When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to enter. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, home such as an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and keep your windows functioning effectively.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy fix is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is extensive or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a sharp object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. If you have double glazing repairs Enfield-pane windows this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another kind of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be fixed. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take further than tape and nail polish, there are several other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop 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 you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from the outside. 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. You'll need to carefully clean the area first but you must also take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they could become clogged over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If you have double glazing Hitchin-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another sign of leaks is the appearance of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying close attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the existing window in both style and size.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for around $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you should call for help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is fairly easy and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. It is important to remove the strip of separation that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed your sash, be sure to examine its metal tabs against those of the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to insert 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 their proper positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you find any obvious damage, it should be addressed as soon as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.