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 fragments.

Covering the crack with a plastic sheet over the crack is a quick fix for a cracked window. This will keep rain, snow, and insects from entering your home.

Glass that has cracked

Glass that is cracked not only make your home less attractive but also let drafts and other elements to enter the home. It doesn't matter whether the cracks are caused by an impact like a baseball or soccer or a stress like the sudden temperature drop, but it is important to have them repaired as quickly as you can in order to prevent further damage and to keep your windows working effectively.

If your window is cracked but not broken, a simple fix is to apply clear tape to cover it. This is a cheap and simple solution to protect your window from dust, water bugs, and other debris. It also keeps out the elements.

If the crack is becoming bigger or is deep, it is advised to speak with an expert. A professional glazier will determine the cause of a crack and recommend the most effective repair method.

Impact cracks are the most common window cracks. They typically occur when a hard object strikes your window with enough force that it cracks. These cracks usually display an explosion of lines and broken pieces. They can be dangerous when they break loose. If you have double glazed window repairs near me-pane windows, this crack could compromise the gas layer between the panes, which can affect the efficiency of your windows.

Another kind of crack is a stress crack, which develops gradually as time passes, because of extreme temperature changes or other environmental factors. These cracks begin around the edges of your window and eventually enlarge into full-blown breaks.

A pressure crack is a much more serious crack but it is still able to be repaired. This is most often a curvy line that extends across one or more sides of your window. It could be a result of low or high air pressure, which could cause contraction or expansion of the glass.

There are other products that can be used to repair cracks in glass If you're willing to go further than nail varnish and tape. Glass Repair Film, while more expensive it will provide your windows with more protection and durability. If you prefer to go the DIY route epoxy is a durable adhesive that can fill in cracks to help prevent further damage and make your window repair look like it never had cracks in the first place!

Leaking Windows

If you notice an area of dampness under your window, or you notice that the wood around it is weak or rotting, it may be time for a windows repair. Mold and mildew thrive in humid conditions and can cause numerous issues in your home. They can affect indoor air quality, lead to sagging of drywall and worsen symptoms of allergies. If not checked, they could cause structural damage to your house.

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

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

You'll also have to inspect the weep holes on the frame to make sure they're not clogged with debris. They're designed to drain off excess rainwater, but they can be clogged by insect corpses and other debris over time.

If windows have double panes, you'll also need to inspect the seal between the glass and the metal frame. This creates a barrier of gas between the panes, which makes the windows more energy efficient. As time passes the seal may wear out and allow water to enter your home.

Another sign of leaks is the presence of water stains on ceiling and walls. The drywall becomes discolored when it is saturated by water. Peeling paint is another indicator of water affecting the adhesive properties of the paint and removing it 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 the classic multi-pane windows. Since larger expanses of glass that were tempered became available after WWII they went out of fashion. Nowadays, they're utilized as a decorative element in some older homes.

Sometimes it is the case that a small or even a single group of these wooden supports may be damaged by wind or rain, leaving cracks in the window. The good thing is that you are able to repair the majority of these rotting or brittle elements.

First take a rag and clean the affected areas. Make use of a cleaner based on ammonia that does not leave traces. Take off any rotting or loose pieces and trim the intersections of the horizontal and vertical window muntins using an exact knife. Once you've trimmed the intersections, tape off the lower portion of the window frame using painter's tape. Now, you're able to apply a thick layer of white paint, paying special attention to the areas that were lightly coated on the first coat. Let the paint dry completely before removing the tape and applying another coat.

If you have an even more serious issue, such as cracks that form an hourglass shape in center of the window, it's likely to be better to replace the sash. In these cases it is essential to locate an alternative window that is in line with the design and size of the existing one.

If you want to save money you can also put in an attached grid window repair. These windows feature a complete pane of glass that is topped with a series of muntins attached to the surface creating a divided appearance. They're not as efficient as traditional windows, however.

Installing a drip cap will stop water from entering the window frame. Most home centers sell these aluminum drip cap options for around $20. They are much simpler to install than replacement windows sashes, and offer the same functions as a genuine mullion or a muntin.

Broken Sashes & Frames

A damaged window sash must be a sign that you should seek help. If it's not checked, a damaged sash could cause wood rot, water leaks and more serious problems with the frame and sill. If you've damaged your sash, replace it right away to ensure that the window is sealed.

Often, the issue is caused by worn out or poorly installed cords for sash. Fortunately, replacing them is relatively simple and is possible in all double-hung windows. To start, you'll need to take off the tabs of metal that secure the sash. Then, push up on the other side of the sash (it doesn't really matter which side) and then pull toward the opposite side to remove it. To access the cords for the sash, you'll have to remove with care the parting strips that separate the sash.

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 can be difficult to put the new one into its slot and affect how the sash operates. This can be easily fixed by placing the tabs at the correct positions on your new window.

In addition to the sashes, you'll be required to inspect your window frame for any problems or decay. It's recommended to perform this inspection regularly since wood shrinks and wears down as time passes, particularly with exposure to the elements. If you spot any obvious damage, it should be fixed as quickly as you can, to avoid an even bigger issue from arising.

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