When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home less attractive, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact like soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

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 keeps out the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A skilled glazier will be able to determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They usually occur when a solid object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be risky if they break loose. The crack could compromise the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but doable crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends 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.

If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can 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 brittle or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can lead to a myriad of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is recommended to contact an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are a leading cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

If windows have double panes it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can wear out and allow water into your home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small group of them, creating a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that does not leave traces. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying particular focus on the areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious like cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these instances, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows consist of a full glass pane with a series muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same function as an authentic muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you must seek help. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, it is recommended to replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Push up on the other side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are located.

It is important to check the metal tabs on the old sash window repair - http://easy.ksubest.com - to those of the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and affect how the sash operates. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you find any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and Sash Window Repair boiled in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.