When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, such as a baseball or soccer or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can progress to complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be fixed. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch across the window on one or upvc door repairs near me more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand Double Glazing Repairs or contract.

If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will 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 that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first though, and remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. 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, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. upvc door repairs near me can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have an even more serious issue like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around 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 will provide the same function as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. Push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and upvc door repairs near me then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at the correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.