When you live in an old house, things break. It’s just a part of owning and living in such a home. You can get a new door or window to replace it. However, you might not be able to afford that right away or you might not know where to find one. In such cases, you need to know how to fix broken windows yourself and save money on repairs. We all know that replacing a broken window is not an easy task. If you want to do it yourself and save money at the same time, then keep reading for more details.
In this article, I am going to discuss several tips on how you can begin the process of repairing your windows at home.
Take Measurements
Before you begin the process of repairing a broken window, it’s important to take precise measurements of the frame. If you don’t do this, you may end up with a window that doesn’t fit properly.
If you are replacing the broken glass, make sure you measure the size of the opening and also the size of the frame. This will help you to find a replacement glass that fits the opening.
If you are repairing the frame, you may need to measure the width, length, and thickness of each piece. This will help to ensure that you purchase the right materials for the job.
Replace the Broken Glass
To repair a broken window, you’ll need to replace the broken glass. If you can find the broken glass and it’s not completely shattered, you can glue it back together and reuse it. If not, you’ll need to buy new glass.
You don’t want to purchase regular window glass, as it is not strong enough to support the weight of the frame. Instead, purchase tempered glass, which is a special type of glass designed to support significant weight.
Tempered glass is also more resistant to breakage than regular glass. You can find tempered glass online or at most home improvement stores. Be sure to select the right size and thickness for your window frame. If you are unsure, you can always ask an associate at the store for help.
Repair the Frame
If you’re repairing a broken window frame, you likely don’t have new glass to insert into the frame. Therefore, you’ll need to repair the frame itself. Luckily, broken window frames can often be repaired rather easily.
If the frame of your window is made from wood, you can use wood glue like Gorilla glue or super glue to repair it. Make sure the pieces are clean and completely dry before gluing them together and be careful not to glue your fingers together.
If the frame of your window is made from metal, you’ll need to weld it back together. You can find welding kits at most home improvement stores.
Install a Temporary Window
After you’ve repaired the frame of your window, you can install a temporary window to keep out the elements while you wait on the new glass to arrive. This will prevent rodents and bugs from getting inside your house.
You can install a temporary window using plastic, plywood, or cardboard. You can also use a tarp if you do not have the materials necessary to construct a temporary window.
If you’re using a tarp, make sure that it extends past the edges of your windows. This will keep out rain and water.
If you’re using plywood or cardboard, you’ll want to cover the edges with duct tape to prevent them from falling apart.
Conclusion
When you live in an old house, things break. It’s just a part of owning and living in such a home. You can get a new door or window to replace it. However, you might not be able to afford that right away. In such a case, you should try to fix broken windows yourself and save money on repairs.
