When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's essential to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass fragments.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact, like soccer or a baseball or stress, such as the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not broken. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs, and other squatters and also keep out the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or has become extensive, it is best to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of the double glazed window repairs-pane window and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks begin around the edge of your window, and can eventually grow into complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack, but it can still be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which can lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and lock durability for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window look like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause various issues within your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

It is recommended to contact a professional if the water is visible or comes from outside. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary clean the area and take off any caulking you have already applied.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.

Check the seal between your double-paned windows and the frame made of metal. This will help maintain a barrier between the glass panes and make windows more efficient. As time passes, the seal can be worn out and allow water to enter your home.

Another indication of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling 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 traditional multi-pane windows. Since the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. They're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage the support of a single piece or small group, leaving a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

First take a rag and lock clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that does not leave traces. Remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special focus on the areas that were lightly coated in the first go. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these cases you'll have to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

For a less expensive alternative you can install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass with the muntins being that are 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 a simple way to update your windows, consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. The majority of home centers sell drip caps in aluminum for around $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a signal that you should contact a professional. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and functioning.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords in most double-hung window repairs near me models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other to allow access to the location where the sash cords are.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to the new one. If they're not the same it's difficult to place the new one in its place and could affect the way it functions. Fortunately, this can be easily fixed by placing the tabs in their correct places on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well to look for lock any signs of damage or decay. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down over time. If you notice any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled Linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can aid in protecting your window from the elements, too.