When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also helps keep out the weather.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent type of window break typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window repairs and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be the result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. 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 DIY, 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 in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It's best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water to enter your home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in 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. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Get rid of 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 then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended 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 style and size.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you must seek help. A damaged sash, not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are located.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for any problems or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.