Storms can destroy homes and businesses with little warning. High winds, heavy rain and flying debris can crack glazing, damage window frames, loosen hinges and affect locking mechanisms. If a window is not repaired, even minor damage can cause other problems for the property.
Knowing what to do after experiencing storm damage can help make the recovery process safer, faster and more cost-effective for London property owners. London Window Repairs helps to reduce secondary damage, enhances security and returns the property’s protection from the elements.
London Window and Door Repairs provide a professional repair service for storm damage to windows in properties whether you are a home owner, landlord or business.
What Kind of Damage Can Storms Cause to Your Windows?
Not every storm shatters glass. Many parts of a window can be damaged by high winds and debris.
Typical problems are:
- Broken or shattered glass
- Shattered window frames.
- Hinges loose.
- Locks do not work
- Broken handles.
- Seals worn.
- Sashes, not real
- Water-penetration Checkers
- Broken glass beads
Some problems are not obvious at first sight. A window might appear perfect but the hinges, seals or the locking system could have been compromised.
A professional inspection can find hidden damage before it becomes a bigger problem.
- Safely Check out Property
After the storm, safety first.
If there is broken glass, do not needlessly touch the broken area. Don’t try to remove large pieces of glass yourself. Keep children and animals away from this product.
If the window is seriously damaged or unsafe, then a professional should be called in.
A qualified technician can then check the glazing and surrounding frame to see what condition it is in, and advise on the safest way forward.
- Look for any cracks and broken glazing
Flying branches, loose objects and other debris can be blown against windows by high winds.
If you see a little crack, don’t pass over it. It can open up as the temperature fluctuates, and the motion continues.
Broken windows can decrease insulation and make the property susceptible to the weather.
If the frame is good, you may only need to change out broken glass, not the whole window.
- Water ingress test
Heavy rain can expose weaknesses not obvious before.
In the window, search for:
- Wet areas
- Water drops
- Stains
- Paint chips
- Frame Moisture
Water coming in through a broken window can damage plaster, flooring and surrounding structures over time.
The professional window repair company in London will be able to tell you if the reason your leak is occurring is due to damaged seals, glazing, movement of the frame, blocked drainage or any other reason.
- Check Window Frames
Windows undergo a lot of stress from storms; particularly in areas where windows are exposed to high winds.
Search: Severe weather
- Cracks
- Gaps
- Distortion
- Loose sections
- Damaged joints
- Signs of movement
Moisture degradation can also occur in timber frames where water has entered damaged areas.
Sometimes minor frame problems can be fixed, but if you have major structural damage you may need to replace the frame.
- Check Window Locks Thoroughly
Storm damage can create security threats.
The window should close and lock like it did before the storm. Don’t try to force open a stiff handle or locking device.
A problem can mean:
- The sash is not in line.
- Broken lockpoints.
- The handle is loose
- Internal hardware has been moved.
- The frame is warped.
A professional inspection will tell you if parts need to be replaced or adjusted.
- Look for New Drafts
A drought after a storm might mean a window seal is broken.
This problem can be caused by:
- Damaged weather seals
- Frames are not lined up
- Poor glazing
- Damaged hinges
- Crack at the window
Draughts spoil the comfort of a room and in the colder months are a waste of heat.
When the underlying cause is fixed the window will be able to seal itself again.
- Don’t forget broken door hinges
Strong winds can apply even more pressure to the windows and their hinges.
If the hinge is broken the sash could:
- Plip.
- Scrape
- Frame
- Uneven sit
- A hard finish
- Put pressure on the lock.
If your window has broken hinges, you might have other hardware problems.
Hinges can be fixed or replaced professionally and windows can be operated safely without replacing the whole window.
Emergency Storm Damage Board-Up
Sometimes permanent repairs cannot be made for the present.
If a frame is badly exposed, or a window is completely shattered, temporary boarding may be needed.
Boarding up can help:
- Keep away from unauthorised entry
- Keep from the wind and rain
- Draughts cut
- Keep inner contents protected
- Provide a safer way to enter damaged openings
Temporary Board A temporary board is used as a short term security measure until permanent glazing or window repairs can be completed.
Should I Repair or Replace the Window?
A storm can damage your window, but you don’t need to replace the whole thing.
When is repair appropriate:
- The frame is still structurally sound.
- Only the glass is broken.
- Hinges broken or broken door handles.
- Seals have to be replaced.
- Worn lock parts.
- The window is uneven.
Replacement may be considered when the frame is badly damaged or out of shape , or when the cost of repair exceeds the cost of replacement .
A professional appraisal can be helpful to property owners who are considering the costs and benefits of either option.
The Importance of Timely Repairs
Waiting until after a storm to make repairs could cause you more trouble.
If a pane is cracked it may just break right through. A little space means more water goes through. A broken lock exposes the property to danger. A loose hinge can stress other hardware.
Assistance from Prompt Window Repairs in Balham or all of London
- Avoid Further Damage
- Reinstate Security
- Reducing drafts
- Keep away from water
- Promote energy efficiency.
- Keep your existing windows going longer
And early intervention is critical ahead of the next spell of foul weather.
What can landlords and business owners do?
Landlords and commercial property owners are facing more woes due to storm damage.
A broken window affects tenants, employees, customers and the contents of the property. This can also lead to issues of safety and security.
Property managers shall schedule an inspection as soon as practical, and shall keep records of:
- Photos of the damage
- Short-term measures.
- Repairs complete
- Replacement parts
- Anything else you want me to do
Acting quickly can prevent a small repair becoming a big property problem, and minimise disruption.
Minimise the potential for storm damage
While not all storm damage can be prevented, regular maintenance can minimize vulnerabilities.
Before severe weather strikes:
- Inspect the window seals.
- Inspect the frames for cracks.
- Check that locks are functioning.
- Tighten any loose handles.
- Examine hinges for damage.
- Remove loose objects from around the windows.
- Defined drainage channels.
Well maintained windows will better withstand normal weather.
Why Choose London Window And Door Repairs?
London Window and Door Repairs is a professional window repair service for residential and commercial properties in London.
The team has over 15 years of experience in the industry and can help you with:
- Window Repairs London
- Balham Window Repair
- Broken glass replacement
- How to fix a window hinge
- Window lock fixing
- handlechange
- Replacing seals
- Location Window
- Repairs of Double Glazing
- Urgent Boarding
- Fix uPVC window
- Aluminium Window Care timber sash window repairs
The effort is to determine the real damage and to recommend a proper repair, if possible. This can help property owners to avoid unnecessary replacement and restore security, insulation and reliable operation of windows.
The final word
Storm damage can impact much more than the appearance of your windows. Cracked glazing, damaged seals, loose hinges, bent frames and broken locks can all impact on the safety and performance of a property.
If you have experienced severe weather, inspect your windows carefully and do not use any that are damaged or unstable. If you have a problem you can usually get professional Window Repairs in London fairly quickly and this can help in preventing more damage and money in the future.
Window And Door Repairs. Storm Damage Surveys & Repair We’re able to evaluate storm damage and provide practical repair options for home and business owners. Acting quickly after a storm protects your property, restores security and prepares your windows for whatever weather comes next.
