When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home look less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements into the home. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and keep out the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to consult with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most common kind of window doctor near me break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it may be time to consider a window doctor near Me repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you to fix the problem immediately. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Make sure you have a seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and allow water to enter your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water destroying its adhesive properties 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 panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Take off 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 using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If you have an even more serious issue like a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the existing one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with muntins that are glued to the surface which gives them a split look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time for some help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks 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 sealed.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed your sash, make sure you examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash functions. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.