When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like soccer or baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

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

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. The crack could affect the gas between the panes of your double glazing repair Chiswick-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.

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

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be repaired. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can 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 glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to do it yourself 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 any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If you have Double Glazing Repairs Spalding-paned windows, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. Over time, the seal can be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Then, take off any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Then, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on 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 severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for double glazing repairs Spalding a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both style and size.

For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung the sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that keep 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 towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different it's difficult to place the new one in its place and impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in the correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for double glazing Repairs Spalding any damage or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.