How to Repair a Window
Whether from kids playing baseball or the wind blowing through the night, windows break due to a variety. You can often repair your window 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 are more durable.
Cracked or broken Panes
A broken or cracked glass window can cause more than just an unsightly appearance. It could also allow wind, rain and insects to enter your home. If the window is double-paned this could be particularly damaging as it ruins the insulation provided by the glass and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature in your home.
Cracks can appear in your windows due to a variety of factors including weather conditions and impact. An impact from a fallen object hitting the glass, or even just pressure changes in your home can cause the outer layer of the window to break while the inner pane remains in place. This type of crack, also referred to as a pressure crack, can be recognized by its curving form that is similar to an hourglass.
Stress cracks can also form between the exterior and interior layers of windows with double panes. Extreme temperature differences, especially during the winter months or pressure that is too high on the glass can lead to cracks like these.
There are some quick fixes for broken or cracked window panes to keep out rain, wind and bugs until you think of a permanent solution. You can use a piece cut to the size of a plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This isn't very appealing, but it will keep your home warm until you are able to afford the more permanent solution.
To make a long-lasting choice you can opt for 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 repair shops and follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying it to your window. This kind of fix is a bit more labor intensive, but it will last for a few years and will prevent the crack from getting worse. You might want to consult with a professional depending on the degree of the crack in your window.
Water Infiltration
If a window leaks it can alter the appearance of your home. It can also lead to mold, water stains, and other damage. If you notice water spots or stains on the wall near windows, it's likely time to contact an expert to assess and repair the problem. In some instances it could be necessary to replace the window entirely.
Leaks around windows are often due to poor installation or the use of inferior materials, such as housewrap or building paper instead of properly designed flashing. It is possible that the sill on the bottom of the frame hasn't been angled to let the water drain away from the house.
If you spot a leak, it is important to take the time to inspect both the inside and exterior of your house. Check for rot-prone areas in the wood that surrounds the window, damp walls and sills and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you spot any of these problems, it's likely that the leak has been coming from outside your window for a long time.
A well-executed caulking job will aid in repairing minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking by yourself however you'll have to thoroughly clean the area in order to ensure a good seal. This might not be enough to stop the leak, especially if you have a problem that's been brewing for a while.
Contact a reputable Dearborn business for window repair if find that your window is leaky. They will be able complete an exhaustive assessment and inform you if the leak is caused by the window or if it is an issue that is with the roof, siding or gutters. They can also tell you if it's worth trying to fix the window or if it's better sense to replace it. After the professionals have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they'll give you advice about how to keep your windows in good condition.
Fogged Up Windows
Foggy windows are more than just ugly, they can be a serious energy efficiency problem. Fog is caused by water vapor condensing on a cold surface, like glass. This can happen naturally when cold air collides with warm, moist indoor air, particularly in a house where humidity is high. If windows become cloudy, they lose their hermetically sealed insulating gas (often Argon or Krypton) and lose their efficiency. Foggy windows may also cause calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks on the window.
Install a dehumidifier near the window. This will help to remove some of the moisture from the air. However, this does not address the underlying issue of a broken seal, and it will not prevent further window fogging.
Another popular remedy is to drill holes into the window and use the drain snake that is wrapped in pantyhoses to clear the condensate that is trapped. This can be effective but it's costly and is only an aesthetic fix. It doesn't replace the inert gas between the panes, and can leave stains and traces of rust behind.
There are several reasons why double-pane windows can begin to get a little cloudy. The seal can be damaged by sanding the frames or pressure-washing. It is possible that the hermetically sealed air/gas has degraded with time, especially older homes.
Many manufacturers offer a warranty to repair or replace damaged thermal windows, but if the window is in your home for ten or twenty-five years and has become foggy it's probably to be beyond the point 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 will not have any problems with an ineffective seal. This will provide clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, and many other advantages such as a more comfortable home and lower energy bills. A window contractor who is experienced will ensure you get an excellent window. The right contractor will make sure that the measurements are correct and will install a window that is long-lasting and reliable.
Drafty Windows
The drafty windows can be a serious problem that can raise your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort in your home and could cause health issues. Window drafts are caused by cracks or gaps around the window panes and frame. These gaps 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 temperature that is comfortable.
A draft in a windows can also be caused by problems with the seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is especially common with older windows with wooden casings. Over time the wood may expand and contract, which causes the seals to break down. This can often be fixed by re-caulking the seals or re-caulking them.
The most common cause of drafty windows in double or triple-paned windows is the broken seal between the layers. This lets the argon escape. This could be a costly problem and could require a professional window company in Glenview, or other local areas.
The flame of a candle could be used to identify an unheated or drafty window. Move the flame around the edges of the window frame, and note any areas where the flame bends or flickers. This will help you identify the source of the air draft.
Re-caulking and installing weather stripping may help reduce drafts. If the seals in your windows are damaged or the panes have damaged, you'll need to replace them. Get in touch with a window replacement expert to ensure that the windows you choose are energy efficient and correctly installed. You will only save money on your energy bill if contact an expert window replacement service. Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window installation and replacement services. We're happy to provide an estimate at no cost! We're looking forward to hearing from you!