When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair my Windows and doors, you must work with care. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

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

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

However, if the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A skilled glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A more serious but still doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure that can 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 tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and Repair My Windows And Doors make your window look like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also need to check the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and let water get into the home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indicator of leaks. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing 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 traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas using a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's best 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 existing one.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split 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, think about installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you should seek 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've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window doctor frame. You'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are located.

Once you've removed the sash, you must be sure to compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to insert the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your window for problems or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger 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 boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements as well.