When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

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

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating correctly.

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

If the crack is large or is getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.

Another type of crack is a stress crack which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

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

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass repair upvc windows Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather make it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen symptoms of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem right away. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural damage and mold and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If windows have double panes You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties 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 tempered glass became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm the support of a single piece or small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to fully dry before removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an even more serious issue like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same function as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. If not taken care of the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on your new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to place the new one in its place and could affect the way it operates. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and repair windows wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

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