When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to work carefully. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a simple solution for a window that has cracked. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to enter. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are operating correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple solution is to use clear tape to cover it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it cracks. The cracks typically have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

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

A more serious, but doable crack is the pressure crack. It is a curvy, curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can 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 windows if you're willing go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window look like it did not have cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it might be time to start a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and can even worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the house.

If the water is coming from outside or visible through the frame it's best to contact an expert to assist you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, caulking can be used to stop leaks. Before applying the new caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

It is also important to examine 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 become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Examine the seal between your double glazed window repairs-paned window and the frame. This will ensure a barrier between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and let water get into the home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering 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 held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're used only as a decorative feature in a few older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports may get damaged by wind or rain leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Then, Double Glazed window Repairs take off any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If you're experiencing an issue that is more serious, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, then it's probably recommended to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the current one.

Installing grid windows is a less expensive option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with the muntins being glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A broken sash, if ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it immediately to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double-hung window repairs models. First, you'll need to remove tabs made of metal that hold the sash. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.

Once you've removed the sash, you must be sure to examine its metal tabs against the tabs on your new sash. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its slot and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this issue can be corrected by simply placing the tabs in their correct locations on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for problems or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. If you find any visible damage it should be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid the development of a larger issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.