How to Repair a Window
From kids playing baseball or wind at night, windows are broken due to a variety of reasons. Most of the time, you can get your window back into working order by doing just a few simple steps.
Tape is the easiest way to repair any cracks. You can also buy glass repair films that are similar to tape, but more durable.
Cracked or broken Panes
A cracked or broken window isn't just unattractive but it could also cause an air leak in your home, allowing bugs, rain and wind to enter. If the window is double-paned this can be especially damaging as it ruins the insulation provided by the glass and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain a an ideal temperature inside your home.
Cracks can form in your windows due to a variety of factors including the weather and impact. A fall that hits the glass, or even pressure changes inside your home, could cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane is not damaged. This kind 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 a double-pane windows. Extreme temperature differences, especially in winter, or excessive pressure on the glass can lead to cracks of this kind.
If you have a window that has cracked or broken There are a few short-term solutions to keep wind, water and bugs out while you think of a long-term solution. For instance, you could apply a plastic cover to the window's crack, such as an insulated shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This method isn't particularly attractive, but will keep your home warm until you can afford the more permanent solution.
You can also apply glass adhesive, which is usually used to seal windows in vehicles. It works at home as well. You can purchase it online or at many auto repair shops, and then follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying it to your window. This type of repair requires more effort but it can last for years and prevent the crack from becoming more severe. You might want to consult with a professional depending on the degree of the crack in your window.
Water Infiltration
When a window leaks, it can ruin the appearance of your home and also cause water stains, mold, and other damages. If you notice water spots or stains on the wall near windows, it's likely that you should call an expert to assess and repair the problem. In some cases it may be required that the window be replaced.
Leaks around windows are typically due to poor installation or the use of poor quality materials like construction paper or housewrap 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.
If you do spot leaks, it is important to take the time to inspect both the inside and exterior of your home. Look for areas of rot in the wood around the window as well as damp walls and sills as well as paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you find any of these signs it's likely that the leak is coming from outside your window for a while.
A good caulking job can assist in repairing minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking by yourself however you'll have to thoroughly clean the area first to ensure a solid seal. In some instances, this may not be enough to stop a leak especially if it's a long-term issue.
Contact a trustworthy Dearborn business for window repair if you find that your window is leaky. They can provide an assessment of the entire situation and tell you if the leak is due to the window or if it is an issue that is with the roof, siding or gutters. They will also assist you to determine if it's worth trying to repair the window or whether it's better to replace it. After the experts have evaluated and made the repairs, they'll be able to give you suggestions on how to care for your windows in the future.
The windows are smudges. Up Windows
Foggy windows aren't simply ugly, they could be a serious energy efficiency problem. The cause of fog is water vapor condensing on a cold, hard surface such as glass. It can happen naturally when warm, moist air from the home is paired with cold air. When windows become foggy, they lose their hermetically sealed gas that insulates (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows can also result in calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks appearing on the window.
Install a dehumidifier next to the window. This will help remove some of the moisture from the air. However, this does not address the underlying problem of a window seal that is broken and will not prevent future fogging.
Another method is to drill holes into the window and then use the drain snake that is wrapped in pantyhoses to clear the condensate that is trapped. It's a costly cosmetic fix that is efficient. It doesn't replace the inert gas between the panes, and will leave behind stains and deposits on the window.
There are several reasons why a double-pane window may begin to fog. Damage to the seal caused by the frames being sanded or pressure washing can cause the window to break and it's possible that the hermetically sealed air/gas has simply degraded over time, particularly in older homes.
A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective thermal windows, but when the window has been in your house for ten or twenty-five years and is now hazy, it's likely beyond the scope of an insurance claim.
The best way to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a brand new high-quality window that does not have any problems with the seal being damaged. This will give clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, and other advantages like a warmer home and lower energy bills. The best way to make sure you purchase a new, quality window is to partner with an experienced and knowledgeable window contractor. A professional with experience will be able to provide the proper measurements and will install for a long-lasting, dependable window.
Drafty Windows
Windows that are drafty can cause serious problems, like increased heating costs in winter and more expensive cooling costs in the summer. They can also cause discomfort and even health problems within your home. Window drafts result from gaps or cracks around the window panes and frame. These gaps let cold air in and warm air to exit your home, increasing the need to use your furnace or air conditioner to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.
A draft in a windows can be caused by issues with the seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is especially common with older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, the wood can expand and contract, which causes the seals to fall apart. Most of the time, this is remedied by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.
Another common reason for drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in double or triple paned windows has broken and allowed the gas argon to escape. This can be a costly issue to fix, and may require the assistance of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other areas in the area.
The flame of a candle can be used to find the cold or drafty windows. Move the flame around the perimeter of the window frame and note any spots where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you identify the source of the draft.
Re-caulking and putting in weather stripping can help eliminate some drafts. However, more serious issues with the seals on your windows or panes may need a complete replacement. It's important to consult with an experienced window replacement company to ensure that the windows you choose to install are energy efficient and installed correctly. You will reduce your energy bill if consult with an expert window replacement company. Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to provide an estimate for free! We look forward to hearing from you!