When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. The first step is to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple solution for a window repair near that has cracked. This will keep snow, rain and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked 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 a baseball or soccer or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edge of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still doable crack is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than nail polish and tape, there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. 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 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 in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

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

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and let water enter the home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. These occur when wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If you have a more severe problem like cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the present one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same function as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek some help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and replacements other serious issues to the frame and replacements sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to put the new sash window repair in its proper place and could affect how well the sash performs. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.