How to Repair a Window From kids playing baseball or the wind blowing through the night, windows are broken for a variety of reasons. Often, you can get your window back in functioning condition by following just a few simple steps. The easiest fix is to use tape to cover any cracks. You can also purchase glass repair films that are similar to tape but more durable. Cracked or broken Panes A broken or cracked window isn't just unsightly - it can also create an air leak in your home, allowing bugs, rain and wind to get into. Double-paned windows are especially vulnerable to damage as they can destroy the insulation provided by the glass and cause your furnace or AC work more hard to maintain the temperature of your home. Cracks can form in your windows due to a variety of factors, including weather conditions and impact. A fall hitting the glass, or even pressure changes within your home, may cause the outer layer to break while the inner pane is not damaged. This kind of crack is known as a pressure crack. It can be distinguished by a curving shape similar to an hourglass. Stress cracks can also form between the exterior and interior layers of a double-pane windows. These kinds of cracks could be caused by extreme temperature fluctuations particularly in winter, or if the glass is placed under the pressure of a high level. If you have a window damaged or cracked There are a few short-term fixes to help keep water, wind and bugs out until you work on a longer-term solution. You could cut a piece to size of plastic shower curtain to cover the crack. This solution is not very attractive, but will keep your home warm until you can afford a more permanent fix. To make a long-lasting choice you can choose to use glass adhesive which is normally used for vehicle windows but also works at home. You can buy this adhesive online or at many auto repair shops. Follow the instructions on how to apply it to your window. This type of fix is a little more labor-intensive, however it will last for a few years and can stop the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the condition of your window you might want to speak with a professional. Water Infiltration When windows leak, it can ruin the look of your home and can lead to water stains, mold and other damages. It is time to contact a professional if you notice spots or water stains on the walls around the window. In some instances, it could be necessary for the window to be replaced. Leaks around windows are usually caused by poor installation or the use of poor quality 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 downwards to allow the water to drain away from the home. If you spot leaks, it's crucial to take the time to look at both the interior and exterior of your home. Examine for signs of rot in the wood surrounding the window as well as damp walls and sills and paint that is bubbling or peeling. If you notice any of these signs, it is likely that the leak originates outside your window and has been flowing for some time. A good quality caulking job can resolve several minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, however it is important to clean the area thoroughly first to ensure that the caulking is sealed. In certain situations, this may not suffice to stop a leak especially if it's an ongoing issue. If you discover that your window is leaked then it is crucial to call a trustworthy Dearborn window repair company. They will be able to complete a full evaluation and let you know if the leak is due to the window itself or whether it's an issue with the siding, roof or gutters or the wall itself. They will also assist you to determine if it is worthwhile to try fixing the window or whether it is more sensible to replace it. Once the professionals have evaluated and completed the repairs they'll be able to provide you with advice on how to take care of your windows in the future. Fogged Up Windows Foggy windows are more than just ugly, they can be a serious energy efficiency problem. Water evaporates and condenses on a cold surface, like glass, forming fog. This happens naturally when warm, humid air from the home is paired with cold air. If windows become hazy the hermetically sealed insulation gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They are less efficient. Foggy windows can also lead to calcium deposits as well as other unattractive streaks appearing on the window. One common remedy for foggy windows is to place a dehumidifier close to the window, which can assist in removing some of the moisture in the air. This does not solve the root cause of a damaged window seal and won't prevent further fogging. Another option is to use a drain snake wrapped in a pantyhose and then make holes in your window to remove the condensation that has been trapped. It's a costly cosmetic fix that is effective. It does not replace the gas in between the panes and will still leave behind stains and deposits on the window. There are a variety of reasons a double-pane window may begin to get a little cloudy. Damage to the seal due to the frames being sanded or pressure washing can cause the window to break, and it is possible that the gas/air seal has deteriorated over time, particularly in older homes. Many manufacturers offer a guarantee to fix or replace damaged windows. However the window that you have been in use for more than ten or twenty years and is now foggy it might be too late to make a claim. The most effective way to fix cloudy or foggy windows is to replace windows. A brand new, high-quality replacement window won't have problems due to faulty sealing. This will provide clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, and other advantages like a warmer home and lower energy bills. The best method to make sure you get a new, quality window is to hire an experienced window installer. The right contractor will make sure that the measurements are correct and will install a window that is durable and reliable. Drafty Windows Windows that are drafty can cause serious problems, such as the increase in heating costs during winter and increased cooling costs in summer. They can also cause discomfort within your home, and may cause health issues. The gaps or cracks that surround the window frame and panes can cause drafts. These cracks let warm air escape from your home, while allowing cold air to be able to enter, causing the need for your furnace or AC to perform harder to keep your home at a comfortable temperature. A draft in a windows can also be caused by problems with seals or weather stripping around the frame. This is typical in older windows that have wooden casings. Over time, the wood can expand and contract, which causes the seals to fall apart. Often, this can be remedied by re-caulking or replacing the weather stripping. The most common reason for drafty windows in double or triple-paned windows is a broken seal between the layers. This lets the argon escape. This is an expensive issue to fix, and may require the services of an experienced window replacement company in Glenview or other local areas. Utilizing the flame of candle to locate the drafty windows can help in determining the source of a cold air leak originates from. Move the flame around the edges of the window frame and note any places where the flame is bent or flickers. This will help you determine the source of the draft. Re-caulking and putting in weather stripping can help remove drafts. If the seals in your windows are damaged or the panes are cracked, you will have to replace them. Talk to a window replacement expert to ensure your new windows are energy-efficient and installed correctly. This is the only way to ensure that you'll be saving money on your energy bills throughout the year! Call Arch Design to learn more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to give you a an estimate for free! We look forward hearing from you!