When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

A quick fix for a broken window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to pass through. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and Near recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and can be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window repair glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another sign of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both style and size.

To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek assistance. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double glazed window repairs-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to take it off. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they are different it will be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated they can be treated with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.