When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home less attractive however, it could also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple fix is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and also keep out the weather.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your Window repair with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes, Window Repair due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edge of your window and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is typically a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or Window Repair high air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself 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 at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window repairs near me, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to enter the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of the presence of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties 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 were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If you have a more severe problem, such as cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the current one.

If you want to save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to seek help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to insert the new one in its place and could affect the way it functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's recommended to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements as well.