When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

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

If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, you should consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be repaired. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window Replacement Near me appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window, or the wood around it is weak or rotting, install it might be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the 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. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing 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 tempered glass were available. They're mostly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

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

Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the upvc window repairs frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious like cracks that form an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should call for help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're different, it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at their proper locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.