When It's Time to Repair Windows If your windows are in need of repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards. An easy fix for a broken window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home. Cracked Glass Cracked window glass not only makes your home less attractive but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating properly. If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and keep out the weather. If the crack is becoming larger or has become large, it is recommended to consult with an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure. Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency. Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks. A more serious, but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract. If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all. Leaking Windows If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home. It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated. In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied. You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time. If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and let water leak into the house. The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall. Faux Muntins & Mullions In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes. Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements. First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat. If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the present one. For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones. If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin. Broken Sashes & Frames A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed. The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are located. Once you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you examine its metal tabs against the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to put the new one in its slot and could affect the way it operates. window repair near me can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on your new window. In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue. If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.
window repair near me
