How to Repair a Window
From kids playing baseball or wind at night, windows can break for a variety of reasons. You can often repair your window by following a few easy steps.
The most straightforward solution is to use 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 cause air leaks in your home, allowing wind, rain and bugs to get into. If your window is double-paned this can be especially damaging as it ruins the insulation that the glass provides and makes your air conditioner or furnace work harder to maintain an ideal temperature inside your home.
Cracks in windows can result from a variety of reasons, including impacts and weather conditions. A fall from an object hitting the glass, or simply pressure changes in your home can cause the outer layer of the window to break, while the inner pane remains intact. This type of crack, also referred to as a pressure fracture can be recognized by its curving form that is similar to an hourglass.
Stress cracks can also form between the inside and outside layers of a double pane window. Extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly in winter or pressure that is too high on the glass may cause cracks of this kind.
If you have a window pane that has cracked or broken there are a few quick fixes to help keep wind, water and bugs out while you work on a longer-term solution. For instance, you can apply a plastic cover to the crack in your window like a piece of plastic shower curtain or a tarp made of plastic cut to size. This solution is not very attractive, but will keep your home warm until you can afford an even more permanent fix.
You can also apply glass adhesive, which is commonly used to seal windows in vehicles. It works at home too. You can purchase this on the internet or at most auto maintenance stores, and then follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This type of fix will require more effort, but can last several years and stop the crack from getting more severe. Depending on the condition of your window you may want to consult an expert.
Water Infiltration
When a window leaks, it can alter the appearance of your home and can lead to mold, water stains and other damage. If you notice water spots or staining on the walls near the window, it's likely time to contact a professional to inspect and repair the problem. In certain cases, it may be necessary to replace the window entirely.
The most common cause of leaks around windows is improper installation or the use of materials such as housewrap or building paper instead of properly designed flashing. It could be that the sill on the bottom of the frame hasn't been angled downward to let the water drain away from the home.
If you do spot leaks, it is essential to look at both the interior and exterior of your home. Examine for decayed wood around the window and sills, damp walls and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you find any of these problems, it is likely that the leak is coming from outside your window and has been leaking for some time.
A quality caulking job will assist in repairing minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, however 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 brewing for a while.
If you discover that your window is leaky and you notice that it is leaking, it is essential to contact a reliable Dearborn window repair service. They will be able complete an exhaustive assessment and tell you if the leak is due to the window or is an issue that is related to the siding, roof or gutters. They can also tell you whether it's worth trying to repair the window or if it's more sense to replace it. Once the professionals have evaluated and made the repairs, they'll be able to give you tips on how to care for your windows in the future.
Fogged Up Windows
Foggy windows aren't just unsightly, they can be a major energy efficiency problem. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, like glass, and forms fog. This can happen naturally when cold air meets warm, moist indoor air, especially in homes where humidity is high. If windows become cloudy, they lose their hermetically sealed gas that insulates (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits as well as other unattractive streaks appearing on the window.
Place a dehumidifier close to the window. This will help to remove some of that moisture from the air. However, this doesn't address the underlying issue of a damaged seal and it will not prevent further window fogging.
Another option is to wrap a drain-snake in a pantyhose and then make holes in your window to eliminate the condensation that has been trapped. It's a costly cosmetic fix that can be effective. It does not 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. The seal can be damaged by cleaning the frames with sandpaper or pressure. It is also possible that the hermetically-sealed air/gas has degraded with time, especially older homes.
A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to replace or repair defective thermal windows. However, if the window has been in your house for ten or twenty-five years and has become foggy it's probably to be beyond the point of a warranty claim.
The best solution to fix foggy or cloudy windows is to replace windows. A brand new, high-quality replacement window will not suffer from issues with the seal being defective. This will give clean windows that are clear and clear, improved energy efficiency, as well as other benefits such as a warmer home and lower energy costs. The best method to make sure you purchase an excellent window is to work with an experienced window installer. The right contractor will ensure the proper measurements and will install for a long-lasting and reliable window.
Drafty Windows
The drafty windows of your home can cause major issues, including increased heating costs in winter and more expensive cooling costs during summer. They can also cause discomfort and health issues in your home. The cracks or gaps that surround the window frame and panes can create drafts. These cracks allow cold air to enter and warm air to leave your home, increasing the need to run your furnace or air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature.
A draft in a windows can be caused by issues with the seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is common in older windows with wooden casings. Over time, wood can expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. Most of the time, this is corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.
A common cause of drafty windows in double or triple-paned windows is a weak seal between the layers. This allows argon to escape. This is costly to fix and may require the assistance of a professional window replacement company in Glenview or other areas in the area.
Utilizing the flame of candles to pinpoint a drafty window can help in determining the source of a cold air leak is coming from. The flame should be moved around the frame of the window and you should observe any places where the flame moves or bends. This can help you determine the source of the air draft.
Re-caulking and adding weather stripping may help eliminate some drafts. However, more advanced issues with your window seals or panes may require a full replacement. Consult with an expert in window replacement to ensure your new windows are energy efficient and correctly installed. This is the only way to know 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 to give you a no-cost estimates! We're looking forward hearing from you!