How to Repair a Window
From kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows break due to a variety of reasons. It is possible to get your window working again by following a few simple steps.
Tape is the simplest method to fix any cracks. Alternately, you can buy glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust.
Broken or cracked Panes
A cracked or broken window isn't just unattractive - it can also create an air leak in your home that allows bugs, rain and wind to get into. If your window is double-paned it can be extremely damaging as it ruins the insulation that the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain a a comfortable temperature in your home.
Cracks in your windows could result from a variety of causes, including impact and weather conditions. A fall hitting the glass, or pressure changes within your home, can cause the outer layer to break, while the inside pane is left intact. This kind of crack is called a pressure crack and can be distinguished by a curving shape similar to an hourglass.
Stress cracks can also develop between the exterior and interior layers of a double-pane window. These kinds of cracks could be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations particularly in winter months, or when the glass is subject to excessive pressure.
If you have a window pane that has cracked or broken There are a few short-term solutions to keep water, wind and bugs out until you think of a long-term solution. You could cut a piece to the size of a shower curtain to cover the crack. This solution doesn't look great, but it will help keep your home warm and dry until you can afford to tackle a more permanent repair.
If you want a more durable option you can opt for glass adhesive that is typically used for window repairs in vehicles, but can also be used in your home. You can purchase this adhesive online or in the majority of auto repair stores. Then, follow the instructions to apply it to your window. This kind of fix is more labor-intensive, however it can last for several years and will stop the crack from becoming worse. You may want to consult with a professional based on the degree of the crack in your window.
Water Infiltration
If a window leaks it can affect the appearance of your home and lead to water stains, mold and other damages. If you notice water spots or streaks of stains on the wall close to the window, it's likely time to contact an expert to assess and fix the issue. In certain cases, it might be required that the window be replaced.
The most common cause of leaks around windows is improper installation or improper use of materials such as building paper or housewrap instead of flashing that is properly designed. It is also possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame isn't inclined downwards to drain water away from the house.
It is important to inspect both the inside and exterior of your house if you discover a leak. Look for areas of rot in the wood surrounding the window as well as damp walls and sills as well as paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these problems, it is likely that the leak is coming from outside your window and has been flowing for some time.
A well-executed caulking job will aid in repairing minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking on your own however you'll need to thoroughly clean the area first in order to ensure that the caulking is properly sealed. It may not be enough to stop the leakage particularly if you have a problem that's been brewing for a long time.
If you discover that your window is leaked, it is important to contact a reputable Dearborn window repair service. They will be able complete an exhaustive assessment and tell you if the leak is due to the window or if it is a problem related to the siding, roof or gutters. They can also tell you if it's worth attempting to fix the window or if it makes more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they will provide advice on how to maintain your windows.
The windows are smudges. Up Windows
Foggy windows can be more than just an unsightly problem. They can also pose an energy efficiency problem that is serious. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, such as glass, and forms fog. This can happen naturally when cold air meets warm, moist indoor air, particularly in a house where humidity is high. When windows become cloudy the hermetically sealed insulation gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows can also result in calcium deposits as well as other unattractive streaks appearing on the window.
Install a dehumidifier next to the window. This will help to remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this does not solve the root issue of a leaky seal and it won't prevent future window fogging.
Another method is to use a drain-snake wrapped in a hose and make holes in your window to eliminate the condensate that is trapped. It is an expensive cosmetic solution that is effective. It does not replace the inert gas between the panes, and it will still leave behind stains and deposits on the window.
There are several reasons why a double-pane window may begin to fog. The seal could be damaged by cleaning the frames with sandpaper or pressure. It is possible that the hermetically sealed air/gas has degraded with time, particularly in older homes.
A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace damaged thermal windows, but in the event that the window has been in your house for ten or twenty-five years and is now foggy you're probably to be beyond the point of a warranty claim.
The best solution to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a new high-quality, durable window that will not be affected by a faulty seal. This will provide clean windows with clear glass, greater energy efficiency, and other advantages such as a more comfortable home and lower utility bills. The best method to make sure you have a new, quality window is to partner with an experienced and knowledgeable window contractor. The right contractor will make sure that the measurements are correct and install a window that is long-lasting and reliable.
Drafty Windows
The drafty windows can be a serious issue that can lead to higher heating bills in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort in your home and could cause health issues. Window drafts result from cracks or gaps in the window panes and frame. These gaps let cold air in and warm air to leave your home, which increases the need to run your air conditioner or furnace to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
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 will expand and contract, causing seals to fall apart. This can often be repaired by re-caulking the seals or by replacing them.
Another reason for drafty windows is that the seal between the layers of glass in double or triple paned windows has been broken and allowed the gas argon to escape. This can be an expensive issue that requires an experienced window company in Glenview, or other local areas.
The flame of a candle can be used to identify a drafty or cold window. Move the flame around the perimeter of the window frame and note any places where the flame bends or flickers. This will help you determine the source of the draft.
Re-caulking and adding weather stripping can help eliminate some drafts. If the seals on your windows are damaged or the panes are cracked, you'll require replacement. It is important to speak with an expert window replacement company to make sure that your new windows are energy efficient and have been installed properly. This is the only way to know that you'll save on your energy bills throughout the year! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We are happy to provide an estimate for free! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!