When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

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

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A glazier who is experienced can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable 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 fracture it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

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

A more serious but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood surrounding it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying a new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indication of leaks. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. upvc repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.

Clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Then, take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've cut the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If you have a more severe problem such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window doctor frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

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

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and is possible in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and double glazing repair boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.