When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to be careful when working. The first step is to put on a pair safety goggles and gloves that are cut-resistant to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

A quick fix for a broken window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or a baseball or stress, such as a 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 working correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy fix is to apply clear tape to it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A glazier who is experienced will be able to determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it breaks. The cracks typically have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and reduce its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually over time because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but still feasible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually 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, which could cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are a few other products available for repairing cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option, epoxy is a strong adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it did not have cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness beneath your window, or you notice that the wood around it is soft or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair project. In excess moisture, it creates the perfect environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your home.

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

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area first, but you must also get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater but can become clogged in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned You'll also have to check the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, and allow water to enter the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another indicator of leaks. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK), separated and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Today, they're only utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Most of the time just a small or a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good news is that you can repair most of these rotting or brittle elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Then, Window repair Near me remove any rotting or loose components and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window Repair near Me 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 on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows have a full pane of glass with muntins that are attached to the surface which gives them a split look. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for a simple method to upgrade your windows, think about installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes and provide the same functionality as a genuine mullion, or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a sign that you should contact a professional. If not taken care of, a damaged sash could cause water leaks, wood rot and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've broken a upvc window repair sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window repair near me is sealed and functioning.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is relatively simple and can be done in the majority of double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it does not matter which side) of the sash, and then pull it towards the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords reside.

After you've removed the sash, make sure you look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in their correct positions on your new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame as well, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check it regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a bigger issue.

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