When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. The first step is to put on a pair safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.

An easy fix for a broken window is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is crucial to get them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.

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

If the crack appears to be getting larger or has become extensive, installed it is best to consult with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

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

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. 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 to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or comes from outside. Don't put off leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to get into the home.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of the water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're mostly used as decorative elements in a few older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an even more serious issue such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window then it's probably better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken upvc window repairs near me sash is an obvious sign that it's time for some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues 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 properly sealed and functioning.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to place the new sash into its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or rot. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you find 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 need to treat them using a homemade preserver made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.