When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. Whether the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are functioning properly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that provides protection from water, double glazing repairs Clacton-On-Sea dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double glazing repair Rayleigh-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but feasible crack is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're willing to go a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can 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 decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get a professional to assist with the repairs immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between your double glazing Altrincham-paned window and the frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to get into the home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have a more severe problem like a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the middle of the window then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should call for help. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, 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 the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double glazing repairs Clacton-on-Sea-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. 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 reside.

It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it's difficult to put the new one into its slot and could affect the way it functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.