When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. The first step is to put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked window glass not only makes your home look less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the home. 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 crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows functioning properly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or UPVC repair has become deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A glazier who is experienced can determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate upvc repair (the full details) method.

An impact crack is the most popular type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double glazing pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edge of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A more serious, but doable crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy straight line that can stretch 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 glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and upvc repair durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

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

In many instances, a single layer of caulking is enough to stop the leaks. It is important to clean the area first but you must also remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Examine the seal between the double-paned window and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another sign of leaks. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower part of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window doctor that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are attached to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They're not as energy-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 many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to take it off. To get access to the sash cords, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to make sure you compare its metal tabs to the ones on the new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have 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 can then finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.