When It's Time to Repair Windows

If your windows are in need of repair, it's essential to be careful when working. First, put on a pair of safety gloves and cut-resistant gloves to prevent glass shards from cutting you during your work.

Placing a plastic cover over the crack is an easy fix for a damaged window. This will prevent insects, snow and rain from entering the home.

Cracked glass

Glass that has cracked can make your home look less appealing and let drafts to get in. It doesn't matter if the cracks result from an impact like a baseball or soccer or a stress like a sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can to prevent further damage and keep your windows working effectively.

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 shield your window from dust, water, bugs and other sand. It also keeps out the elements.

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

Impact cracks are the most frequent window cracks. They typically occur when a solid object is thrown at your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks are usually accompanied by a starburst pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite risky if they break loose. This crack can compromise the gas between the panes of your double-pane windows and lower its energy efficiency.

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

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

If you're ready to take further than nail polish and tape there are several other products that can be used to repair cracks in your window glass. A product such as Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide a bit more protection and longevity for your windows. If you'd rather make it yourself, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and stop further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks in it at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or notice that the wood around it is brittle or rotting, it may be time to consider a window repair. The excess moisture can create the perfect environment for mold and mildew, which can lead to a myriad of problems for your home. They can reduce the quality of air inside, contribute to sagging of drywall and worsen allergy symptoms. Unchecked, they may also cause structural damage to your home.

If the water is coming from outside or is visible through the frame it's a good idea to seek out a professional to assist with the repairs right away. Leaking windows are among the leading causes of structural and mold damage, Upvc Window Repairs Near Me so don't leave them untreated.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. It is important to clean the area first, though, and get rid of any old caulking prior to applying the new layer.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes in the frame to make sure they're not blocked with debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

Make sure you have a seal between your double-paned window and the frame made of metal. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may be worn out and allow water to enter your home.

Water stains on the ceiling and walls are another indicator of the presence of a leak. These occur when drywall is saturated with moisture which weakens the fibers and leads to discoloration. There is also the possibility of peeling paint caused by the effects of water weakening its adhesive properties and pulling away from the wall.

Faux Muntins & Mullions

In the past, mullions and muntins (or glazing bars in the UK) separated and held panes of glass in classic multi-pane windows. Since bigger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative feature in some older homes.

Sometimes just a small or a single group of these wooden supports can be damaged by rain or wind and cause cracks to the window repairs. You can repair the majority of these brittle or rotting components.

Clean the affected areas with a sponge and an ammonia-based cleaning agent that doesn't leave a traces. Get rid of any rotting or loose pieces and cut the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins with an exacta knife. After trimming the intersections using painter's masking tape, you can use the tape to tape off the lower part of the window frame. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, paying special attention to areas which were lightly coated on the first pass. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a second coat.

If the issue is more severe, such as an hourglass-shaped crack in middle of the upvc Window repairs near me, it's best to replace the sash. In these situations, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the existing one.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows consist of a complete glass pane, with a set of muntins that are fixed to the surface. This gives them a divided appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

If you're looking for an easy method to upgrade your windows, you should consider installing an additional drip cap to stop water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at many home centers for less than $20. They're much easier to install than a replacement window sash and come with the same function as a genuine muntin or mullion.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A broken window sash should be a signal that you must call for help. A broken sash, if not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot and other serious problems to the frame and sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your upvc window repair is sealed and working.

The problem is often caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. Luckily, replacing them is quite simple and is possible in most double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to remove the tabs made of metal that hold the sash in place. To do this, push up on one side (it isn't important which) of the sash then pull in toward the other side to remove it from the window frame. You'll need to remove the strip that is what separates the sash from other so you can access the area where the sash cords are.

Once you've removed the sash, you must take the time to examine its metal tabs against the ones on your new sash. If they're not the same, it will be difficult to insert the new sash in its proper slot and will impact how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by putting the tabs in the correct places 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 to do regularly, as wood will shrink and break down as time passes. It is important to repair any visible damage as fast as you can to avoid a more serious issue.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate, you can treat them using a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you are able to finish your frames with a high quality latex paint. A new coat of paint can protect your window from the elements as well.