When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.

A quick fix for a broken window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will keep insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to enter. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature drop, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is severe or appears to be getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown breaks.

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

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you 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 at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or leaking from outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes of the frame for debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between your double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water to enter your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers, causing discoloration. There is also the possibility of 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, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) separated and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated in the first coat. 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 middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash and come 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 get assistance. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or poorly installed the sash cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and can be accomplished in all double glazed window repairs near me-hung windows. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash and then pull it towards the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the location where the sash cords are located.

Once you've removed the sash, you must make sure you examine its metal tabs against those of your new sash. If they're different it's difficult to put the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct places on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll need to check the frame of your upvc window repairs for Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me problems or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and Double Glazed Window Repairs Near Me half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.