When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only make your home look less appealing but also let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not damaged. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and also keep out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. If you have double glazing repairs-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

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

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first but you must also remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.

If windows have double panes You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time, however, and let water leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering 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 called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek assistance. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and rustamaniinfo.com sill. If you've got a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same it can be difficult to place the new one in its place and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your windows for problems or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.