When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, you must be careful when working. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shards.

A quick solution to a damaged window is to put an aluminum cover over the crack. This will stop insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home appear less appealing and allow drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if cracks result from an impact, such as a baseball or soccer, or stress, like an abrupt temperature drop, but it is important to have them fixed as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your cracked window, even if it's not damaged. This is a cheap and simple solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other debris. It also shields your windows from the elements.

If the crack is extensive or is getting worse, it's best to consult an expert. A skilled glazier can determine the cause of the crack and recommend an appropriate repair procedure.

Impact cracks are the most common window breakage. They typically occur when a hard object hits your window with enough force that it breaks. These cracks are typically followed by a starburst pattern of lines and broken pieces that can be dangerous if they come loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack may compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

Another type of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, due to extreme temperature fluctuations or other environmental elements. These cracks start around the edges of your window, and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A more serious, but doable crack is a pressure crack. It is a curvy, straight line that can stretch across the window on one or more sides. It can be caused by low or high pressure, which can cause the glass to expand or contract.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in windows 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'd rather take the DIY route epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill cracks to prevent further damage and make your window repair near me look like it did not have a crack at all!

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp spot under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair project. Mold and mildew thrive in excessive moisture and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

It is best to call an expert if water is visible or coming from the outside. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of structural damage and mold, so don't leave them untreated.

In many cases, a thin caulking layer is all that's needed to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first though, and remove any old caulking before applying new caulking.

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

Examine the seal between your double-paned windows and window repairs near me the metal frame. This helps to keep a gas barrier between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal may wear away with time and let water enter the home.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is soaked with water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and pulling it from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past muntins (or glazing bars as they are known in the UK) separated and held the panes of traditional multi-paned windows. Since bigger expanses of glass with tempered coatings became available following WWII they went out of fashion. They're used only as a decorative element in a few older homes.

Rain or wind can cause damage to the support of a single piece or small group, leaving a crack in the window. Repairs can be made to the majority of these brittle or decaying parts.

Clean the affected areas with a rag and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave a residue. Remove any rotting or loose parts and use an exacta-knife to trim the intersections between the horizontal and vertical painted window muntins. After trimming the intersections then, use painter's masking tape to tape off the lower section of the window frame. Apply a thick coat of white paint to the areas you lightly painted in the first stroke. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If the problem is more serious such as an hourglass-shaped crack in the middle of the window, it's better to replace the sash. In such cases you'll have to search for a replacement window that is compatible with the window that is in place in terms of the design and size.

To save money, you can also install an attached grid window. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with muntins that are attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as energy efficient as traditional windows, but they are.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing a new drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. You can purchase a range of these aluminum drip caps at many home centers for less than $20. They 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 window repairs near me sash is an obvious sign that it's time to seek some help. A broken sash, if left unchecked can cause water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you've got a damaged sash you should replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and functioning.

Most of the time, the issue is caused by worn out or improperly installed cords for sash. It's simple to replace these cords in the majority of double-hung window models. To begin, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that keep the sash in place. Press upwards on the other side of the sash (it doesn't matter which side) and then pull towards the opposite side in order to remove it. You'll need to remove the parting strip that divides the sash from the other so you can access the location where the sash cords are located.

It is crucial to examine the metal tabs of the old sash to those of the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to insert the new one into its slot and affect how the sash functions. Fortunately, this issue can be fixed by placing tabs in their proper locations on your new window.

You'll need to inspect the frame of your window, too, for any damage or rot. It's a good idea to check regularly, since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes. You should fix any visible damage as quickly as possible to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames are in bad condition, you'll have to treat them with a homemade preservative made with half mineral spirits and half boiling the linseed oil. After the treatment has dried, you can restore your frames using a high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also shield your upvc window repair near me from the elements.