When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

An easy fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to enter. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

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

If the crack is getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to consult with a professional. An experienced glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double glazing near me-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, Door Repair which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to door repair (te.legra.ph blog entry) cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

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

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indicator of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and Door Repair size.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell aluminum drip cap options for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window repair is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. It's easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it can be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are deteriorating 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 restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.