When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work carefully. First, put on a pair of safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent shards of glass from cutting you as you work.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive, but it can let drafts and other elements into the house. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or baseball or stress, such as an abrupt temperature change, it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it is not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the weather.

If the crack is getting larger or has become deep, it is advised to speak with a professional. A skilled glazier can identify the root cause of the crack and recommend a suitable repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They usually occur when a hard 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 when they break loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your window's energy use.

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

A pressure crack is a more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of high or low air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and durability for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it has never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to get a professional to help you repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first, though, and take off any caulking that is old before applying a new layer.

Check the weepholes on the frame for debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris in time.

Examine the seal between your double-paned windows and the metal frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water enter the home.

Water stains on the walls and ceiling are another indication of a leak. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated by water. There may also be peeling paint, which is a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing 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. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're used only as decorative elements in some older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports can get damaged by rain or upvc window repair wind and cause cracks to the upvc window repair (just click the next post). The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use 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. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first stroke. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more serious like an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances you'll have to search for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing grid windows is a cheaper alternative. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They are not as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for a simple way to update your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. If it's not checked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords on most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that divides the sash from the other to allow access to the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, you must be sure to compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could affect the way that the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be rectified by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

You'll have to examine your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or decay. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. If you spot any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

If your local window repair frames have deteriorated and are in need of repair, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling linseed. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you are able to restore your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint will protect your window from the elements, too.