The No. 1 Question Anyone Working In Window Repairs Should Know How To…

Window Repairs For Hard-To-Reach Areas

A damaged window is a major issue which must be addressed before the weather turns too cold. This is particularly true if the mullions or muntins that hold glass in place show signs of rot or are brittle and require to be rebuilt.

An easy, low-cost fix is to apply a thin layer of transparent shellac (or nail polish) over the crack. This will fix the crack, reduce the stress it places on it, and prevent air from spilling out.

1. Tape

If you're in a bind and don't have time wait for a window repair professional service, the quickest solution is to put several strips of tape on the crack. This will stabilize the crack, decrease stress on the glass and block cold air from entering through the window frame.

The other advantage to this type of quick repair is that it's inexpensive and easy to complete. If you encounter this problem frequently, it might be worthwhile to invest in high-quality masking tape. This will be strong enough to withstand more abuse than the typical tape that you use at home, and it will also last much longer.

In addition to masking tape, you can also apply clear nail polish as a temporary fix for cracked windows. It's not as aesthetically pleasing as a piece of tape, but it will provide the necessary help in keeping the crack in place while you wait for a better solution. Be sure to clean the area thoroughly prior to applying the nail polish, and you may have to apply another coat after the first one dry to fully fill the area.

Another option is to wrap the entire frame of your window with self-adhering flashing tape ($12, The Home Depot). This product creates a completely waterproof barrier that will block out rain and snow as well as wind, helping keep cold air out of your home through the windows. Make sure you clean the surface and apply a little of linseed oil prior you apply the tape, which will help it stick well.

Duct tape can also be used to wrap extension cords into a "cubby" which will stop them from bouncing against the inside of your windows. Just be sure to wrap it in a secure manner and assign a color for each type of cord so you are able to easily determine which ones are which, before using them. This will prevent you from having to untangle the extension cords in the winter months.

2. Glass Repair Film

A damaged window could be a major issue and cost a lot. It could pose a security risk, as it provides an entry point for criminals. It also reduces the amount of sunlight and ventilation that enters the building. It is crucial to find a quick and fast solution to fix your window especially if it is able to stop further damage to the frame or its surrounding materials.

In some cases the cracking is too severe for clear tape to fix and a professional glazier will require replacing the glass of the window. This is particularly true if the window is made of double glazing windows repair-pane glass because a serious crack can weaken the gas layer between the two panes and lower the windows energy efficiency. However, in many situations the window that is cracked can be fixed with a simple glass repair film.

This tough and durable temporary repair film is designed to be positioned on cracked and broken window glass to secure it temporarily. The film is commonly used in schools and hospitals to make glass weatherproof and safe following breakage. The film is optically clear, so it doesn't hinder vision through the window and is easily applied to flat toughened and laminated glass. It's also extremely robust, with twice the hold of conventional safety window film and can be used as a substitute to steel sheets or plywood on void properties creating an aesthetically and safer appealing environment.

The film can be easily applied with a razor blade or knife. It is similar to sticky-back plastic, and can also be cut to the desired size. The film is then covered with a layer of release liner, which needs to be peeled back before being smoothed using a cloth. This lets the window be immediately made safe and weatherproof while allowing sunlight to enter.

It is a more cost-effective option than hiring a glazier to do the job. It can also aid in preventing further damage to the frame or glass, or even the surrounds. It is also easier to apply than traditional board ups and can help reduce OHS concerns by removing glass shards that could be hazardous to health.

3. Epoxy

Epoxy is an increasingly popular and flexible product to repair wood. More Boston Building Resources members are making use of it to strengthen porch columns, fix windowsills that are rotting, door jambs, and other wood components for exterior use that are expensive or difficult to remove or replace. It starts as a caulk-like substance that can be made into shapes like cookie dough. It can be carved, sanded, and even carved like wood. It also sets hard and, unlike other wood fillers that are used for exterior use, will not break or crack when it cures.

Epoxies are a broad category of glues that require two elements to mix before they set and are often referred to as epoxy resins or epoxy binders. They are made from long chemical chains, referred to as monomers, which are bonded to each other using pressure and heat. They can be tinted to match a certain color, or they may be clear, and can be used on glass of all types, including plain and tempered, laminated and mirrored.

Work in a well ventilated area and lay down clean cardboard for epoxy. The epoxy will take a few moments to set, so make sure you are prepared with your tools and in the right mood. If you can, cut off any broken pieces of glass to avoid them breaking when the epoxy sets.

If you're using liquid epoxy, be sure to follow the directions on the bottle. If the epoxy dries too quickly, you can heat it with an iron or hair dryer, but take care not to overheat it, or it will begin to harden and lose its ability to be shaped. The heat will also affect the strength of the bond.

After the epoxy has been smoothed and shaped and rounded, it must be sanded with 80-grit paper. This will make it ready for painting. Wear a dust mask while sanding and sand all the wood around the epoxy to roughen it so that the paint will adhere.

Epoxy is a good choice for small cracks or chips on windows. However, it is not the ideal method to repair timber windows structural joints. Instead, use the wood dutchman method, scarf, or splice. If you are working on a historic structure, epoxy repairs may be irreparable, and it's more beneficial to replace the damaged component.

4. Glass Replacement

Window repairs are one thing, but windows situated in areas that are difficult to reach, Repairer such as upper floors or dormers require extra care and effort to ensure that they're secure and working correctly. These windows, whether they have broken glass or are difficult to open or repairer close, could be energy guzzlers and security hazards.

Fortunately, window repair specialists are able to tackle these repairs as well. First, the windows are cleaned to ensure that there are no lingering fragments of glass within the frame or mechanism. The sash window repairs (or the part that moves in the window) that allows the window to open and shut is removed from the frame. The glass pane is then removed. To do this, the professional will likely need to wear eye protection and gloves. The professional will also have to take off any glazing compound or points, which are similar to putty fasteners holding the window panes together. They will then seal the shattered glass with tape to protect themselves from razor-sharp edges.

The window is prepared for a replacement glass after the glass is removed. A utility knife can be used to scrape away any remaining glazing compound from the inside of the frame. A wire brush can also assist in removing any paint, dirt or other traces that could be stuck into the crevices that are smaller in the window frame. This will make the sash more secure and better fit in the frame when it's replaced.

This repair procedure for windows is much easier for single-pane windows compared to for modern double or triple-pane windows, as professionals will need to replace both the pane and gas and spacers with new ones to restore the window back to its original look. This type of window repair is still less expensive than replacing the entire unit.

It's important to remember that damaged window sills and frames can cause rot, wood damage, and water leakage, all of which can be expensive for homeowners to deal with. These issues can spread to other areas of the house and cause more issues if they are neglected. For this reason, it's always better to catch these issues early and invest in some affordable window repairs.