When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing double glazed windows your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only make your home appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not broken. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the elements.

However, if the crack is large or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A glazier who is experienced can determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous in the event that 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.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but possible crack is one that is a pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and 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 windows when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.

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

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

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will wear out and allow water into your home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of leaks. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars, as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window repair near me muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be better 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.

For near a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass, with the muntins being attached to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. These windows are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. Press upwards on the opposite 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 carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they're different it's difficult to place the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their proper places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a more serious 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 near half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements, as well.