When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is important to be cautious when you are repairing windows. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like a sudden change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.

However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could 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 develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.

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

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking windows repair

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood surrounding it is weak or rotting, it might be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to contact an expert to assist you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and let water enter the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away 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 that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick coat of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window it's better to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements, replacements and they'll provide you with the same function as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Then, push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your windows for problems or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, as well.