When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is a quick fix for a damaged window. This will keep rain, snow and insects from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature change, but it is essential to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning effectively.

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

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to seek out a professional. A skilled glazier can determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common type of upvc window repair break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous when they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane upvc window repairs and lower its energy efficiency.

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

A more serious, but possible crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by high or low pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you prefer to make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to repair cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. The excess moisture can create an ideal environment for mildew and mold, which can create a range of problems for your home. They can affect the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. If left unchecked, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

It's best to call a professional if the water is visible or coming from outside. Leaking windows are among the main causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.

In many instances caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, it's necessary to clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

It is also important to examine the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time with insect corpses or other debris.

Check the seal between the double-paned window and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water leak into the house.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of the presence of a leak. The drywall turns discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

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

Most of the time, a single or small group of these wooden supports could get damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or decaying components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that will not leave residue. Then, 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, seal the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying a second coat.

If you're experiencing an even more serious issue, such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In these instances it's crucial to find an alternative window that is in line with both the style and size of the current one.

For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a glass pane, with a set of muntins, which are glued to the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can find a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements, and they'll provide you with the same function as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you should call for help. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is properly sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be accomplished in most double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash, and then pull it toward the opposite side to take it from the window frame. To get access to the cords of the sash, you'll need to remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

After you've removed the sash, you must make sure you compare its metal tabs to the tabs on the new sash. If they are different it may be difficult to place the new sash in its correct slot and could affect the way that the sash performs. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at their correct locations on your new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you find any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in bad condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made by mixing half mineral spirits with half boiled the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for two full days, you can then finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.