When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to be careful when working. First, you should wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.

An easy fix for a broken window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more large, fitters it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

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

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather make it yourself, 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 at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive 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 left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to seek out a professional to assist to fix the problem right away. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

If windows have double glazing near me panes it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water enter the home.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, 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 traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any 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 you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must call for help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and fitters sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. It is important to remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will affect how well the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at their proper positions on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.