When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

A quick solution to a damaged window is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Cracked window glass not only make your home look less appealing, but it can let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is essential to have them repaired as soon as you can in order to prevent further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it is not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris, as well as keeping out the elements.

If the crack is large or is getting worse, you should consult an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which can develop gradually as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. This is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It is caused by high or low pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to consider a window repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions which can cause a number of problems within your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging drywall, and can increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It is best to call a professional if the water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold and upvc window repair should not be left untreated.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is enough to stop the leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

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 off excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris over time.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture that weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing 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 glass that were tempered became available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group of them, creating cracks in the upvc window Repair. You can repair the majority of these brittle and decaying components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If you're experiencing an even more serious issue, such as cracks that create an hourglass shape in the middle of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows consist of a complete glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. Home centers typically sell these aluminum drip cap options for about $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you need to call for help. If it's not checked the broken sash may cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung sash cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of 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 and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to place the new sash in its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in the correct locations on your new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame, too to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your upvc window repair frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you can then restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.