When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you during your work.

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

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to enter. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or seal are a result of stress, such as a sudden change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure your windows are operating properly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is getting larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to consult with an expert. A glazier who is experienced can identify the cause of the crack and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent type of window break usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A more serious but doable crack is the pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the 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 when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to do it yourself epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, seal it might be time for a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

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

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This will ensure a seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water get into the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water destroying its adhesive properties and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are referred to in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since the larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact 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 heavy coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are constructed of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same functionality as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is quite simple and can be done in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to pull it out. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of the new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in the correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any damage or decay. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you notice any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.