14 Smart Ways To Spend Your Leftover Repair A Window Budget

How to Repair a Window

Windows can break due to a variety of reasons, like the wind or children playing baseball. You can often restore your window by following a few simple steps.

The most straightforward solution is to use tape to cover any cracks. You can also buy glass repair films that are similar to tape but more durable.

Broken or cracked panes

A damaged or cracked window isn't just unattractive but it could also cause an air leak inside your home, allowing bugs, rain and wind to get into. Double-paned windows are particularly susceptible to damage because they can ruin the insulation created by the glass and cause your furnace or AC work harder to maintain a a comfortable home temperature.

Cracks can appear in your windows due to a range of reasons, including weather conditions and impact. A fall that hits the glass, or pressure changes inside your home, could cause the outer layer to break, while the inner pane is not damaged. This type of crack, also known as a pressure fracture, is identified by its curved shape that resembles an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also develop between the exterior and interior layers of a double-pane window. Extreme temperature differences, especially during winter or pressure that is too high on the glass can cause cracks of this kind.

There are several quick fixes for cracked or broken window panes to keep out wind, water, and bugs while you think of a permanent solution. You can use a piece cut to size of plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This isn't the most attractive solution however it will keep your home dry and warm until you are able to make a permanent repair.

If you want a more durable option you can choose to use glass adhesive, which is usually used for window repairs in vehicles, but can also be used at home. You can purchase this on the internet or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This type of repair will require more effort but it can last for years and stop the crack from getting more severe. Depending on the degree of the crack in your window, you might want to talk to an expert.

Water Infiltration

When windows leak, it can alter the appearance of your home and can lead to mold, water stains and other damage. It is time to call a professional if you notice water stains or spots on the walls around a window. In some instances, it could be necessary for the window to be replaced.

The most frequent cause of leaks around windows is a poor installation or the incorrect use of 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.

It is important to inspect both the interior and exterior of your house if you discover the presence of a leak. Check for rot-prone areas in the wood surrounding the window, damp walls and sills, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you notice any of these issues it is likely the leak originates outside your window and has been leaking for some time.

A well-executed caulking job will help to resolve many small leaks that can occur around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, but it is important to clean the area thoroughly to ensure a tight seal. In some instances, this may not be enough to stop a leakage especially if it's an ongoing issue.

Contact a reputable Dearborn firm to repair your window if you find that your window is leaky. They'll be able to conduct a thorough assessment and let you know if the leak is caused by the window itself or whether it's a problem with the roof, siding or gutters, or even the wall itself. They will also assist you to decide if it is worthwhile to try fixing the window or if it would make more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and evaluated the damage, they can give you advice about how to maintain your windows.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows are not just ugly, they can be a serious energy efficiency problem. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, like glass, to form fog. This can happen naturally when cold air meets warm, moist indoor air, particularly in homes where humidity is high. If windows become cloudy, they lose their hermetically sealed gas insulation (often Argon or Krypton) and lose their efficiency. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits as well as other unattractive streaks on the window.

One common remedy for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier in the vicinity of the window, which will assist in removing some of the moisture that is in the air. However, this doesn't address the underlying issue of a leaky seal and it won't prevent future window fogging.

Another popular remedy is to use a drain snake wrapped in a hose and make holes in your window to release the condensate that is trapped. It is an expensive cosmetic fix that is effective. It is not a replacement for the inert gases between the panes and will still leave stains and traces of rust behind.

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

A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace defective thermal windows, but if the window is in your home for ten or twenty-five years and has become foggy you're probably to be beyond the point of an insurance claim.

The best option to fix foggy windows is to replace them with a brand new high-quality window that does not be affected by a faulty seal. This will give clean windows with clear glass, greater energy efficiency, and other advantages like a warmer home and lower energy bills. The best way to be sure you have a new, quality window is to work with an experienced and knowledgeable window contractor. A reputable contractor will make sure you get the correct measurements and installation for a long-lasting, reliable window.

Drafty Windows

Windows that are drafty are a major problem that can increase your 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 cracks let warm air escape from your home, while allowing cold air to infiltrate, making it more necessary for your furnace or AC to work harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature.

Issues with the weather stripping or seals around the frame may cause drafts. This is most common with older windows with wooden casings. Over time, wood may expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. Most of the time, this is corrected by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping.

Another reason for drafty windows is that the seal between the layers of glass in double glazed window repairs or triple paned windows has broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This could be costly to fix, and may require the assistance of a professional window replacement service in Glenview or other nearby areas.

The flame of a candle could be used to find an unheated or drafty window. The flame should be moved around the frame of the window and you should take note of any places where the flame is bent or flickers. This can help you pinpoint the source of the draft.

Re-caulking and installing weather stripping may help remove drafts. If your window seals are damaged or the panes are cracked, you will need to replace them. Get in touch with an expert in window replacement to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and properly installed. This is the only way to ensure that you'll save money on your energy bills all year round! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We are happy to provide an estimate for free! We look forward to hearing from you!