When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working. The first step is to wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

A quick fix for a broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin upvc repairs Near me the edges of your window, and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.

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

If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or coming from outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first, but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.

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

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water to enter your home.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window replacement near me frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed your sash, make sure you examine its metal tabs against the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one in its place and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, as well.