When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will stop snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked window glass not only make your home appear less appealing but also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural 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, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal will wear out and allow water to enter your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small group of them, creating an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. If left unchecked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and window replacement more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be done in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to remove it. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your upvc window repairs frames are deteriorating they can be treated with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.