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 protect yourself from glass shards.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows working properly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window, even if it's not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that will provide some protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack which can develop gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack but it is still able to be fixed. This is most often a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of the window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, 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 provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even increase the severity of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is enough to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.

If windows are double glazed window repairs near me (how you can help)-paned, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down with time and let water get into the home.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing 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. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying parts.

First, clean the affected areas using a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying close focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Let the paint completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as cracks that create an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's recommended to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

If you want to save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at the majority of home centers for around $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 is an obvious indication that it's time for some help. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung sash cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. 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 it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, double glazed window repairs near me it's important to be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same it can be difficult to insert the new one in its place and impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your windows for problems or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will help to protect your window from the elements, as well.