When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked window glass not only makes your home appear less appealing but let drafts and other elements into the house. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows operating properly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a quick solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window doctor near me cracks. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it did not have cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

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

If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may be worn out and allow water to enter your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're mainly used as decorative elements in some older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting elements.

First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won'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. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. If not taken care of 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.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are located.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.