When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. The first step is to wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.

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

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, you should consult an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the root of the problem and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most popular type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they fall loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window sash repairs, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can create a range of issues for your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to help you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the main causes of structural and mold damage So don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.

If you have double glazed windows repair-paned windows, you'll also need to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and repair windows allow water into your home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of the presence of a leak. These are caused when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers and causes discoloration. There may also be peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening 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 the classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small group, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find the right replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can find a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $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 can be an obvious indication that it's time to get some help. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could affect the way that the sash performs. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in their correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your windows for damage or decay. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you find any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and repair windows boiled linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements too.