When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. The first step is to put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.

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

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the root of the problem and recommend a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window repair near me, and can progress to complete breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend 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.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to help you with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many instances, home caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and get rid of any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to get into the 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 by moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling 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 the classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the upvc window repair frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Let the paint completely dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you should call for help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of 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 it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are located.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different it's difficult to put the new one in its place and could affect the way it operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for any problems or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage, it must be fixed as quickly as possible to prevent an even bigger issue from arising.

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 two days, you can re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.