When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. First, you should wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent shards of glass from slicing you while you work.

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

Glass that has cracked

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

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

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. An experienced glazier can identify the root of the problem and window repair recommend a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are 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 broken 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 impact your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be the result of low or high air pressure, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window repairs glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd prefer to go the DIY method, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp zone under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be the time to fix your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture which can cause numerous issues in your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging drywall and even worsen symptoms of allergies. If not addressed they could cause structural damage to the house.

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

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying a new layer.

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

If you have double glazed window repairs-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Water stains on ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint as 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 glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of tempered glass were available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

Clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to seal off the lower portion of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Let the paint completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're dealing with a more severe problem such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in middle of the window then it's probably better to replace the sash. In these cases it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the present one.

For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being attached to the surface creating a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you need to call for help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you have a broken sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in all double glazed window repairs-hung windows. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. Press upwards on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that separates the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords reside.

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

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements, too.