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 protect yourself from glass fragments.

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

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or a stress like an abrupt temperature change, but it is crucial to get them repaired as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from water, dust, bugs and other debris and keep out the elements.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to consult a professional. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are typically accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be risky if they break loose. The crack could affect the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window repair near me 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 elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window, and eventually expand into full-blown break.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack however it can be repaired. It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your Window Repairs Near Me (Highwave.Kr), or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to assist with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the most common causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all you need to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to drain rainwater, but they could become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water leak into the house.

The water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of leaks. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint, which is a result of water destroying 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 glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in some 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 rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying elements.

Clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a 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 part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If the problem is more serious like an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find the right replacement window that matches both the style and Window Repairs Near Me size of the current one.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious indication that it's time to seek assistance. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are.

After you've removed your sash, be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of the new sash. If they're different it's difficult to insert the new one in its place and impact how the sash operates. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame 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 notice any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to restore your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.