When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

A quick solution to a damaged window is to apply a plastic cover over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from getting into the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked can make your home appear less appealing and let drafts to enter. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, like a baseball or soccer or stress, such as a sudden temperature change, but it is important to have them repaired as soon as you can to prevent further damage and to ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is damaged but not broken, an easy solution is to use clear tape to cover it. It's an easy and affordable solution that provides protection from dust, water bugs and other particles, as well as keeping out the weather.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, you should seek out a professional. An experienced glazier will be able to determine the root of the problem and suggest a suitable repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break typically caused by a sharp object striking your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines and shattered pieces that could be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect your window's energy efficiency.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time because of extreme temperature fluctuations and other environmental factors. These cracks usually begin near the edges of your window, and can progress to full-blown breaks.

A more serious but still possible crack is the pressure crack. It's usually an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or more sides of the window. It could be a result of high or low air pressure that can cause expansion or contraction of the glass.

If you're looking to take further than tape and nail polish, there are a few alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a bit more expensive but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help keep them from getting worse and make your window appear like it never had a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair project. Mildew and mold thrive in excessive moisture and can cause a number of problems within your home. They can decrease the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If not addressed they can cause structural damage to the home.

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

In many cases, a simple caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll need clean the area and take off any caulking that is in place.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

Examine the seal between your 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. Over time the seal will be worn out and allow water into your home.

Another indication of leaks is the appearance of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture that weakens its fibers and causes discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, Upvc window repair 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 with tempered were made available. They're mostly used as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Most of the time it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports could be damaged by wind or rain and cause cracks to the window. The good news is that you can repair the majority of these decaying or brittle components.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Use a cleaner based on ammonia that doesn't leave any residue. Remove any loose or rotting pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, tape off the lower part of the window frame using painter's tape. Apply a thick layer of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the initial pass. Allow the paint to dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If the issue is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these instances you'll need to search for a replacement that is similar to the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a less expensive option. These windows consist of a full glass pane with a series muntins that are fixed to the surface. This creates a divi-sected appearance. They're not as energy-efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy way to update your windows, think about installing an additional drip cap to prevent water from leaking around the upvc window repairs frame. Home centers typically sell these drip caps made of aluminum for about $20. These are much easier to install than replacement window sashes, and will provide the same function as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged upvc Window repair sash must be a signal that you should call for help. A damaged sash, ignored, could lead to 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 possible to ensure that your window is properly sealed and working.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or poorly installed cords. It is easy to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To start, you'll need to dislodge the metal tabs that keep the sash in place. Then, push up on the opposite side of the sash (it isn't important which side) and then pull toward the opposite side in order to pull it out. You'll need to remove the strip that divides the sash from the other side so that you can get to the area where the sash cords are.

It's important that you check the metal tabs on the old sash to those of the new one. If they're different, it will be difficult to put the new sash into its proper slot and will impact how the sash operates. Luckily, this is easily rectified by placing tabs in their proper positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll have to examine the frame of your window for damage or rot. It's a good idea perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and becomes less durable over time, especially with exposure to the elements. You should repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have deteriorated, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made of half mineral spirits and boiling in linseed. After the treatment has dried, you are able to refinish your frames with high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.