How to Repair a Window From kids playing baseball or wind in the night, windows break for a variety of reasons. In most cases you can fix your window back in functioning condition by following a few easy steps. The easiest fix is to apply tape to cover any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust. Cracked or broken Panes A cracked or broken glass window can cause more than just a unsightly appearance. It could also allow rain, wind and insects to enter your home. If the window is double-paned it can be extremely detrimental as it destroys the insulation the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain an ideal temperature inside your home. Cracks can appear in your windows due to a variety of factors, including the weather and impacts. A fall hitting the glass, or pressure changes within your home, could cause the outer layer to break while the inside pane is left intact. This type of crack, also known as a pressure fracture is identified by its curved shape that resembles an hourglass. Stress cracks may also form between the exterior and interior layers of a double-pane window. These kinds of cracks can be caused by extreme temperature variations especially in winter, or if the glass is subject to excessive pressure. If you have a window that is cracked or broken, there are some short-term solutions to keep wind, water and bugs out while you plan a more permanent solution. For instance, you can apply a plastic cover to the window's crack like an insulated shower curtain or a plastic tarp cut to size. This method isn't particularly appealing, but it will keep your home warm until you are able to afford an even more permanent fix. You can also apply the glass adhesive, which is usually used to seal vehicle windows. It will work at home too. You can purchase the adhesive online or at many auto repair shops. Follow the instructions on how to apply it to your window. This kind of repair is more labor-intensive, but it can last for several years and keep the crack from getting worse. You may want to consult with a professional depending on the severity of the crack in your window. Water Infiltration When a window leaks, it could ruin the appearance of your home and can cause water stains, mold, and other damage. If you spot water spots or staining on the walls near windows, it's probably time to call an expert to assess and repair the problem. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the window completely. The most frequent cause of leaks around windows is improper installation or improper use of materials like building paper or housewrap instead of properly designed flashing. It could be that the sill on the bottom of the frame hasn't been angled to drain the water away from the home. It is essential to check both the interior and the exterior of your house when you discover the presence of a leak. Check for decayed wood around the window or sills, damp walls, and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you notice any of these signs it's likely that the leak has been coming from outside your window for a while. A high-quality caulking job can resolve numerous small leaks around windows. You can apply a fresh layer of caulking yourself however you'll have to thoroughly clean the area in order to ensure a solid seal. In some cases it might not suffice to stop a leak particularly if it's an ongoing issue. Contact a reliable Dearborn company to repair your window if you find that your window is leaking. They will be able complete an exhaustive assessment and let you know whether the leak is due to the window or is a problem with the roof, siding or gutters. They will also assist you to determine if it is worth trying to repair the window or if it's better to replace it. After the experts have completed the repairs and evaluated the damage, they can give you advice about how to maintain your windows. The windows are smudges. Up Windows Foggy windows can be more than just an unattractive problem. They can also pose a serious energy efficiency issue. Water evaporates and condenses on a cold surface, like glass, to form fog. It can happen naturally when cold air collides with humid, warm indoor air, particularly in a home where humidity is high. When windows become foggy, they lose their hermetically sealed gas insulation (often Argon or Krypton) and become less efficient. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks on windows. One common remedy for foggy windows is to install a dehumidifier near the window, which could assist in removing some of the moisture in the air. However, this does not solve the root issue of a broken seal, and won't stop future window fogging. Another method is to wrap a drain-snake in a hose and make holes in your window to eliminate the condensate that is trapped. It is an expensive cosmetic solution that is efficient. It won't replace the gas in between the panes, and will still leave behind deposits and stains on the window. There are many reasons why a double-pane window may begin to get a little cloudy. Damage to the seal from the frames being sanded or pressure washing can cause the break, and it is possible that the gas/air hermetically sealed has degraded over time, particularly in older homes. Many manufacturers offer a warranty to repair or replace defective thermal windows, but in the event that the window has been in your house for more than ten or twenty years and is now foggy you're probably past the point of a warranty claim. The best option to fix foggy windows is to replace them with a new, high-quality window that will not have any problems with a faulty seal. This will result in clear, clean windows and a better energy efficiency. Additionally, it offers additional benefits, like warmer homes and lower energy costs. Employing a window installer who is skilled will ensure that you receive an excellent window. A professional with experience will make sure that the measurements are correct and install a window which is sturdy and reliable. Drafty Windows Drafty windows are a serious problem that can increase your heating costs in winter and cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort and health issues in your home. The cracks or gaps that surround the window frame as well as panes can create drafts. These cracks allow warm air to escape your home, and cold air to infiltrate, making it more necessary for your AC or furnace to perform harder to keep your home at a temperature that is comfortable. A draft in a window can also be caused by problems with seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is common in older windows with wooden casings. As time passes, the wood can expand and contract, causing the seals to break down. This can often be repaired 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 the argon to escape. This can be an expensive issue to fix and may require the services of a professional window replacement service in Glenview or other local areas. Using the flame from a candle to locate the drafty windows can help in determining the source of a cold air leak originates from. Move the flame around the perimeter of the window frame and note any spots where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you find the source of the draft. Certain drafts in windows can be fixed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. However, more serious issues with the seals on your windows or panes could require a complete replacement. It is essential to consult an expert window replacement company to make sure that your new windows are energy efficient and installed correctly. You will reduce your energy bill if you consult with an expert window replacement company. Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to provide an estimate for you at no cost! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!