When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work with care. 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 broken window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop snow, rain and insects out of your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter whether the cracks result from an impact, like soccer or baseball, or stress, like a sudden temperature change, it is important to have them fixed as quickly as possible to avoid further damage and keep your windows working correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not broken. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, you should seek out an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most frequent kind of window break, typically caused by a sharp object hitting your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas that is between the panes of your double-pane windows and decrease its energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or window Repairs other environmental elements. These cracks usually begin near the edge of your window and eventually can develop into full-blown cracks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack however it can be fixed. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of high or low air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass when you're willing to go beyond tape and nail varnish. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it has never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window or that the wood around it is soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from the outside or is visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact an expert to assist you with the repairs immediately. Leaking windows are one of the leading causes of mold and structural damage, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases caulking is a great option to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have to clean the area and get rid of any caulking you have already applied.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. These are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This creates the gas from escaping between the panes, which makes windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may get worn out and let water into your home.

The water stains on the ceiling and walls are another sign of a leak. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated with water. There is also the possibility of peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins and mullions (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. Nowadays, they're 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 rain or wind leaving cracks in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying components.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife cut the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower portion of the window frame. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated in the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're dealing with an even more serious issue such as a crack that forms an hourglass shape in center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these situations it's crucial to find the right replacement Window Repairs that matches both the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass, with muntins that are glued to the surface, giving them a divided appearance. They are not as efficient in terms of energy efficiency as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap can prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than an alternative window sash, and they'll provide you with the same functions as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash is an obvious sign that it's time to get some help. A damaged sash, not addressed, window Repairs can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious issues to the frame and sill. If you have a damaged sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double glazed window repairs near me-hung window models. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep 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. To reach the cords of the sash, you'll need to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, you must be sure to compare its metal tabs to those of the new sash. If they're different it can be difficult to place the new one in its slot and could affect the way it operates. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected by simply placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll need to check your window frame as well for any damage or decay. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood will shrink and break down over time. If you notice any obvious damage, it should be repaired as soon as you can to avoid a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver created with half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A new coat of paint will aid in protecting your window from the elements too.