When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working. First, wear a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to stop glass shards from cutting you during your work.

A quick fix for a window that is broken is to place an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep snow, rain, and insects from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Broken windows not only makes your home appear less appealing but let drafts and other elements to enter the house. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as quickly as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are working effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to cover it. It's a cheap and simple solution that will provide some protection from dust, water, bugs and other debris and keep out the weather.

If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more 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 common window cracks. They usually occur when a sharp object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact your window's energy efficiency.

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

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

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to DIY epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew, which can cause a variety of issues for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame it's best to get a professional to assist with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area, however, and then take off any caulking that is old before applying new caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will ensure an airtight seal between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. The seal could wear down over time,, and allow water to leak into the house.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. 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 from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars, as they are known in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. After WWII, larger expanses glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Often, a single or small group of these wooden supports can be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair most of these rotting or brittle components.

First, clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to seal 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 fully dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe like an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and window doctor size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows come with a complete pane of glass with a series of muntins glued to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around 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 offer the same function as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you should seek help. If not taken care of, a broken sash can cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by damaged or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is fairly easy 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. To do this, push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window Doctor frame. To access the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash to the new one. If they're different, it may be difficult to put the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash performs. Luckily, this is easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame, too for any damage or decay. It's recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window replacement near me frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window from the elements.