When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

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

Cracked glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to get in. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball or a stress like a sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, a quick fix is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that will provide some protection from dust, water bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

However, if the crack is extensive or is getting worse, you should consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be risky if they break loose. If you have double glazing repairs near me-pane windows this crack could 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, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious, but feasible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape there are other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it appears weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It's best to call an expert if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need to clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

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

If you have double glazing repairs-paned windows, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time, however, and allow water to get into the home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the wall is soaked with moisture which weakens the fibers, causing discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK), separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Often it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. 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, tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry before taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an even more serious issue, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows are made of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order 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 much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn or poorly installed sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. You'll first need to remove the metal tabs holding the sash. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash 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 carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they are different it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper slot and will affect the way that the sash performs. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame, too, for any damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as soon as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.