When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows require repair, it's important to work carefully. Wear safety goggles and gloves to protect yourself from glass shards.

An easy solution to a damaged window is to put a plastic cover over the crack. This will stop rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Glass that has cracked

Cracked glass can make your home appear less attractive and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks are caused by an impact, such as soccer or baseball, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

If your window is cracked, but not broken, an easy solution is to apply clear tape to it. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from water, dust, bugs and other sand. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is getting bigger or is extensive, it is best to seek advice from an expert. A professional glazier can identify the cause of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most popular type of window break usually resulting from a solid object striking your window with enough force to break it. The cracks are usually followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be quite dangerous if they come loose. If you have double-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes and impact the efficiency of your windows.

Stress cracks are another kind of crack that develops over time as a result of extreme temperature changes and other environmental factors. These cracks start around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. It's usually a curvy line that runs across one or more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could lead to expansion or contraction of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows if you're willing go beyond nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive, will give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd rather do it yourself, double glazed window repairs epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It will make your window appear as if it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you see an area of dampness beneath your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or decaying, it might be time for a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can lead to indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can worsen allergies. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

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

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all you need to stop the leaks. You'll need to thoroughly clean the area first however, and then get rid of any old caulking prior to applying new caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked with debris. These are designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris as time passes.

If windows are double-paned it is also necessary to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This will help to maintain an airtight seal between the glass panes and help make the windows more efficient. As time passes the seal will get worn out and let water to enter your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. These occur when drywall is saturated by moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There may also be peeling paint as a result of water weakening its adhesive properties and tearing it away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held glass panes in the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage one support or a small group of them, creating a crack in the window. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

First, use a rag to clean the affected areas. Use ammonia-based cleaning products that will not leave residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to cut the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window repair near me frame with painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick coat of white paint, paying particular attention to areas that were lightly coated on the first pass. Allow the paint to completely dry prior to removing the masking tape and applying the second coat.

If the problem is more severe such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases, you'll need to look for a replacement that matches the existing window in both the design and size.

Installing a grid window is a more affordable option. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are that are glued to the surface which gives them a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy-efficient as traditional ones.

Installing a drip cap can stop water from getting into the window frame. There are a variety of these aluminum drip caps at the majority of home centers for around $20. They're a lot easier to install than windowsash replacements and will provide you with the same functions as a real muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash can be an obvious sign that it's time to get assistance. A sash that is broken ignored, could lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, you should replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung cords for sash. Luckily, replacing these is fairly easy and can be done in most Double Glazed Window Repairs-hung windows. To begin, you'll need take off the tabs of metal that keep the sash in place. To do this, you need to push up on one side (it doesn't matter which) of the sash and then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. To reach the sash cords, you'll need to remove the strip of separation that separates the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, you must make sure you examine its metal tabs against the tabs on the new sash. If they're different, it will be hard to put the new one into its slot and impact how the sash functions. This can be easily corrected by placing the tabs in their correct places on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also be required to inspect the frame of your window for problems or rot. It's recommended to do this regularly as the wood shrinks and gets worn down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. You should fix any visible damage as soon as possible to avoid a bigger issue.

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