When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

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

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not broken. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

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

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous in the event that they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window upvc door repairs near me (previous) and could be the result of low or high air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it has never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can decrease indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may wear out and allow water into your home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, Window Repairs muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small group, leaving an opening in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

First, clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a cheaper alternative. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are glued to the surface creating a divided look. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you should seek help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, it is recommended to replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window repairs near me is sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove the tabs of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the strip that separates the sash.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to take the time to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine the frame of your window, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check it regularly since the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.