How to Repair a Window
Whether from kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows are broken due to a variety of reasons. Often you can get your window back into functioning condition by following a few easy steps.
Tape is the most efficient method to fix any cracks. Alternately, you can buy glass repair film which is similar to tape but is more durable.
Cracked or Broken Panes
A cracked or broken window isn't just ugly it can also cause an air leak inside your home, allowing bugs, rain, and wind to get into. If the window is double-paned it can be extremely damaging as it ruins the insulation the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain the temperature of your home.
Cracks can form in your windows due to a variety of factors, including the weather and impacts. An impact from a fallen object hitting the glass or even a change in pressure within your home could cause the exterior layer of the window 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 looks like an hourglass.
Stress cracks can also form between the inside and outside layers of a double-pane windows. These kinds of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations especially in winter months, or when the glass is subject to excessive pressure.
There are a few quick fixes for broken or cracked window panes to keep out wind, water, and bugs while you plan a permanent solution. For instance, you can apply a plastic covering to the window's crack like an insulated 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're able to make a permanent repair.
To make a long-lasting choice you can choose to use glass adhesive which is normally used for vehicle windows but can also be used at home. You can buy this online or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying it to your window. This kind of repair requires more work but it can last for years and stop the crack from getting any more severe. 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. It can also lead to water stains, mold and other damages. It is time to call an expert if you spot water spots or stains on the wall around a window. In certain cases it might be necessary to replace the window completely.
Leaks around windows are often caused by 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 isn't inclined downwards to drain water away from the home.
It is essential to check both the interior and exterior of your house when you notice the presence of a leak. Examine for signs of rot in the wood around the window as well as damp walls and sills as well as paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you notice any of these issues it's likely that the leak has been emanating from outside your window for a long time.
A well-executed caulking job will help to resolve many minor leaks that happen around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, but it is essential to wash the area thoroughly before applying it to ensure a tight seal. It may not be enough to stop the leak, particularly if you've got an issue that has been going on for a long time.
Contact a trustworthy Dearborn business for window repair if you discover that your window leaks. They'll be able to conduct a thorough assessment and tell you whether the leak is caused by the window itself or whether it's a problem with the siding, roof or gutters, or even the wall itself. 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 professionals have evaluated and made the repairs, they'll be able give you advice on how to care for your windows in the future.
Fogged Up Windows
Foggy windows are more than just ugly, they can be a major energy efficiency problem. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, like glass, forming fog. It can happen naturally when warm, humid air from the home is paired with cold air. If windows become hazy the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They become less efficient. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits as well as other unattractive streaks on the window.
Place a dehumidifier close to the window. This will remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this doesn't address the underlying issue of a leaky seal and it will not prevent further window fogging.
Another popular remedy is to make holes in the window and use a drain snake wrapped in a pantyhose to remove the trapped condensation. This can be effective, but it is expensive and is merely an aesthetic fix. It is not a replacement for the inert gases between the panes. It will leave stains and traces of rust behind.
There are several reasons why windows with double panes can become hazy. The seal can be damaged by either sanding or pressure-washing the frames. 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 defective thermal windows, but in the event that the window has been in your house for ten or twenty years and is now foggy it's probably to be beyond the point of an insurance claim.
The best way to fix foggy or cloudy windows is to replace them. A 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 energy bills. window repair near me to make sure you have the best quality windows is to hire an experienced window contractor. A reputable contractor will ensure that the measurements are correct and will install a window that is sturdy and reliable.
Drafty Windows
Windows that are drafty are a major 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. The cracks or gaps that are around the window frame and panes can cause drafts. These gaps allow cold air to pass through and warm air to exit your home, increasing the need to run your air conditioner or furnace to maintain a comfortable temperature.
Problems with the weather stripping or seals around the frame could cause drafts. This is typical in older windows that have wooden casings. As time passes, the wood can expand and contract, causing the seals to break down. This is often corrected by re-caulking seals or re-caulking them.
The most common cause of drafty windows in double- or triple-paned windows is a weak seal between the layers. This lets the argon escape. This could be a costly issue that requires an experienced window company in Glenview, or other local areas.
Utilizing the flame of candles to pinpoint a drafty window can help in determining where a cold air leak is coming from. The flame should be moved around the window's frame and you should take note of any areas that the flame is bent or flickers. This can help you determine the source of the draft.
Re-caulking and adding weather stripping can help to eliminate some drafts. However, more advanced issues with your window seals or panes may need a complete 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 correctly. This is the only way to be sure that you'll save on your energy bills throughout the year! Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy for you to get an estimate for free! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!