How to Repair a Window
From kids playing baseball or wind at night, windows break for a variety of reasons. Most of the time, you can get your window back in good working order by following a few easy steps.
The easiest fix is to apply tape to cover any cracks. Alternately, you can buy glass repair film which is similar to tape, but is more robust.
Cracked or broken panes
A cracked or broken window isn't just unattractive - it can also create an air leak inside your home, allowing 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 the temperature of your home.
Cracks can appear in your windows due to a range of factors including the weather and impacts. A fall on the glass, or even pressure changes within your home, can cause the outer layer to break while the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack is known as a pressure crack and can be distinguished by a curved shape, similar to an hourglass.
Stress cracks may also form between the outside and inside layers of double pane windows. These kinds of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature variations especially in winter months, or when the glass is under an excess amount of pressure.
If you have a window that is cracked or broken there are a few quick fixes to help keep wind, water and bugs out until you work on a longer-term solution. For example, you can apply a plastic cover to the window's crack for example, a shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This method isn't pretty but it can help keep your home dry and warm until you can afford to tackle a more permanent repair.
You can also apply glass adhesive, which is usually used to seal vehicle windows. It will work at home as well. You can purchase this on the internet or at many auto maintenance stores, and then follow the manufacturer's directions for applying it to your window. This kind of repair will require more effort however it can last for several years and keep the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the degree of the crack in your window, you might want to talk to an expert.
Water Infiltration
If a window leaks it can ruin the look of your home and can lead to water stains, mold, and other damage. If you spot water spots or stains on the wall near the window, it's likely time to contact an expert to look into and repair the problem. In some cases it may be required that the window be replaced.
The most frequent cause of leaks around windows is poor installation or the use of certain materials like building paper or housewrap instead of flashing that is properly designed. It could be that the sill at the bottom of the frame has not been angled to let the water drain away from the house.
If you find a leak, it is crucial to take the time to inspect both the inside and exterior of your home. 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 find any of these problems it's likely that the leak has been emanating from outside your window for a long time.
A quality caulking job will help to resolve many minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking on your own, but you will need to thoroughly clean the area first to ensure a good seal. In some cases, this may not be enough to stop leaks, especially if it is a long-term issue.
Contact a reputable Dearborn company to repair your window if you discover that your window leaks. They will be able to perform a thorough evaluation and tell you if the leak is caused by the window or if it's a problem with the siding, roof, gutters or wall itself. They can also tell you if it's worth trying to fix the window or if it's more sense to replace it. Once the professionals have assessed and completed the repairs, they'll be able to give you tips on how you can take care of your windows in the future.
Fogged Up Windows
Foggy windows can be more than just an unsightly problem. They can also create a serious energy efficiency issue. Water evaporates and condenses on a cold surface, such as glass, forming fog. This can occur naturally when warm, humid air inside the home comes in contact with cold air. If windows become cloudy they lose their hermetically sealed gas that insulates (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows can also cause streaks and calcium deposits on the glass.
Install window repairs near me near the window. This will remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this does not address the underlying problem of a window seal that is broken and won't stop future fogging.
Another popular remedy is to use a drain-snake wrapped in a pantyhose and then make holes in your window to release the trapped condensation. This can be effective, but it is expensive and is only a cosmetic fix. It won't replace the gas in between the panes and will leave traces of stains and deposits on the window.
There are a variety of reasons why a window that has double panes could become cloudy. Damage to the seal caused by the frames being sanded or pressure washing can cause the break, and it is possible that the gas/air hermetically sealed has simply degraded over time, particularly in older homes.
Many manufacturers offer a guarantee to fix or replace damaged windows. However it is possible that your window has been in place for more than ten years and is now foggy it could be too late to make claims.
The best solution to fix cloudy or foggy windows is to replace windows. A new, high-quality replacement window will not suffer from problems with a faulty sealing. This will provide clean windows with clear glass, greater energy efficiency, as well as other advantages like a warmer home and lower energy bills. Working with a window contractor with experience will ensure you get the best window. The right contractor will ensure the proper measurements and install for a long-lasting and reliable window.
Drafty Windows
Drafty windows can cause serious issues, including increased heating costs in winter and higher cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort and even health issues in your home. The cracks or gaps that surround the window frame and panes could cause drafts. These gaps let cold air in and warm air to leave your home, causing you to have to run your air conditioner or furnace to keep the temperature comfortable.
Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame can also create drafts. This is particularly common in older windows with wooden casings. As time passes the wood may expand and contract, which causes the seals to fall apart. In most cases, this can be repaired by re-caulking, or replacing the weather stripping.
Another common reason for drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in triple or double paned windows has been broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This is costly to fix, and may require the assistance of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other local areas.
The flame of a candle can be used to identify a drafty or cold window. The flame should be moved around the frame of the window and you should take note of any areas that the flame is bent or flickers. This will help you determine the source of the draft.
Re-caulking and adding weather stripping may help remove drafts. However, more advanced problems with your window seals or panes will likely require a complete replacement. Consult with a window replacement expert to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and properly installed. This is the only way to be sure that you'll save money on your energy bills all year long! Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window installation and replacement services. We're happy to give you a no-cost estimates! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!