When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass fragments.

An easy fix for a window that is broken is to place a plastic covering over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked can make your home look less appealing and allow drafts to pass through. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer, or stress, like the sudden temperature drop, but it is crucial to get them fixed as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it's not damaged. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the weather.

If the crack is severe or is getting worse, it's recommended to consult a professional. A professional glazier can determine the cause of a crack and recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most common type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually have a starburst of lines and broken pieces. They could be dangerous in the event that they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental elements. The cracks start around the edges of your window and can eventually grow into full-blown cracks.

A more serious but possible crack is the pressure crack. It is typically a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It can be the result of low or high air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in window glass when you're willing to go beyond nail varnish and tape. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more costly, but it will provide a bit more protection and a longer lifespan for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill cracks to keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it appears soft or decaying, it may be time to repair your windows. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause various issues within your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can increase the severity of allergies. If left unchecked, they can cause structural damage to your house.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from outside. 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 applying the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and take off any existing caulking.

Check the weepholes of the frame for any debris. They are designed to drain excess rainwater, however they can get blocked by insect carcasses and other debris in time.

Examine the seal between your double glazed window repairs-paned upvc window repair and the frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another sign of a leak is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall will turn discolored once it is saturated with water. You might also find peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it 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 classic multi-pane windows. After WWII larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available. They're used only as a decorative feature in some older homes.

The effects of rain or wind can harm a single support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle elements.

First employ a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaners that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife reduce the intersections between vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and upvc window repair applying the second 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 these instances, it's important to find a replacement window that matches both the style and size of the present one.

For a less expensive alternative you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are made of a complete glass pane that has a series of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They're a lot easier to install than a replacement window sash and will provide you with the same function as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you should seek help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood decay and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've broken a window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and operating.

Often, the issue is caused by worn or improperly installed the sash cords. It's simple to replace these cords on most double-hung upvc Window repair models. 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 opposite side to remove it from the window frame. To access the sash cords, you'll need to carefully remove the strip that separates the sash.

It's important that you examine the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're different it can be difficult to put the new one into its slot and could affect the way it operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in the correct positions on the new window.

You'll need to inspect your window frame as well to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are in poor condition, you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative made using half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also protect your window against the elements.