This Week's Most Popular Stories About Repair A Window Repair A Window How to Repair a Window

Windows can break for a variety of reasons, such as the wind or children playing baseball. Most of the time, you can get your window back into functioning condition by following some simple steps.

Tape is the easiest way to fix any cracks. Alternately, you can buy glass repair film that is similar to tape, but is more robust.

Broken or cracked Panes


A damaged or cracked window isn't just ugly it can also cause air leaks in your home, allowing bugs, rain, and wind to enter. If your window is double-paned, it can be extremely damaging as it ruins the insulation that the glass provides and makes your AC or furnace work harder to maintain a a comfortable temperature in your home.

Cracks in your windows could result from a variety of causes, including impact and weather conditions. A fall hitting the glass, or pressure changes inside your home, can cause the outer layer to break while the inner pane remains intact. This kind of crack is known as a pressure crack and is identified by a curving shape similar to an hourglass.

Stress cracks can also develop between the inside and outside layers of a double-pane window. Extreme temperature fluctuations, particularly during winter, or excessive pressure on the glass can lead to these types of cracks.

There are some quick fixes for broken or cracked window panes that will keep out the elements of wind, water and bugs until you think of a permanent solution. For example, you can apply a plastic covering to the window's crack like a piece of plastic shower curtain or a tarp of plastic cut to size. This solution doesn't look great, but it will help keep your home dry and warm until you are able to tackle a more permanent repair.

You can also use the glass adhesive, which is typically used to seal windows on vehicles. It can be used at home too. You can purchase this on the internet or at many auto maintenance stores and follow the manufacturer's directions for applying it to your window. This kind of repair requires more effort, but can last several years and prevent the crack from becoming worse. Depending on the condition of your window you might want to speak with an expert.

Water Infiltration

When windows leak, it can alter the appearance of your home and lead to water stains, mold and other damage. If window repairs spot water spots or stains on the wall near windows, it's likely time to contact an expert to assess and fix the issue. In certain cases it could be necessary to replace the window completely.

The most frequent reason for leaks around windows is a poor installation or the use of materials like building paper or housewrap instead of flashing that is properly designed. It is possible that the sill at the bottom of the frame has not been angled downwards to drain the water away from the house.

It is essential to check both the inside and exterior of your house if you notice an issue with water. Check for decayed wood around the window and sills, damp walls and paint that is peeling or bubbling. If you find any of these signs it is likely the leak is coming from outside your window and has been leaking for some time.

A good quality caulking job will help to fix many minor leaks around windows. You can apply the caulking yourself, however it is crucial to clean the area thoroughly before applying it to ensure a tight seal. In certain situations, this may not suffice to stop a leak particularly if it's a long-term issue.

Contact a trustworthy Dearborn firm for window repair if you find that your window is leaky. They will be able to conduct a thorough assessment and tell you if the leak is caused by the window itself or if it's a problem with the siding, roof or gutters, or even the wall itself. They can also advise you if it's worth trying to fix the window or if it's more sense to replace it. Once the experts have completed the repairs and assessed the damage, they can provide advice on how to keep your windows in good condition.

Fogged Up Windows

Foggy windows aren't just ugly, they can be a major energy efficiency issue. Water vapor condenses on a cool surface, like glass, and forms fog. This happens naturally when cold air collides with warm, moist indoor air, especially in a home where humidity is high. When window panes become foggy, the hermetically sealed insulating gases (often Argon and Krypton) are lost. They lose their effectiveness. Foggy windows may also cause calcium deposits and other unattractive streaks appearing on the window.

Install a dehumidifier near the window. This will remove some of the moisture from the air. It does not solve the underlying problem of a broken window seal and won't stop future fogging.

Another popular remedy is to drill holes in the window and use a drain snake wrapped in pantyhoses to clear the trapped condensation. This can be effective, but it is expensive and is merely an aesthetic fix. It does not replace the gas in between the panes and will leave behind deposits and stains on the window.

There are several reasons why a window with double panes can become hazy. The seal can be damaged by cleaning the frames with sandpaper or pressure. It is also possible that the hermetically-sealed air/gas has degraded with time, particularly in older homes.

Many manufacturers offer a warranty to fix or replace damaged windows. However the window that you have been in place for more than ten years and is now foggy it might be too late for an claim.

The best solution to fix foggy windows is to replace them with a brand new high-quality window that does not be affected by an ineffective seal. This will result in clean, clear windows, better energy efficiency, and other advantages such as a more comfortable home and lower energy bills. Working with a window contractor who is experienced will ensure you get an excellent window. A professional with experience will be able to provide the proper measurements and install for a long-lasting, dependable window.

Drafty Windows

The drafty windows of your home can cause major problems, such as the increase in heating costs during winter and higher cooling costs in the summer. They can also cause discomfort within your home, and may cause health issues. The gaps or cracks that surround the window frame as well as panes could cause drafts. These gaps allow cold air to pass through and warm air out of your home, increasing the need to use your furnace or air conditioner to maintain a comfortable temperature.

Problems with the weather stripping or seals around the frame can cause drafts. This is particularly common in older windows that have wooden casings. As time passes, wood will expand and shrink and cause seals to fail. This can often be repaired by re-caulking the seals or by replacing them.

Another common reason for drafty windows is that the seal between layers of glass in triple or double paned windows has been broken allowing the gas argon to escape. This can be an expensive issue and may require professional help from a window company in Glenview, or other local areas.

Using the flame from candle to locate a drafty window can be helpful in determining the source of a cold air leak originates from. Move the flame around the perimeter of the window frame and note any places where the flame bends or flickers. This can help you determine the source of the draft.

Certain drafts in windows could be addressed by re-caulking or adding weather stripping. However, more complex problems with the seals on your windows or panes could require a complete replacement. Get in touch with a window replacement expert to ensure that the windows you choose are energy efficient and correctly installed. You will reduce your energy bills if you seek out an experienced window replacement company. Contact Arch Design today to find out more about our window replacement and installation services. We're happy to provide a free estimate! We're looking forward to getting in touch with you!