When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

An easy fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, such as soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and 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 protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack is large or is getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

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

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, double glazed window repairs near me it may be time for a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall, and can worsen allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get a professional to help you repair the issue right away. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double glazed window repairs near Me-paned windows and the metal frame. This will help to maintain the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to enter the home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away 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 the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Nowadays, they're used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Often just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to 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. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first go. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and double glazed window repairs near me applying another 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 a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing a new drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. First, you'll need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to examine its metal tabs against the ones on your new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to insert the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to check your window repair frame, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

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