When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

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

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only makes your home less attractive, but it can also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double glazed window repairs near me pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with 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 will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

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

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

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

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After 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 you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If you're experiencing a more severe problem, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have 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 also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same function as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in most double glazed window repairs-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash and then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed the sash, make sure you examine its metal tabs against those of your new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and could affect the way it functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger 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 two days, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.