When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when repairing your windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.

A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into the 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 whether the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer or stress, such as a sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the elements.

If the crack is getting larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double glazing repairs Biggleswade-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, window repairs Horley and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be repaired. It's usually 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 ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can 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 that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is enough to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or Window Repairs Horley glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the Window Repairs Horley, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that hold the sash in place. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame as well for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for 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 against the elements.