When It's Time to repair windows (read this post from www.longisland.com)

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. First, put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.

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

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home appear less appealing however, it could also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not damaged. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular kind of window break, usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.

A more serious, but possible crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!

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 for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the home.

It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. They are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to get into the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it 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. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Wind or rain can damage one support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same functionality as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you need to seek help. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and repair windows more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double glazing windows repairs-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it can be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.