When It's Time to Repair Windows

It is essential to be cautious when fixing your windows. Wear safety glasses and gloves to shield yourself from glass shattering.

Applying a plastic covering over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will prevent rain, snow and insects from getting into your home.

Cracked Glass

Glass that is cracked not only make your home appear less appealing however, it could let drafts and other elements into the home. If the cracks were caused by an collision (like a baseball or soccer ball) or are a result of stress, such as an abrupt temperature change it is crucial to have them repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage and ensure that your windows are functioning correctly.

Use clear tape to cover your damaged window if it is not damaged. It's a simple and inexpensive solution that provides protection from water, dust bugs and other particles and keep out the weather.

If the crack is getting bigger or is deep, it is advised to seek advice from a professional. A professional glazier will determine the root of the crack and recommend the best repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common type of window break, typically resulting from a hard object hitting your window with enough force to break it. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be hazardous if they become loose. If you have double pane windows, this crack could weaken the gas layer between the panes, which can affect your window's energy efficiency.

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

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

If you're ready to take a step beyond tape and nail polish, there are several alternatives to fix cracks in your window glass. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive can give your windows more protection and durability. If you'd prefer to go the DIY option epoxy is a sturdy adhesive that can be used to fill in cracks to help stop further damage and make your window look like it never had cracks at all!

Leaking Windows

If you see a damp spot under your window, or notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it could be time for a windows repair. Mildew and mold thrive in humid conditions and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect the quality of indoor air, lead to sagging of drywall and increase the severity of allergy symptoms. If left unchecked they can cause structural damage to the structure of the house.

If the water is coming in from outside or visible through the frame, it's a good idea to contact a professional to help you to fix the problem immediately. Don't ignore leaking windows. They're a major cause of structural damage and mold.

In many instances the use of caulking is to stop leaks. Before applying the caulking, you'll have to clean the area and remove any caulking that is in place.

You'll also need to check the weep holes in the frame to ensure they're not blocked by debris. These holes are designed to drain excess rainwater, but they can also become blocked over time by insect carcasses or other debris.

If you have double-paned windows You'll also have to examine the seal between the glass and the frame. This will help to maintain a barrier of gas between the panes, making the windows more energy efficient. The seal could wear down over time, window.repairs however, and let water leak into the house.

Another indication of leaks is the presence of water-based stains on the ceiling and walls. They occur when the drywall is saturated by moisture, which weakens its fibers and leads to discoloration. Peeling paint is another indication of water affecting 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 the larger expanses of tempered glass became available after WWII, they fell out of fashion. Today, they're mainly used as a decorative element in some older homes.

Wind or rain can damage a single support or a small group of them, creating an opening in the window. The good part is that you can repair the majority of these rotting or brittle parts.

Clean the affected areas with a cloth and an ammonia-based cleaner that won't leave any residue. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. After you've cut the intersections, you can tape off the lower portion of the window frame with painter's tape. Now, you can apply a heavy coat of white paint, Window.Repairs paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Allow the paint to completely dry before taking off the masking tape, and applying the second coat.

If the issue is more serious, such as an hourglass-shaped fracture in the middle of the window, it's best to replace the sash. In these cases, it's important to find a replacement window that matches the style and size of the present one.

If you want to save money you can install an attached grid window. These windows consist of a full glass pane, with a set of muntins that are glued on the surface. This creates a split appearance. These windows aren't as energy efficient as traditional windows.

Installing a drip cap will prevent water from leaking into the window frame. There are a variety 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 functionality as a real mullion or muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash should be a sign that you must seek help. If left unchecked, a broken sash can cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious issues with the frame and sill. If you have a broken window sash, replace it as soon as possible to ensure that your window is sealed and working.

Often, the problem is caused by worn out or improperly hung the sash cords. Luckily, replacing these is quite simple and can be accomplished in all double-hung windows. To begin, you'll need remove the tabs made of metal that secure the sash. Push up on the side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To reach the cords for the sash, you'll have to carefully remove the parting strips that separate the sash.

Once you've removed the sash, it's important to be sure to look at its metal tabs and compare them to the tabs on your new sash. If they are different it can be difficult to put the new sash into its proper place and could impact how the sash operates. This can be corrected by placing the tabs in their correct places on the new window.

You'll need to check the frame of your window, too to look for any signs of damage or rot. This is a good thing to check regularly, since wood will shrink and wear down as time passes. You should repair timber windows any visible damage as quickly as you can to avoid a larger problem.

If your window frames have begun to deteriorate they can be treated with a homemade preserver made with half mineral spirits and boiling Linseed. After the treatment has dried for a total of two days, you can then re-finish your frames using high-quality latex paint. A fresh coat of paint will also protect your window from the elements.