When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when you are repairing windows. First, you should wear a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball or a stress like the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

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

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's best to seek out a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of your double-pane window and lower its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but feasible crack is a pressure crack. This is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape, there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and double worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to seek out a professional to assist to fix the problem immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

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

Examine the seal between your double-paned window and the frame. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water enter the home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with 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, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in traditional multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative element in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

First, 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 trimming the intersections, 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 completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as cracks that form an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's better to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches the style and size of the current one.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These Windows Repair are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes, and will provide the same functions as a real mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious indication that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

The problem is often caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to put the new one in its place and could affect the way it operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down over time. If you find any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiled in linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.