"Ask Me Anything," 10 Responses To Your Questions About Wind…

Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas

A damaged or broken window is an urgent problem that must be addressed before the weather turns too cold. This is especially true in the event that the mullions and muntins holding the glass are cracked or show indications of decay.

Applying a thin layer (or nail polish), of transparent shellac, over the crack is a simple and cheap fix. This will repair the crack, decrease the stress it places on it, and also stop air from leaking out.

1. Tape

If you're in a rush and can't wait to get an expert window repair completed then you can repair the issue by putting a few tape strips over the crack. This will stabilize the crack, decrease stress on the glass and prevent cold air from entering the window frame.

This type of quick fix is also affordable and easy to perform. If you encounter this problem often, it may be worth investing in some high-quality masking tape. This tape will last longer and endure more abuse than the standard tape that you use at home.

You can apply clear nail polish to temporarily fix cracked windows in addition to the masking tap. It's not as appealing as the tape, but it can provide the necessary help in keeping the crack in place until you find a better solution. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly prior to applying the nail polish and you may have to apply a second coat after the first one is dry to completely fill the crack.

Another option is to wrap the entire frame of your window with self-adhering flashing tape ($12, The Home Depot). This product creates an completely waterproof barrier that can keep out rain, snow and wind. It will also help to prevent cold air from escaping through your windows. Make sure you clean and apply linseed before you attach the tape. This will make it easier to stick to the wall.

Duct tape can also be used to wrap extension cords into a "cubby" which will stop them from rattling against interior of your windows. Be sure to wrap it securely and assign a color for each type of cord so you are able to easily determine which are which prior to using them. This will help you avoid the trouble of finding your extension cords in a mess in the winter months when you're in need of them.

2. Glass repair Window Film

A window that is damaged is an expensive and inconvenient issue. It can be a security risk, as it can be a gateway for criminals. It also decreases the amount of sunlight and ventilation that enters the building. This makes it important to find a quick and effective solution to fix the window, especially if you want to prevent further damage to the frame or surrounding materials.

In some cases, the cracking of a window glass is too severe for repair with clear tape and will require a professional glazier to replace the glass pane. This is particularly the case if your window is double-paned glass. A cracked window could cause gas to leak between the two panes, which can reduce the efficiency of the window. However, in a lot of cases the window that is cracked can be repaired with a simple glass repair film.

This heavy-duty temporary window repair film is designed to be sprayed on broken and cracked glass to temporarily secure it temporarily. This film is used in schools and hospitals to make glass weatherproof and safe following breakage. The film is optically clear which means it doesn't impede vision through the window and can be applied to flat toughened and laminated glass. It is twice as sturdy as conventional window films for safety and can be used to create a more secure, more appealing and attractive environment.

The film is easy to apply to sticky back plastic. It can be cut into a desired size using a knife or razor blade and then pressed on the glass surface. The film is then covered with a layer of release liner paper, which needs to be peeled back before being smoothed with a cloth. This lets the window be made secure and weatherproof while allowing natural sunlight to pass through.

It's a cheaper alternative to hiring a glazier for the job and can help prevent further damage to the frame and glass, as well as the surrounds. It is also much faster to apply than a traditional board up, and repair window helps reduce the risk of OHS problems caused by dangerous glass window repairs shards.

3. Epoxy

Epoxy is becoming a popular and versatile product for repairing wood. Boston Building Resources members use it to strengthen porch columns and repair windowsills that are decaying and door jambs. It starts as a caulk-like substance that can be made into shapes like cookie dough. It can also be carved and sanded like wood. It also hardens when dried and, unlike some wood fillers for exterior use, it won't break or fall apart when it cures.

Epoxies are an extensive category of glues that require two elements to mix before they set and are often referred to as epoxy resins or epoxy binding agents. They are composed of chemical chains called monomers that are bonded by pressure and heat. They can be tinted to a certain color or clear and are utilized on all types of glass, including plain, laminated, tempered, and mirrored.

To use epoxy, spread clean, dry cardboard on the area to work in and work in a space that is well-ventilated. The epoxy will take a couple of minutes to set, so be prepared with your tools and in the right mood. If you can, cut off any glass pieces that have broken to avoid them breaking again when the epoxy sets.

If you're using liquid epoxy, follow the instructions on the bottle. If the epoxy is drying out too quickly, you can heat it using an iron or hair dryer. Be cautious not to overheat or it could harden and lose its capability for shaping. The heat can also affect the durability and strength of the bond.

Once the epoxy is shaped and smoothed then it needs to be sanded with 80-grit sandpaper to prepare it for painting. Wear a dust mask while sanding and sand the wood around the epoxy to roughen it so that the paint will stick.

Epoxy can be used to fix small chips and cracks on windows, but it's not a good option for fixing structural joints where the scarf, wood dutchman or splice method is more appropriate. Also, if you're working on a historic structure repair with epoxy could be considered irreparable and replacing the damaged element is the best option.

4. Glass Replacement

Window repairs are one thing, repair window but windows located in areas that are difficult to reach, such as dormers or upper floors require extra care and effort to ensure that they're safe and operating properly. Windows that have broken glass or are difficult to open or shut, can be energy drainers and security risks.

These kinds of repairs can also be handled by window repair professionals. First cleaning the windows to ensure that there aren't any remaining fragments within the frame or mechanism. Then, they remove the sash, which is the moveable part of the window that allows it to open and close, from the frame. After that the glass pane will be removed. The professional will probably require gloves and eye protection. The professional may also need to take off the glazing compound and points, which are putty-like fasteners which hold the window in place. They will then seal the shattered glass with tape in order to protect themselves against the razor-sharp edges.

Once the glass is removed, the window can be ready for a fresh glass replacement. A utility knife can be used to scrape away any remaining glazing compound from the inside of the window frame. A wire brush can assist in removing any dirt, paint or other residues that could be trapped in the smaller crevices in the window frame. This will help make the sash more secure and fit better within the frame when it is replaced.

This repair to windows is simpler for single-paned windows than triple-paned or double paned windows. The professionals will have to replace the spacers and gas and the panes to restore the window's original look. This kind of window repair double glazing windows is still less expensive than replacing the entire window.

Be aware that damaged window sills and frames can cause wood rot and damage. Water leakage can be a costly issue for homeowners. These issues can spread to other parts of the home and cause more issues if they are neglected. It's better to invest in inexpensive window repairs and identify these issues early.