When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, you should put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you as you work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick fix is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be fixed. This 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 that causes the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can reduce indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying the new layer.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows have double panes You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling 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 classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you have an even more serious issue, such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in the center of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy 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 many home centers for replacement less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. To access the sash cords, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check your window frame for any problems or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. If you find any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.