When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning correctly.

If your window repair is damaged but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the weather.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

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

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

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to get a professional to assist to fix the problem right away. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

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

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to check 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. The seal could wear down over time,, and let water leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. These are caused when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting parts.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and man use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find 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 are constructed of a glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must call for help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly hung sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they are different it can be difficult to place the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by putting the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your upvc window repairs near me from the elements, as well.