When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's important to work with care. Wear safety glasses and gloves to protect yourself from glass shattering.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to apply an aluminum cover over the crack. This will keep rain, snow and insects from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Broken windows not only makes your home less attractive, but it can let drafts and other elements into the house. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like an impact from a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, such as an abrupt change in temperature it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning properly.

If your window is cracked but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a simple, inexpensive solution to protect your window from dust, water, bugs, and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is becoming larger or is getting more deep, it is advised to consult with a professional. A professional glazier can identify the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window repair with enough force to fracture it. These cracks usually have an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress fracture, which can develop gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more severe crack however it can be fixed. It is a curvy curved line that can extend across the window on one or more sides. It could be caused by low or high pressure that causes the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows If you're willing to go further than tape and nail varnish. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather take the DIY method epoxy is a durable adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window appear like it has never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair project. Excessive moisture creates an ideal environment for mold and mildew which can cause a variety of problems for your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging drywall and even worsen allergies. If not addressed, they can also cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or is visible through the frame it's best to seek out an expert to assist you with the repairs right away. Do not ignore windows that are leaking. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances, a single caulking layer is all that's needed to stop the leaks. You'll need to carefully clean the area, however, and then remove any old caulking before applying the new layer.

Examine the weepholes on the frame for any debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, however they can become clogged with insect corpses and other debris over time.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to check the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain a seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. The seal can wear down with time and allow water to enter the home.

Water stains on walls and ceiling are another sign of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another sign of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint, and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, muntins (or glazing bars as they are called in the UK) were a way to separate and held the panes of classic multi-paned windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII They went out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to one support or a small group of them, creating cracks in the window repair near me. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle and decaying elements.

First, clean the affected areas using a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that doesn't leave a traces. Then, take off any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife trim the intersections between the vertical and horizontal painted window muntins. After you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window 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 fully dry prior to taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If you have an issue that is more serious such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, then it's probably best to replace the sash. In these cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the window that is in place in terms of style and size.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows have a full pane of glass that is topped with the muntins being attached to the surface which gives them a split look. They are not as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at most home centers for about $20. They're much easier to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functionality as an authentic mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a signal that you should call for help. A damaged sash, left unchecked can cause 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 you can to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. It's simple to replace these cords on the majority of double glazed window repairs-hung window models. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side to take it off. To get access to the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to take the time to compare its metal tabs to the ones on your new sash. If they are different it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper place and could affect how well the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs at the correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for damage or double glazed window repairs decay. This is a good thing to do on a regular basis, as wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. If you notice any visible damage, it must be repaired as soon as possible to prevent a bigger problem from developing.

If your window frames are in poor condition you'll need to treat them with a homemade preservative created using half mineral spirits and half boiling linseed oil. After the treatment is dry, you can finish your frames with a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your window from the elements.