When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as a baseball or soccer or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and to keep your windows functioning correctly.

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

If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to speak with a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

A crack caused by an impact is the most frequent kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. The crack could compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window repair Canterbury and lower its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can progress to full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still feasible crack is one that is a pressure crack. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather take the DIY route, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window or that the wood around it appears soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can create a range of issues for your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.

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

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

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the metal frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and window repair canterbury help make the windows more efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indication of the presence of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in classic multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mostly used as a decorative element 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. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Then, remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that 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 the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows are made of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash and will provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek assistance. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn or improperly hung cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in the majority of double glazing repair Hatfield-hung windows. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. Press upwards on the side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side to take it off. You'll need to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the area where the sash cords are.

After you've removed your sash, it's important to make sure you examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to put the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your windows for damage or rot. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down over time. If you spot any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as possible to prevent the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.