When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work with care. The first step is to put on a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. The cracks could be caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are functioning properly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a cheap and simple solution that can provide protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and keep out the weather.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to seek out an expert. A professional glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass repair upvc window Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all you need to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass with tempered were made available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape 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 pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't 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 around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time for assistance. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, repair windows water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea to perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage it should be fixed as quickly as you can to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are deteriorating they can be treated using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window against the elements.