When It's Time to Repair Windows

It's important to be careful when you are repairing windows. The first step is to put on a pair cut-resistant gloves and safety goggles to prevent glass shards from slicing you while you work.

A quick fix for a window that is broken is to put a plastic covering over the crack. This will keep insects, snow and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Cracked glass can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer or stress, such as the sudden temperature change, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to protect your window from water, dust, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the weather.

If the crack appears to be getting bigger or is large, it is recommended to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier can identify the root of the crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent window breakage. They usually occur when a solid object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually have an arc of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous if they become loose. The crack could affect the gas in the panes of the double-pane window and decrease its energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are a different kind of crack that develops over time due to extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown breaks.

A more serious but still possible crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy curve that extends across the window on one or more sides. It can 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 glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will offer a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather do it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at all.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or the wood surrounding it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall, and Upvc window repairs can worsen allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

It is recommended to contact an expert if the water is visible or comes from outside. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They are a leading cause of structural damage and mold.

In many cases, a simple layer of caulking is all you need to stop the leaks. Before applying the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

Check the weepholes on the frame for any debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows are double-paned, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a barrier between the glass panes and help make windows more efficient. The seal can wear down over time,, and let water leak into the house.

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

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, UPVC window repairs muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and were used to hold the panes of multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're only used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to a single support or a small portion of them, resulting in an opening in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these decaying or brittle parts.

First, clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal upvc window repairs (blog) muntins with an exacta knife. After you've trimmed the intersections, seal the lower portion of the window repair frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas that you lightly painted in the initial pass. 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 crack in middle of the window, it's recommended to replace the sash. In such cases you'll need to search for a replacement that matches the existing window in both style and size.

Installing grid windows is a more affordable option. These windows consist of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for a simple method to modernize your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes and provide the same function as a genuine mullion, or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. A sash that is broken left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double glazed window repairs-hung window models. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. To do this, push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash then pull in toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. It is important to remove the strip that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located.

Once you've removed the sash, be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of your new sash. If they're different, it may be difficult to put the new sash into its correct slot and could impact how the sash performs. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check your window frame for any damage or decay. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can, to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative created with half mineral spirits and half boiled linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements too.