When window repairs near me to Repair Windows
If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.
An easy fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering your home.
Glass that has cracked
Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.
If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.
If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.
A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.
Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.
A more serious, but possible crack 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.
There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.
Leaking Windows
If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.
It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.
In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.
You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.
Examine the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water leak into the house.
Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.
Faux Muntins & Mullions
In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're mostly used as decorative elements in some older homes.
Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.
First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.
If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.
To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.
Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.
Broken Sashes & Frames
A damaged window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.
Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.
It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in the correct places on the new window.
You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.
If your window frames are in poor 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 two full days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.