When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the home. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are working correctly.

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

If the crack appears to be getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair windows procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It is a curvy curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand repair window or contract.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products that can be used to Repair window cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

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

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water enter the home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or repair window rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the problem is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get 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 have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. You'll need to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords reside.

It is crucial to check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it can be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.