When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, you must work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Broken windows not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements into the home. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as possible to prevent further damage and keep your windows working properly.

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

If the crack is getting larger or is getting more large, it is recommended to speak with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

An impact crack is the most frequent type of window break, usually resulting from a solid object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be risky if they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations or upvc Door repairs near me other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin upvc door repairs Near Me the edge of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

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

If you're ready to take a step beyond nail polish and tape, there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will offer a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window appear like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your upvc window repairs near me or that the wood surrounding it is soft or rotting it could be time to repair your windows. Excessive moisture creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the house.

It is best to call a professional if the 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 cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not clogged with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time the seal will get worn out and let water into your home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indicator of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint, which is a result 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 the larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or upvc Door repairs near me a single group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue like cracks that create an hourglass shape in the center of the window, then it's probably best 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 the design and size.

If you want to save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows come with a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided look. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functionality as an authentic muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you should contact a professional. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be done in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.

It is important to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to insert the new one into its slot and could affect the way it functions. Luckily, this is easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. If you spot any visible damage it should be addressed as soon as you can to avoid the development of a larger issue.

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