When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when repairing your windows. First, wear a pair of cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to stop glass shards from slicing you while you work.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is an easy fix for a cracked window. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to enter. Whether the cracks were caused by an impact (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are a result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change or a sudden temperature change, it's crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are working correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, a simple solution is to apply clear tape to it. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that can provide protection from dust, water bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the weather.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out an expert. An experienced glazier can determine the root cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that could be risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another type of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and eventually can develop into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack, but it can still be repaired. This is most often an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're willing to go further than tape and nail polish, there are a few other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time to start a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even increase the severity of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or comes from the outside. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they could become clogged with insect corpses and other debris in time.

Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes, and will make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and allow water to enter the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII, larger expanses tempered glass were available. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm one support or a small group, leaving a crack in the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower part of the window replacement frame. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the first pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In these instances it is essential to locate a replacement window that matches the design and size of the current one.

To save money you can install an attached grid window replacement. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins glued to the surface, giving them a divided look. These windows are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. You can find 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 functions as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you need to seek help. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in the majority of double-hung windows. First, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to pull it out. You'll want to carefully remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords are.

Once you've removed the sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to those of your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could impact how the sash functions. This can be corrected by putting the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any problems or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a bigger issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver created of half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can help to protect your window from the elements as well.