When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when repairing double glazed windows your windows. First, put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the house. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. It's an easy and affordable solution that can provide protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and blown decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window repair near and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground 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 drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to assist to fix the problem immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

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

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special focus on the areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the present one.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you must seek help. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in all double-hung windows. You'll first need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. It is important to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords are.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one in its place and could affect the way it operates. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.