When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. The first step is to wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.

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

Cracked glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. 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 weather.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

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

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, a thin layer of caulking is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris as time passes.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication 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 traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. upvc repairs near me can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying another coat.

If you have an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass, with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap will 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. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords reside.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to place the new one in its slot and impact how the sash operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your Window Doctor near me frame as well for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window replacement frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.