When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. First, you should put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.

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

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating correctly.

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

However, if the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

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

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather 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 you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to assist with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.

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

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double glazing Repairs Bromley-paned windows and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water to enter your home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and Double Glazing Repairs Bromley pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functionality as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed cords for double glazing repairs Bromley sash. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and is possible in most double glazing repairs Bedford-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. You'll need to remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, you must be sure to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it will be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for problems or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you find any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.