When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

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

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing but also let drafts and other elements into the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like soccer or a baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to speak with an expert. A glazier who is experienced will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in upvc window repair near me 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 do it yourself 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 at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window repair, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If windows have double panes it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down with time and let water leak into the house.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small group of them, creating a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas 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 the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass, with a series of muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to remove it. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

After you've removed your sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to place the new one in its place and affect how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. You should repair any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements, too.