When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows operating correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters, as well as keeping out the weather.

If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have Double glazing repair Guildford-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be repaired. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows 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 at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.

If windows are Double glazing Repair Stoke Newington-paned it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water enter the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass with tempered were made available. They're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows have a full pane of glass, with the muntins being that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and Double Glazing Repairs Guildford sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed the sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to take it off. It is important to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to insert the new one in its place and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.