How to Repair a Window

Windows can break for a variety of reasons, including children playing baseball or wind. You can often repair your window by following a few easy steps.

Tape is the simplest method to repair any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape but is more durable.

Broken or cracked panes

A cracked or broken window isn't just ugly but it could also cause an air leak inside your home, allowing wind, rain and bugs to enter. If your window is double-paned this could be particularly harmful as it damages the insulation that the glass provides and makes your air conditioner or repaired furnace work harder to maintain an ideal temperature inside your home.

Cracks in your windows can be caused by a variety of factors, including impact and weather conditions. An impact from a fallen object striking the glass or simply pressure changes in your home could cause the outer layer of your window to break, whereas the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack is called a pressure crack. It can be distinguished by a curving form, 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 fluctuations especially in winter, or if the glass is subject to excessive pressure.

If you have a window that is cracked or broken there are a few quick solutions to keep wind, water and bugs out while you think of a long-term solution. You can use a piece cut to the size of a shower curtain to cover the crack. This isn't the most attractive solution but it can help keep your home warm and dry until you can afford to tackle a more permanent repair.

To make a long-lasting choice you can choose to use glass adhesive, which is usually used for window repairs in vehicles, but will also work in your home. You can purchase it online or at most auto repair shops and follow the manufacturer's instructions for applying it to your window. This kind of repair will require more effort but it can last for years and prevent the crack from getting any worse. You might want to consult with a professional, based on the extent of the crack on your window.

Water Infiltration

When a window leaks it can ruin the appearance of your home and can cause water stains, mold and other damages. It is time to call an expert if you notice water spots or stains on the wall around a window. In certain cases it could be necessary to replace the window entirely.

Leaks around windows are often caused by poor installation or the use of inferior materials, like building paper or housewrap instead of properly designed flashing. It is possible that the sill on the bottom of the frame hasn't been angled downwards to drain the water away from the home.

It is essential to check both the inside and exterior of your house if you discover the presence of a leak. Examine for decayed wood around the window or sills, damp walls, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you find any of these issues, it's likely that the leak is emanating from outside your window for a while.

A quality caulking job can resolve numerous small leaks around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking by yourself, but you will need to thoroughly clean the area first to ensure that the caulking is properly sealed. This might not be enough to stop the leakage particularly if you've got a problem that has been going on for a while.

Contact a trustworthy Dearborn firm for window repair if you discover that your window leaks. They can provide a full assessment and let you know whether the leak is caused by the window or if it is a problem with the roof, siding or gutters. They can also tell you if it's worth attempting to repair the window or if it's better sense to replace it. After the professionals have completed the repairs and evaluated the damage, they will provide you with advice on how to keep your windows in good condition.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are more than just an unattractive issue. They could also be an energy efficiency problem that is serious. Fog is caused by condensation of water vapor on a cold surface like glass. This can happen naturally when cold air collides with warm, moist indoor air, especially in a house where humidity is high. If windows become cloudy they lose their hermetically sealed gas that insulates (often Argon or Krypton) and lose their efficiency. Foggy windows can also result in calcium deposits and other unsightly streaks on the window.

One common remedy for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier close to the window, which could assist in removing some of the moisture from the air. However, this doesn't solve the root issue of a broken seal, and it won't prevent future window fogging.

Another option is to drill holes into the window and then use a drain snake wrapped in pantyhose to clean out the condensate that is trapped. It's a costly cosmetic solution that is efficient. It doesn't replace the inert gas between the panes, and it will leave behind stains and deposits on the window.

There are a variety of reasons why windows that has double panes could become cloudy. Damage to the seal caused by the frames being sanded or pressure washing could cause the crack and it's possible that the gas/air hermetically sealed has simply degraded over time, particularly in older homes.

Many manufacturers offer a warranty to repair or replace damaged thermal windows, but if the window has been in your house for more than ten or twenty years and has become foggy it's probably beyond the scope of an insurance claim.

The best solution to fix windows that are foggy is to replace them with a new high-quality, durable window that will not have any problems with a faulty seal. This will result in clear, clean windows as well as a higher energy efficiency. It also has other benefits, such as warmer homes and lower cost of energy. Employing a window installer who is experienced will ensure that you receive the best window. The right contractor will ensure the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting, dependable window.

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 within your home, and may cause health issues. Window drafts result from gaps or cracks around the window panes and frame. These gaps allow cold air to pass through and warm air out of your home, causing you to have to run your furnace or air conditioner to keep the temperature comfortable.

Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame could also cause a draft. This is especially common with older windows with wooden casings. Over time, the wood can expand and contract, causing seals to fall apart. Most of the time, this is repaired by re-caulking, or replacing the weather stripping.

A common cause of drafty windows in double- or triple-paned windows is a broken seal between the layers. This allows argon to escape. This is a costly issue to fix and may require the help of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other areas in the area.

Using the flame from candles to pinpoint a drafty window can help in determining the source of a cold air leak originates from. The flame should be moved around the window's frame and you should take note of any places where the flame is bent or flickers. This will help you determine the source of the draft.