How to Repair a Window From kids playing baseball or wind at night, windows are broken due to a variety. In most cases, you can get your window back in working order by doing just a few simple steps. The simplest solution is to apply tape to cover any cracks. Alternately, you can buy glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust. Cracked or broken panes A broken or cracked glass window can cause more than simply a sloppy appearance. It could also allow rain, wind and insects to enter your home. If your window is double-paned, this can be especially 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 in your windows could occur from a number of reasons, including impacts and weather conditions. An impact from a fallen object hitting the glass, or even a change in pressure within your home can cause the exterior layer of the window to break, while the inner pane remains intact. This kind of crack is called a pressure crack. It can be distinguished by a curving form, similar to an hourglass. Stress cracks can also form between the outside and inside layers of a double-pane windows. Extreme temperature variations, particularly during the winter months or pressure that is too high on the glass can cause these types of cracks. There are some quick fixes for cracked or broken windows to block rain, wind, and bugs while you plan a permanent solution. For instance, you could apply a plastic cover to the window's crack like a shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This isn't the most attractive solution however it will keep your home dry and warm 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 normally used for windows in vehicles but also works at home. You can purchase this on the internet or at many auto maintenance stores, and then follow the instructions of the manufacturer for applying it to your window. This kind of repair requires more work however it can last for several years and prevent the crack from getting more severe. Depending on the severity of your window, you might want to speak with an expert. Water Infiltration If a window is damaged, it could ruin the appearance of your home and also cause water stains, mold, and other damages. If you notice water spots or streaks of stains on the wall close to windows, it's likely time to contact an expert to look into and fix the issue. In certain cases it could be necessary to replace the window completely. Leaks around windows are usually due to poor installation or the use of inferior materials, such as building paper or housewrap instead of properly designed flashing. It is possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame has not been angled to let the water drain away from the house. It is essential to check both the inside and exterior of your house when you notice an issue with water. Look for rotted wood around the window or sills, damp walls, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you notice any of these signs it is likely the leak is coming from outside your window and has been running for some time. A quality caulking job will aid in repairing minor leaks that occur around windows. You can apply a new layer of caulking yourself however you'll have to thoroughly clean the area in order to ensure that the caulking is properly sealed. In some instances it may not be enough to stop leaks particularly if it's a long-term issue. Contact a reputable Dearborn firm to repair your window if you find that your window is leaking. They will be able to provide a full 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 will also be able to tell you if it's worth attempting to fix the window or if it makes more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they can provide advice on how to maintain your windows. Fogged Up Windows Foggy windows are more than just an unattractive issue. They can also pose a serious energy efficiency issue. The cause of fog is water vapor condensing on a cold, hard surface like glass. It can happen naturally when warm, moist air inside the home comes in contact with cold air. When window panes become foggy the hermetically sealed insulation gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They are less efficient. Foggy windows can also cause streaks and calcium deposits on the glass. A common solution for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier near the window, which can help remove some of the moisture that is in the air. However, this doesn't tackle the root cause of a broken seal, and it won't prevent future window fogging. Another method is to make holes in the window and then use a drain snake wrapped in pantyhose to clean out the condensate that is trapped. This can be very effective however it is costly and is only a cosmetic fix. It does not replace the inert gases that are between the panes. It will leave stains and deposits behind. There are several reasons why double-pane windows can begin to fog. The seal can be damaged by either sanding or pressure-washing the frames. It is also possible that the hermetically sealed gas or air has degraded over time, particularly in older homes. A lot of manufacturers offer a guarantee to repair or replace damaged thermal windows. However, if the window has been in your house for more than ten or twenty years and has become foggy you're probably to be beyond the point 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 an ineffective seal. This will result in clean, clear windows and a better energy efficiency. It also has additional benefits, like warmer homes and lower energy costs. A window contractor with experience will ensure that you receive the best window. The right contractor will ensure that the measurements are accurate and install a window that is long-lasting and reliable. Drafty Windows Drafty windows can cause serious problems, such as increased heating costs in winter and increased cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort within your home, and may cause health issues. The cracks or gaps that are around the window frame and panes could cause drafts. These cracks allow cold air to enter and warm air to leave your home, which increases the need to use your air conditioner or furnace to keep the temperature comfortable. A draft in a window can be caused by issues with seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is typical in older windows that have wooden casings. As time passes, wood will expand and shrink, causing seals to fail. This is usually fixed by re-caulking the seals or by replacing them. 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 assistance of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other nearby areas. Utilizing the flame of a candle to locate the drafty windows can help determine where a cold air leak is coming from. Move the flame around the perimeter of the frame and note any spots where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you find the source of the draft. Re-caulking and adding weather stripping may help reduce drafts. However, more complex problems with the seals on your windows or panes may require a complete replacement. Consult with an expert in window replacement to ensure that your new windows are energy efficient and correctly installed. This is the only way to ensure that you'll save 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 an estimate for you at no cost! We're looking forward getting in touch with you!