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 fragments.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a simple fix for a damaged window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only makes your home look less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the home. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window, even if it's not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window repairs near me from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair procedure.

An impact crack is the most common kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard 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 can be quite risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane upvc window repair and lower its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly over time due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edge of your window, and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be repaired. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure that can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window 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 go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to replace your windows. The excess moisture can create a breeding ground for Window repairs Near me mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your house.

If the water is coming in from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get an expert to assist you to fix the problem right away. Don't put off leaking windows. They are the most frequent cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and get rid of any caulking that is in place.

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

If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and allow water to leak into the house.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of leaks. 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 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 traditional multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. 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 middle of the window, it's likely to be best to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the existing one.

For a less expensive alternative, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from entering the window frame. Most home centers sell these drip caps in aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be done in the majority of double glazed window repairs-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the strip that separates the sash.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash with the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to insert the new sash into its proper place and could affect how well the sash operates. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll have to treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and half boiling Linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements too.