't replace the gas in between the panes, and will still leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.
There are a few reasons why windows that has double panes could become cloudy. The seal may be damaged by sanding the frames or pressure-washing. It is possible that the hermetically sealed gas or air has deteriorated over time, particularly in older homes.
A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective windows. However the window that you have been in place for ten or 20 years and is now hazy it might be too late to make a claim.
The best solution to fix cloudy or foggy windows is to replace windows. A brand new, high-quality replacement window will not suffer from issues with the seal being defective. This will give clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, as well as other advantages such as a more comfortable home and lower utility bills. The best method to make sure you get the best quality windows is to hire an experienced and knowledgeable window contractor. The right contractor will ensure the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting, reliable window.
Drafty Windows
Windows that are drafty are a major problem that can raise your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can cause discomfort, and even health problems in your home. The cracks or gaps that are around the window frame and panes could cause drafts. These cracks let warm air escape your home, and cold air to enter, increasing the need for your furnace or AC to perform harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
A draft in a window could also be caused by problems with the seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is particularly common in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, wood may expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. Most of the time, 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 broken seal between the layers. This allows the argon to escape. This can be a costly issue to fix and could require the help of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other local areas.
The flame of a candle can be used to locate the cold or drafty windows. Move the flame around the perimeter of the frame, and note any areas where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you identify the source of the draft.
Re-caulking and installing weather stripping can help reduce drafts. However, window repairs near me advanced issues with the seals on your windows or panes could need a complete replacement. Consult with a window replacement expert to ensure that your new windows are energy-efficient and installed correctly. You will reduce your energy bill if contact an expert window replacement service. Contact Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you a an estimate for free! We're looking forward to hearing from you!