When It's Time to Repair Windows

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

An easy fix for a broken window is to apply a plastic covering over the crack. This will prevent insects, snow, and rain from entering the home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements to enter the house. The cracks could be caused by an collision (like the impact of a soccer or baseball ball) or are the result of stress, for example an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them fixed as soon as you can to avoid further damage and ensure your windows are functioning effectively.

Use clear tape to cover the cracks in your window if it's not broken. This is a quick, low-cost solution to shield your window from dust, water bugs and other debris. It also helps keep out the elements.

However, if the crack is large or appears to be getting worse, it's best to seek out an expert. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

An impact crack is the most popular kind of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to fracture it. The cracks are usually with a starburst-like pattern of lines, and shattered pieces that can be quite dangerous if they fall loose. If you have double glazing windows repair pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes and affect the efficiency of your window's energy use.

Another type of crack is a stress crack that develops slowly as time passes due to extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and can progress to complete breaks.

A pressure crack is a more serious crack, but it can still be fixed. It is typically an arc of curvy lines that extends across one or Installed more sides of your window and could be a result of low or high air pressure that can cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

If you're looking to take further than nail polish and tape there are other products available for door repairing cracks in your window glass. A product like Glass Repair Film is a little more expensive, but will provide more protection and durability for your windows. If you'd rather DIY, epoxy is an adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks and prevent further damage. It can make your window appear like it never had any cracks at any point.

Leaking Windows

If you notice a damp area under your window, or the wood around it is weak or rotting, it might be time to replace your windows. Mold and mildew thrive in excess moisture, which can lead to numerous issues in your home. They can cause indoor air pollution, sagging walls, and can even worsen allergies. If left unchecked, they can 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 repair the issue immediately. Leaking windows are one of the most common causes of mold and structural damage and should not be left untreated.

In many cases the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before you apply the new caulking, you'll have clean the area and remove any existing caulking.

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to remove rainwater, but they can also become blocked in time due to insect corpses or other debris.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the frame. This helps to keep a barrier of gas between the panes, making windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, however, 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 saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indication of water altering the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it away 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. Today, they're mainly utilized as a decorative element in a few older homes.

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

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of ammonia-based cleaning products that doesn't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the painted vertical and horizontal window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Then, you can apply a thick layer of white paint, paying particular attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before taking off the tape and applying a new coat.

If you're dealing with an issue that is more serious, such as a crack that forms an hourglass-like shape in the center of the window, it's likely to be recommended to replace the sash. In these instances, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the design and size of the present one.

To save money you can also put in an attached grid window. These windows are constructed of a glass repairs 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 method to upgrade your windows, consider installing a new drip cap in order to prevent water from leaking around the window frame. There are a variety of these drip caps made of aluminum at most home centers for about $20. They're much simpler to install than windowsash replacements and come with the same functionality as a genuine mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you need to seek help. A sash that is broken not addressed, can lead to water leaks, wood rot, and other serious issues to the frame and door repairman sill. If you have a broken sill, you must replace it as soon as you can to ensure that your window is properly sealed and operating.

The issue is usually caused by worn-out or improperly installed cords. It's easy to replace these cords in most double-hung window models. To begin, 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 and then pull it toward the opposite side to remove it from the window frame. You'll want to carefully remove the strip of separation that separates the sash from the other so you can access the area where the sash cords are located.

It's important that you compare the metal tabs of the old sash with the new one. If they're not the same, it will be hard to place the new one into its slot and impact how the sash functions. Fortunately, this can be easily rectified by placing the tabs in their correct positions on the new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll also need to check the frame of your window for damage or decay. It's a good idea do this regularly as wood shrinks and wears down over time, particularly after exposure to the elements. It is important to repair any visible damage as quickly as you can, to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames are deteriorating, you can treat them with a homemade preserver made from half mineral spirits and boiled Linseed. After the treatment is dry, you can restore your frames using the finest latex paint. A fresh coat of paint can also shield your window from the elements.