When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. Wear safety glasses 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 appear less appealing but also allow drafts and other elements to enter the house. If the cracks were caused by an impact (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, like an abrupt change in temperature, it's important to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window replacement from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

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

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 like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY method 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 see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time to start a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture, which can lead to a number of problems within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked they could cause structural damage to the house.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or coming from the outside. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of mold and structural damage.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

If you have double-paned windows it is also necessary to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. Over time the seal may get worn out and let water into your home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall turns discolored when it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII They went out of fashion. Today, Window Doctor they're only utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports may be damaged by rain or wind, leaving cracks in the window. The good part is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle parts.

Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave a residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first pass. 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 like a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

To save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip-cap will stop water from getting into the window doctor (https://www.repairmywindowsanddoors.co.uk) frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. If left unchecked the broken sash may cause water leaks, wood rot 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.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. It is easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull it towards the opposite side in order to take it off. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are.

It is important to compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it may be difficult to place the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in the correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as soon as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

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