When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you as you work.

An easy fix for a broken window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.

Glass that has cracked

Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from an expert. A glazier who is experienced will be able to determine the cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch 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 glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it is soft or rotting it could be the time to fix your windows. In excess moisture, it creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can create a range of problems for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

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

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are referred to in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the present one.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass, with a series of muntins glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much easier to install than replacement upvc window repair sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you need to contact a professional. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, repairer replacing these is relatively simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.

Once you've removed the sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your windows for damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood shrinks and Repairer wears down over time. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can, 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 linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.